Survey & Evaluation
Before conducting a mine action project, the first step is to gather all available data on the country and the community. Such information usually can be found in the General Mine Action Assessment (GMAA) and the Landmine Impact Survey (LIS) for each country.
If more data is needed a so called non-technical survey has to be conducted, where available information on potential minefields and on previous mine accidents from local authorities and local residents are gathered. Once the non-technical survey is completed a technical survey will be conducted on potential hazardous areas to verify, if they are affected by mines or unexploded ordnance (UXO). These survey procedures are essential in order to ensure that the operation focusses on high priority areas, and that no time and resources are wasted on land that is not contaminated.
The surveys are the least expensive part of landmine operations in comparison to mine clearance, which requires the most funding. Thus, the completion of proper surveys results in a more efficient use of funding, and ultimately, a more cost-efficient mine clearance operation.
Another important part of mine action is post project evaluation to make sure, all cleared areas are safe for use. Because demining activities are very expensive and very often conducted in countries were corruption is very likely, a post project evaluation can also determine, if the money spent was used in the best way to help the population affected by mines and UXO or if it was diverged.