Landmines and other explosive remnants of war continue to pose a long-term risk to communities in many parts of the world. More than 100 million landmines are estimated to remain in the ground across over 70 countries, restricting movement, delaying reconstruction and endangering civilian lives long after hostilities have ended.

On the United Nations International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, Global Clearance Solutions (GCS) highlights the ongoing need for professional mine action efforts across humanitarian and post-conflict environments. GCS teams and systems support explosive threat mitigation activities in countries including Libya, Chad, Iraq and Colombia, contributing to the reduction of explosive risks and the restoration of safe land use.

The UN designated 4 April as International Mine Awareness Day to draw attention to the persistent threat posed by landmines and unexploded ordnance. As GCS Chief Executive Officer Philipp von Michaelis notes:

"Communities in conflict-affected countries are impacted by remnants of war every day of the year. This day exists to ensure that the scale and persistence of the problem remains visible beyond those directly affected."

Technology as part of effective mine action

Mine action relies on a combination of trained personnel, proven procedures and appropriate technology. GCS brings more than three decades of operational experience in explosive ordnance disposal and clearance activities, supporting humanitarian organisations, armed forces and government authorities through advisory services, training and field support.

Mechanical demining systems play a key role alongside manual clearance and survey methods. By increasing productivity and reducing direct exposure of personnel to explosive hazards, mechanical assets can support safer and more efficient clearance operations when applied in the appropriate context.

Testing mechanical clearance under controlled conditions

In line with the 2019 Mine Awareness Day theme, Safe Ground, GCS conducted controlled testing of its GCS-200 remote-operated tracked platform at the Croatian Mine Action Centre - Centre for Testing, Development and Training (CROMAC-CTDT). The trials were designed to assess system survivability and operational performance under representative conditions.

During the test programme, the GCS-200 was exposed to multiple live mine scenarios, including anti-tank and anti-personnel mines initiated by pressure, tripwire and tilt-rod mechanisms. Additional trials were conducted across different terrain types and vegetation densities. The system neutralised the mines encountered using the T-200 tiller attachment, with limited damage to the tool. The results supported the accreditation process carried out by CROMAC-CTDT.

The system was operated during the tests by a GCS technician with extensive field experience, including recent deployments supporting humanitarian mine action activities in Chad. In that context, GCS has also delivered operator training to local staff of Humanity & Inclusion, supporting the organisation's ongoing clearance operations in northern Chad.

A long-term commitment

Mine action enables access to land, supports the return of displaced populations and contributes to economic recovery and social stability. At the same time, the scale of contamination from legacy minefields and more recent conflicts means that clearance efforts will remain necessary for decades.

As von Michaelis concludes:

"Legacy minefields and improvised explosive devices continue to present serious challenges for affected communities and for the organisations tasked with addressing them. Effective mine action depends on trained professionals applying suitable, tested technologies to reduce risk and enable safe, cost-efficient operations."

Through the combination of operational expertise, mechanical systems, training and technical support, GCS contributes to international mine action efforts aimed at creating safer ground for communities affected by explosive hazards.