Frequently Asked Questions 

UXO is short for 'Unexploded Ordnance,' which includes bombs, projectiles, small arms ammunition, and other explosive devices that failed to detonate as intended. UXO can be extremely dangerous, regardless of its size or shape.

UXB stands for 'Unexploded Bomb,' which typically refers to bombs dropped from aircraft that failed to detonate. UXO, on the other hand, is a broader term that encompasses any unexploded explosive device, including landmines and small arms ammunition.

Battle Area Clearance (BAC) is a process of systematically clearing hazardous areas that have been contaminated with UXO as a result of conflict. BAC requires safe and efficient clearance procedures and management systems to ensure that cleared land is safe for use.

ERW stands for 'Explosive Remnants of War' and encompasses both Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) and Abandoned Explosive Ordnance (AXO) but does not include landmines. UXO refers to explosive devices that have been used but failed to detonate as intended, while AXO refers to explosive devices that have not been used but were left behind or dumped.

Landmine Clearance, also known as Mine Clearance or 'Demining,' is the process of removing anti-personnel and anti-tank mines from an area. There are various methods used to clear landmines, including mechanical and manual clearance, depending on the risk, terrain, and other factors.

UXO is dangerous because it can still detonate if handled incorrectly, even if it has been sitting in the ground for years. It can cause injury, death, and damage to property, and can pose a significant risk to local communities and their livelihoods.

There are various methods used to detect UXO, including magnetometers, ground-penetrating radar, and visual inspections. These methods help to locate UXO and determine the best approach to safely clear it from the area.

Disposing of UXO requires specialised expertise and equipment. It is typically done by explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) specialists who have been trained to safely handle and dispose of UXO using controlled detonation techniques.

Humanitarian Demining is the process of clearing landmines and other explosive devices from areas to support local communities and promote economic development. This is often done in post-conflict areas to help people return to their homes and begin rebuilding their lives.