Effective mechanical demining begins with wellstructured manual and operational mine action. Before machines can be deployed safely, personnel must be trained to assess threats, apply safety procedures and manage risk in contaminated environments.

In April 2024, Global Clearance Solutions (GCS) delivered Operational Mine Action training for personnel from the Ukraine Ministry of Defence, focusing on the preparatory activities required ahead of mechanical clearance operations.

Preparing the ground for mechanical demining

The training covered essential elements of operational mine action, including:

• safety protocols and risk management

• identification and categorisation of explosive ordnance

• threat assessment and task planning

• drills and procedures to be carried out prior to mechanical intervention

These activities are critical to ensuring that mechanical assets can be deployed effectively and without unnecessary risk to personnel or equipment.

Supporting safe field operations

The course was attended by 14 experienced participants, who will apply the training directly in field operations supporting civilian protection and land release. By strengthening operational discipline at this stage, the training contributes to safer and more efficient clearance workflows once mechanical systems are introduced.

Integrated approach to mine action

This training reflects GCS's integrated approach to explosive threat mitigation, where manual clearance, operational planning and mechanical demining are treated as complementary elements of a single process.

By supporting the Ministry of Defence with targeted operational training, GCS helps ensure that clearance activities are conducted in line with established procedures and that mechanical assets are deployed under the right conditions to maximise safety and effectiveness.