UXO surveys cover the detection, the localisation and characterisation of objects, mainly metallic ones, buried in the ground or present on the seabed and that may correspond to unexploded ordnance (UXO) or explosive remnants of war (ERW).
Different geophysical techniques are used (magnetometry, electromagnetism, radar, underwater acoustics, etc.) to establish geophysical imagery of the entire right-of-way, in 2D or 3D, on a map or in section. The operations carried out by Geomines’ teams enable the detection, characterisation and analysis of data in order to discriminate and select anomalies that are similar to that caused by explosive remnants of war (ERW).
The methodology followed by Geomines to carry out surveys includes a preparatory work phase: site layout, visual safety inspection, clearing or deconstruction of structures.
Tiphaine Zitter, head of our geophysics department, has a doctorate in geosciences.
She analyzes and processes the data collected by our operators, with a double hat, underwater and land.
On land, she relies on magnetic measurements and the use of geo-radar to carry out complete and precise diagnoses for our clients.
Underwater, it allows the application of marine geophysics to UXO analysis thanks to magnetometric, bathymetric, side scan sonar and sediment sounder tools.
Its scientific contribution allows us to reinforce our expertise outside the core business of the diver-deminer, thanks to an increased scientific precision, the interpretation of the geophysical signature, the discrimination of anomalies and the realization of reliable diagnoses.
Geomines, in partnership with the company Arteka, uses in certain situations the multispectral detection by drone to carry out diagnoses of UXO pollution.
After 3 years of R&D, Arteka’s drones are equipped with cameras and magnetometric sensors that allow to associate the images acquired in high definition with dedicated analysis software.
The drone thus offers multiple benefits for diagnostic operations:
This technological partnership allows us to combine an innovative data acquisition methodology with the rigorous data analysis of our geophysics department.
Our equipment
Geomines possesses the necessary equipment to carry out UXO land survey, adapted to all types of terrains encountered and the nature of the objects sought thanks to magnetometric and electromagnetic detection (Magnex 120, caesium vapour, EM61, UPEX 740M, Georadar scanning etc.)
Geomines team qualifications
Our site supervisors and operators have all the necessary skills, training and qualifications to carry out UXO survey and clearance: SST qualifications, N1 and N2 for chemical risk, SS4 for asbestos, continuous training etc.
Geomines relies on its own in-house team of geophysicists, specifically dedicated to the collection and analysis of geophysical data, supervised by a PhD in geoscience.
Our equipment
Correctly identifying and classifying potential UXOs is essential for underwater sites.
Geomines uses a marine magnetometer, coupled with a side-scan sonar and a sediment sounder, which can both detect magnetic anomalies and discriminate potential UXOs from other obstacles.
Geomines team certifications
Underwater activity form a decisive and integral part of Geomines’ identity. Our teams of divers, former French Navy mine-clearance divers, hold all the certifications for conducting deep-sea pyrotechnic operations.