Toolbox Approach

The three methods used for humanitarian mine clearance: manual clearance, Mine Detection Dogs, and mechanical clearance, all have their advantages as well as their disadvantages. While using machines can facilitate the process and the safety of the personnel, they cannot operate on all mined areas. Manual mine clearance can be performed in all types of soil and presents a high level of accuracy; however, the process is slow, expensive and of high risk. Finally, while dogs can detect mines better than metal detectors, they must be properly trained and they have problems executing the search in windy conditions.

Instead of relying on only one technique, the "Toolbox Approach" combines all three clearance methods by applying the one that suits best to the actual conditions. Other activities related to mine clearance, like mire risk education (MRE) or training of local staff are also part of the Toolbox Approach and support the clearing process. Only organisations with a broad knowledge and experience in all necessary demining techniques, like DEMIRA, are capable to apply the Toolbox Approach in humanitarian mine clearance.