UXO and ERW clearance of Kuwait oil fields

Clearance of Kuwait oil fields

SafeLane Global was tasked to support its client by clearing unexploded ordnance (UXO) and explosive remnants of war (ERW) in the Burgan oil Fields Kuwait.

Due to the conflict in Kuwait during the 1990s, and despite continued clearance efforts during the past 25 years, the presence of explosive remnants of war remains a threat to personnel.

The client contracted SafeLane Global to conduct a surface, and where required, sub-surface clearance of all areas intended for seismic acquisition.

Prior to starting the acquisition, a non-technical survey (NTS) was carried out to determine the threat.

Data was gathered from previous SafeLane Global records and cross referenced with information supplied by the Kuwait Ministry of Defence (KMOD).

This information was plotted onto ArcView GIS software and google earth to provide a visual representation as no Information Management System for Mine Action (IMSMA) database exists in Kuwait.

Once complete, a topographical study was carried out identifying densely populated areas, construction areas and potential problem areas.

This allowed SafeLane Global to produce a risk matrix based on the likelihood of finding ERWs, prepare suitable procedures and allocate resources.

Operations were then carried out in the Burgan Oilfields, in the North of Kuwait. 

The objective of the contract was to conduct ERW and BAC clearance of the seismic lines ahead of the geophysical survey to ensure the safety of the teams and their vehicles and equipment from ERW UXO.

Clearance was across 3 blocks within the Burgan oil field.

Two teams conducted the clearance by means of visual surface clearance within each team, and sub-surface clearance using large loop metal detectors.

The deminers were responsible for supervising spotters during the vast visual clearance phases.

A total of 898 items of live ordnance and 1,322 rounds of small arms ammunition were found in the 3 blocks.