International & Overseas Landmine & Battle Area Clearance (BAC)

Battle area clearance (BAC) is the controlled and systematic clearance of hazardous areas contaminated by UXO as a result of conflict, where the risk is known not to include mines. It requires clearance procedures and management systems which are effective, appropriate, safe and efficient, as the beneficiaries of cleared land must have a very high confidence that the land is safe for their use.

The acronym ERW stands for Explosive Remnants of War and it encompasses both Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) and Abandoned Explosive Ordnance (AXO) – but it does not include landmines. Unexploded Ordnance or UXO refers to munitions (bombs, rockets, artillery shells, mortars, grenades and the like) that have been used but failed to detonate as intended. Abandoned Ordnance refers to explosive ordnance that has not been used during an armed conflict, but which has been left behind or dumped by a party to an armed conflict, and which is no longer under the control of the party that left it behind or dumped it.

Landmine Clearance (also known as Mine Clearance or ‘Demining’) is a term used to describe the process of removing anti-personnel and anti-tank mines from an area. Various different methodologies may be employed depending on the nature of the risk, ground conditions, terrain, timescales etc., and can include both mechanical and manual clearance.

No one knows for sure how many landmines exist in situ and in stockpiles across the globe. It is commonly estimated that the number could be over 110 million across 64 different countries – with possibly an equal amount in stockpiles waiting to be destroyed or laid.

When working or planning to work in areas of former conflict, it is imperative to understand and assess the potential risk posed by explosive ordnance which may contaminate the area. Various types of surveys are utilised to assess the risk posed by landmines or explosive ordnance within a specific area. Their findings inform what risk mitigation strategies are most suitable to help formulate a risk plan.

Landmines and ERW create risks that can affect people, finances and project timelines. It is essential that the correct precautions are taken to avoid accidental detonation of landmines and other explosive devices, and to make sure your project and personnel are safe. Sometimes, the hazard can be complicated and multifaceted, highlighting the importance of undertaking good research and acquiring good data.