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Clearing explosives
HALO clears landmines and other explosives to make land safe so communities can return home, rebuild livelihoods, and live without fear after conflict.
Landmines, cluster bombs and other explosives inflict appalling injuries that have a devastating impact on people's lives. At least 6,279 civilians were killed or injured by landmines and explosives in 2024, according to the Landmine Monitor 2025 report.
Clearing landmines is an essential first step to help communities recover after conflict. The fighting may be over, but while explosives are in the ground, people continue to live in fear. They can't return home, plant crops, fetch water, or let their children walk to school.
HALO's work
The HALO Trust makes land safe by clearing landmines and explosives so families affected by conflict can rebuild their lives safely.
Most of our clearance work is done by hand, but sometimes the terrain and nature of the debris makes clearing with machines more practical.
Demining: a painstaking process
32
Active clearance programs
304,592
Hectares of land cleared
Making land safe through surveys
Before we start clearance work, it's important to survey any areas that we suspect contain landmines or explosives. We gather evidence to identify hazards and mark potentially dangerous areas. Our goal is to clear land efficiently and safely, so communities can use it again without fear. Trained survey teams of men and women play an important role in making this happen.
Non-technical surveys
The first step is a non-technical survey. We gather information without setting foot in any potentially mined areas. Survey teams look at old conflict maps and records, talk to local people, and visit sites in person. They map out areas that might be hazardous. They collect details on land ownership and injuries or deaths of people and animals. This often continues throughout the clearance phase as new information emerges.
Technical surveys
If we suspect explosives are present, the next step is a technical survey. Our highly-trained teams wear protective gear and use mine detectors to explore potentially hazardous areas. They can identify the type of explosives, location, and the size of the problem. This helps us to focus our clearance work on the areas where it is most needed. Technical surveys can be done before, during or after clearance work.
HALO's impact
Since The HALO Trust began in 1988, we've removed over 14 million mines and explosives from more than 30 regions. We've cleared nearly 1,000 sq miles for people to use safely.
In Angola, we've cleared land covering the area of 6,000 football pitches
In Ukraine, we've removed over 42,700 explosives since the full-scale invasion began in 2022
In Cambodia, we've made safe more than 500 sq km of land
We work in partnership with the local communities we serve. We employ local people, creating jobs and helping families get back on their feet. We provide landmine victims with the support they need to heal their wounds, regain their independence and live with dignity.
I have lived in Calacoque since 1983 – I remember the army camp that was based here during the war.
Now the landmines surrounding my field are being cleared, I will be able to grow enough food to sell at market so I can support my family.
Success stories
Sri Lanka
Thanks to HALO, over 280,000 displaced Sri Lankans have returned to a safer home. Read more about our work to clear remaining landmines in Northern Sri Lanka.
Syria +3
HALO is clearing explosives from cultural heritage sites like Palmyra, the West Bank and Afghanistan to preserve them and support tourism. Learn more.
Cambodia
HALO teams have been clearing landmines to create farmland in Cambodia. Discover how getting access to safe land has allowed Phanthy and Dine to thrive.
HALO's mine clearance programs
Facts about landmines
Designed to explode instantly when stepped or driven on
Banned by 160 countries under the 1997 Landmine Ottawa Ban Convention. See current members
60 million people in nearly 70 countries are directly affected by landmines
Most severely affected countries: Afghanistan, Angola, Cambodia, Iraq, Libya, Sri Lanka, Syria, Ukraine, Yemen and Zimbabwe
Millions of factory-produced landmines laid in the late 20th century remain active
Use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) is increasing
IEDs are classified as landmines if victim-initiated
Most countries need external help to remove landmines
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