What is UXO?

Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) is any sort of ammunition that can not be categorised as improvised, nuclear or biological and has failed to function as intended. In addition to that, guns or parts of it, remnants of UXO, ammunition that worked but still contains explosive compounds or objects that can be seen as UXO by the public are also treated as and considered to be UXO.

Detection in a nutshell

Every survey project starts with a historical desktop study. This way, we try to assess the chances to find UXO and also the possible types we may encounter. Based on this preliminary investigation and in function of the project details, we make a risk analysis and propose risk mitigation actions to be taken. The next step is to detect and locate possible UXO using geophysical survey techniques. Given the expected types of UXO to be encountered, the expected burial depth and other environmental factors, we decide which geophysical survey technique(s) is/are to be used. The detection outcome is processed and results in an object list and map. Finally, a UXO-expert relocates the detected objects and selects which of them are UXO. These objects are temporarily put to safety while awaiting the arrival of the state explosive ordnance disposal unit (DOVO or SEDEE in Belgium).

Our interdisciplinary team is specialised in UXO used on Belgian soil, during the Franco-Prussian war of 1870-1871, both World Wars, pyrotechnics, naval UXO (sea mines, depth charges, torpedo’s), port areas and dumpsites.

In Belgium we conduct our activities according to the Practical guideline for the detection and disposal of UXO in soil and subaquatic bodies. Using our network of international partners, we can assist or conduct international UXO projects.

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