Mine/UXO Clearance

Importance of Landmine Clearance

Wars and other armed conflicts have resulted in the presence of uncleared land mines plus unexploded ordnance (UXO) in over 60 countries. It is estimated that anywhere from 60 million to 120 million mines lay hidden in former conflict zones and that around 150 people are killed or injured by land mines each day! Besides the horrific number of land mine related casualties, their presence also precludes or disrupts normal trade and commerce activities, as well as access to schools, medical services, and other normal life functions. RONCO understands the numerous adverse impacts landmines have on the local population and utilizes this keen awareness during operations to first target the most dangerous landmines and those creating the most hardship; as seen in this recent example:

During RONCO's ITF-funded operations along the Albania-Kosovo border, several local village leaders approached the RONCO Team to assist them with two landmine-related problems they were experiencing. In particular, the local people were unable to access their water supply due to threat of landmines. In order to reach their water supply, they had to traverse a system of trails across the mined border and, more importantly, they believed that the main trail to the water was also mined. The RONCO Teams readily took on the task of opening the access route to the water supply. As a result, the local population is now able to access their much-needed water supply.

The cost to national economies is unknown but it is clearly enormous. To restart economies and begin the development process, there is only one thing that can be done with mines; a systematic search to locate and then neutralize or destroy them. This process is generally slow, dangerous, and expensive. However, RONCO has demonstrated that it can be done more rapidly, safer, and in a cost effective manner by utilizing innovative technologies and by building the local capacity to conduct operations without foreign assistance. For further reference, please read the enormous impact of RONCO operations on the local people in Rwanda, Mozambique, Kosovo, and Namibia.

The RONCO Clearance Operation Along The Albania/Kosovo Border - The Yellow Stakes Indicate Where Landmines Were Detected. This Area Is Used By Locals To Access Their Water Supply.