De-mining
Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) makes land unusable to everyone, and comes in many different forms. All are potentially lethal, and pose a complex and widespread threat. Saladin can provide professional UXO search, disposal and training to the UN’s International Mine Action Standards (IMAS).
Qualified Staff
Saladin’s team includes former members of specialist military and police units, qualified and experienced in de-mining operations in demanding environments. They are used to dealing with a vast range of different munitions and the ever-changing designs of improvised explosive devices. They will adapt training and programmes to the different cultural approaches and expectations.
Non-Technical Survey (Impact Survey)
Saladin always base mine clearance work on thoroughly conducted surveys, initiating each project by interviewing locals and former combatants for a non-technical survey (usually not involving physical examination of the ground). All testimonies are then cross-checked against detailed mapping of the project area. With all this information at hand, the non-technical survey will conclude by declaring the area to be safe or classing it as a Suspected Hazardous Area (SHA) or Confirmed Hazardous Area (CHA).
Technical Survey
A technical survey of any SHA ensues, as a general rule using mechanised assets for the first and most dangerous entry. This will either clear the area from suspicion or render a CHA classification.
Clearance
Finally, all CHA are cleared from mines, again using mechanised assets whenever possible. Based on terrain, area covered and expected findings, the most efficient choice can be anything from ground-penetrating radar and remote-control underwater cameras to robotic or manned armoured vehicles with crushers, tillers, chains or flails. K9 (dog) units and deminers with metal detectors and the latest protection gear follow to ensure that no ERW remain for the mandatory quality assurance and control.
Explosive ordnance disposal (EOD)
All unexploded ordnance (UXO) collected during demining or BAC is destroyed or disarmed through a process called explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), and Saladin’s operating procedures guarantee that this is carried out in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.
Stockpile destruction
Larger amounts of surplus or abandoned UXO (AXO) are disposed of through stockpile destruction. This can involve industrial demilitarisation, in which munitions are dismantled and recycled, or open burning / open detonating (OBOD), in which munitions are destroyed in a field. As with EOD, Saladin’s strict safety and environmental standards ensure that the optimal method is used in each instance.
Quality management (QM)
All projects undertaken by Saladin are entirely transparent, with real-time monitoring made available through our GIS department. They are also continuously subjected to quality assurance to ascertain that standard operating procedures are adhered to, and at the conclusion of each project, our stringent quality control will certify that an area is safe before land is released to locals and developers. Exceeding the international mine action standards, our quality control is also offered as a standalone service to other mine action companies and organisations. The importance of rigorous quality control can obviously not be overstated; any doubts as to whether an area is safe will harm trust and provide an obstacle to progress.
Mine risk education (MRE)
With 80% of the 15,000-20,000 annual mine casualties being civilians and anywhere from 30 to 60% of these being children, mine risk education is of paramount importance to affected local populations. Saladin offers education that not only complies with IMAS but also draws on our long experience and technical knowledge in the field. Over time, we have found that different audiences require different angles to best understand and heed the advice given.
Election monitoring
International election observers work worldwide to facilitate the development of democratic structures and support fair and free elections. The work involves many challenges and the observers often rely on organisational and logistical support before, during and even after the election. Saladin can provide support to these observers using its in-country structures and many years of experience in the field to facilitate these so-called election observation missions. Countries often call upon independent election observers to guarantee compliance with the principles of democratic elections.
Remote Camps
For information about remote camps, please visit our service partner:
