In October 2024, Global Clearance Solutions Ukraine carried out pro bono clearance activities in Irpen, supporting local recovery efforts by removing landmines and other explosive remnants of war from community land.

Manual and mechanical clearance in combination

GCS teams conducted clearance using a structured approach that combined manual demining with mechanical ground preparation. The work was carried out by trained local deminers supported by GCS specialists, ensuring that clearance activities met required safety and quality standards.

Mechanical preparation was supported through the deployment of the GCS-200 remotecontrolled demining platform, which is used to process contaminated ground ahead of manual clearance. As one member of the demining team explains during operations:

"The GCS-200 is designed to prepare the soil for further manual clearance. The machine removes the surface layer and allows us to inspect the area more effectively. We can process around 6,000 square metres per day, which would not be possible manually."

This approach increases productivity while maintaining operator safety through remote operation.

Building local capability alongside clearance

Alongside clearance activities, GCS has supported capacity building within the Irpen community. Over the past two years, more than 60 municipal employees and utility workers have completed internationally accredited training delivered by GCS. This training enables local personnel to recognise explosive hazards, support safe operations and contribute to long-term risk reduction in their community.

Clearance as a foundation for recovery

The Irpen project reflects GCS's approach to humanitarian mine action in Ukraine, where clearance is combined with training and local engagement rather than delivered as a standalone intervention. Pro bono activities such as this enable communities to take early steps toward recovery while longer-term clearance programmes continue.