Frequently Asked Questions

 

If a bomb failed to explode when it was dropped, why is it dangerous now?

This is a question we are asked on a regular basis. There is not just one answer, but the most common reasons are below:

1. Some ordnance was specifically designed not to detonate on impact, but rather to wait until it gets disturbed.

2. Some had experimental fuses that proved unreliable. Moving the item now could detonate the bomb.

3. For varying reasons, many were released at incorrect altitude. This would not allow sufficient time for the fuse to fully complete its arming cycle. These items are still dangerous because deterioration over time often makes them unstable.

How do you find Landmines?

There are a number of technologies PCL employs to locate buried landmines. The first step PCL normally takes is to talk with local villagers and those that lived in the area where fighting took place.

Thereafter, the most common method of actually locating landmines is through the use of a mine detector. A mine detector is, at it's heart, a technically sophisticated version of a metal detector that you would use to find metal buried in your own backyard. Once a device has been located with a mine detector, the most time and field-proven method of removing the landmine is through manual prodding and excavation of the device by a Mine Clearance Team.

Coupled with this, other methods of finding and/or destroying mines include the use of Mine Detection Dogs and Mechanical Ground Engagement Systems including flails and rollers.

Don't some mines contain no metal? How do you find those?

There are mines that contain no metal but they are extremely rare. More commonly found are what is referred to as minimum metal mines. While minimum metal mines are more difficult to find they are detectable through the use of highly trained demining teams and good, well maintained equipment.

What effect do landmines and UXO pose to populations?

Landmines, UXO and more generally, explosive remnants of war, are indiscriminent weapons that continue to pose an immediate threat to affected populations by restricting access to markets, schools, agricultural land, water sources and continue to inflict injuries and deaths. They are also one of the prime causes preventing communities in the developing world from rising out of poverty. These weapons also pose a hindrance to the rebuilding of infrastructure such as roads, hospitals, houses.

I've heard about something called a Cluster Bomb - what is that?

Cluster bombs are a type of air-dropped ordnance delivery system which disperses a payload of smaller devices called submunitions while still in flight over an intended target.

Submunitions can be classified as either bomblets, grenades, or mines and are commonly referred to as "bombies" by indigenous populations. They are small explosive or chemical-filled items designed for saturation coverage of a large area.

Cluster bombs are extremely dangerous to children because the unexploded submunitions are the perfect size and weight to become attractive toys for them.