Mine/UXO Clearance

Time Proven Technology

The magnetic detector and skilled deminer with a prod remains the common denominator in worldwide demining/UXO removal. This slow and dangerous effort is mitigated by the use of tested and proven protective clothing, extensive training on RONCO Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and integration of time proven, appropriate technology. For example, not all detectors are effective in all soil types and climates. RONCO continuously monitors detector effectiveness in varying environments as well as the technical upgrades of mine detectors in the market. We use three to five types based on their accuracy, comfort, ease of operation, ruggedness, upgrade capability and cost. As better detectors become available, they are quickly added to our "tool kit."

Personal protective equipment is selected based on extensive experience on the types of mine threats faced around the world. All meet the minimum V-50 rating and provide maximum protection levels according to the threats encountered.

Standard kits have been developed for all RONCO personnel. They include training kits for mine recognition, mine detection, medical training and demolition training. Demolition kits include blaster tools and disposal munitions. A full medical kit adapted to field trauma injuries is maintained.

RONCO’s integrated system also utilizes the tremendous ability of dogs to locate land mines by detecting the odor of the explosives in the mines. Dogs are trained to locate mines by isolating the specific scent of the explosives as well as the plastics and metals used in the mines. These scents permeate the mine casings and rise up through the ground into the air. Dogs, with the ability to smell at least 1,000 times greater than humans, can detect this specific smell and zero in on the exact location of the explosive. Mines are then lifted or destroyed in place by RONCO trained deminers. Utilizing the dogs together with the manual deminers has proven highly accurate, safe, and cost effective. With proper training and use of stringent safety procedures, neither dogs nor people are injured in the work. For expanded information about RONCO dogs see Frequently Asked Questions about humanitarian demining with dogs.

		RONCO is the only firm in the United States that has developed and is successfully using "free running" dogs for field mine detection. RONCO dogs have a reputation throughout the world for safety, accuracy, and overall effectiveness. For example, in a 1995 field test conducted by the U.S. Military of thirty discreet demining technologies, the RONCO dogs were described by the test authorities as follows: "At the top of the List in terms of finding mines and trip wires, are dogs. They detected every trip wire set and discovered more mines than any other system."

In tests conducted by the U.S. Department of Defense, RONCO accuracy using dogs was the highest of some 30 technologies tested. Coupled with the use of traditional demining techniques, or more than one dog covering the same area, the United Nation's accuracy requirement of 99.6% is met. RONCO Mine Detecting Dogs (MDDs), evolved after ten years of training and field experience. They have become an important component of the mine clearance "tool kit." RONCO’s success with MDDs has led to a worldwide expansion in the use of dogs and several new alternative sources of MDDs. RONCO dogs, however, remain the preferred MDDs due to their effectiveness with different mines, unparalleled safety, and their ability to locate trip wires. RONCO continues to succeed where others do not.

Please see a listing of several RONCO Demining Activities for a better understanding of why and how RONCO is able to successfully carry out demining operations throughout the world in very diverse environments.