Experts at The HALO Trust, the world's largest landmine clearance organisation, are pioneering innovative technology to detect and clear mines and other explosive remnants of war all over the world.
From AI-powered drones that identify mines from the air to robots that clear tripwires designed to trigger explosives, the technology reduces the risk to HALO's deminers and speeds up their life-saving work.
HALO's Ukraine programme has become a hub for innovation. The rapid pace of development mirrors that of Ukraine's defence technology.
"New landmine detection and clearance technology allows us to work smarter, faster and safer. We're using AI software, for example, which enables us to recognise landmines from drone imagery in a fraction of the time it would take a human operator", said Matt Abercrombie, HALO's Head of Research and Development.
Speaking as HALO launched a Technology Accelerator Fund to support the ongoing development, Abercrombie added: "Vast swathes of Ukraine are heavily contaminated by landmines. The faster we can remove them, the faster famers can replant their crop fields, displaced civilians return home, and children go back to school."
It's hoped that HALO deminers worldwide will soon benefit from a new generation of handheld detectors. Unlike current models which detect only metal, the new devices identify explosives.
One detector, developed in partnership with the Australian company MRead, uses magnetic resonance to detect the molecular identity of explosive compounds in the earth. The technology was tested by deminers in Angola in 2024 and further field trials are planned this year.
"The use of conventional detectors is time consuming because scrap metal in the earth gives false readings. They also don't pick up on low-metal mines or explosives in plastic casing", explains John Shanahan, CEO of MRead.
"This technology, originally developed for the minerals sector, has clear humanitarian benefit. We know it works in a live minefield, and we can't wait to get it into regular use, to clear land and save lives."
Notes to editors
- For interviews, footage or to arrange a visit to see the technology in the field or laboratory, please contact media@halotrust.org.
- The HALO Trust is the world's largest humanitarian landmine clearance organisation.
- HALO works in 30+ countries including Ukraine, Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria, Colombia, Angola and Sri Lanka.
- We deploy groundbreaking technology in conflict and post-conflict settings to help people rebuild their homes, restore their livelihoods and keep their children safe.
- HALO also runs programmes in weapons and ammunition management and safety training. During emergencies, we also provide humanitarian aid and logistical support.
- HALO was founded in 1988 in Afghanistan.
- We employ 9,000 staff worldwide and recruit 95% of them locally.
