Ukraine’s first practical handbook for mine action operators released by the Ministry of Defence

The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine has presented the first edition of the “Technical Almanac on Mine Action: Machinery, Sensors, Underwater Systems, and Personnel Protection”. This is the first practical handbook of its kind published in Ukraine.  The publication has a practical, sector-specific focus and is intended to serve as a support tool for mine action operators, experts, and government authorities. 

The Almanac was prepared as part of the activities of the Main Directorate for Mine Action, Civil Protection, and Environmental Safety. It is intended to serve as a foundation for developing regular sectoral reviews focused on the real needs of mine action operators. 

The publication consolidates practical experience in humanitarian demining under full-scale war conditions. It provides a structured overview of modern technologies, including specialized machinery, sensors, and underwater systems, personal protective equipment, as well as approaches to quality control and environmental safety. 

In contrast to purely analytical reports, the handbook is intended for practical application, ranging from selecting optimal technical solutions under specific field conditions to assessing the impact of demining on soils, water resources, and land restoration. 

The handbook places particular emphasis on: 

•  an integrated system for classifying demining assets;
• the role of training and testing infrastructure in implementing innovative solutions;
• balancing personnel safety, operational effectiveness, and environmental protection.