Ammunition

Ammunition clearance in Sweden – seen over more than a decade

Since 2013, Damasec Mine Action Systems has been a leading player in ammunition clearance in Sweden, having completed more than 40 projects, both large and small. With a strong presence and a long series of successful projects, we have contributed to creating safe environments, promoting the development of new business areas, and removing unexploded ordnance (UXO) and other explosives from land and forest areas. Our work in Sweden is characterized by high quality, efficiency, and a deep understanding of international regulations in the field (IMAS). We have worked for both the Fortifikationsverket and a wide range of Swedish municipalities. Here is a selection of the larger projects Damasec Mine Action Systems has completed.

Falun training and shooting range (2013-14)

During the period 2013-14, we carried out extensive clearance of the Falun training and shooting range, which was previously a shooting and training area. The area was sold to the municipality for city expansion and the construction of a new business area. A major challenge was that half of the area had been used as a dumping ground for slag from the Falu Mine, making normal search and clearance difficult. We therefore decided to clear the affected areas mechanically using armored excavators and sorting plants. The result was the clearance of 27 hectares, where we found 295 UXO and 2000-3000 significant ammunition parts.

Näsby training and shooting range, Kristianstad (2014, 2015, 2016, 2019)

During the period 2014-2019, we carried out several clearance projects at the Näsby training and shooting range in connection with the construction of a new raw water pipeline and city expansion. The southern part of the area was declared a Natura2000 area, which imposed restrictions on excavation. We cleared about 6-8 hectares and found 10-15 UXO and over 70 significant ammunition parts.

Frösö shooting range, Bynäset Östersund (2016 & 2017)

In 2016 and 2017, we carried out a risk-reducing surface search of the Frösö shooting range, which was previously a shooting area for both aircraft and artillery. The island is a popular hiking area, and there was a desire to create a safe walking path around the entire island. We cleared about 28 hectares and found 588 UXO and 500-600 significant ammunition parts.

Slätten/Klockarängens shooting range, Örebro (2020)

In 2020, we cleared part of the former shooting range Slätten/Klockarängens shooting range due to the Fortifikationsverket’s desire to build a new depot area. The area was divided and fenced into smaller areas, which resulted in significant contamination of deeply buried barbed wire, which gives the same metallic signal on our equipment as a UXO. There were also archaeologically protected areas that limited the possibility of excavating for UXO. We cleared 260,334 m² and found 186 UXO and 4000-6000 significant ammunition parts.

Bulid training and shooting range, Uddervalla (2020)

In 2020, we carried out a risk-reducing surface clearance and technical investigation of the Bulid training and shooting range in connection with the decommissioning of part of the shooting area. The area was forested and only accessible via limited hiking trails. We cleared 311,287 m² and found 40 UXO and 2000-3000 significant ammunition parts.

Rosersberg training and shooting range, Rosersberg (2020)

In 2020, we carried out extensive search and clearance of the Rosersberg training and shooting range in connection with the construction of a pipeline through the decommissioned shooting area. We cleared 65,494 m² in three layers of 80 cm and found 18 UXO and 200-300 significant ammunition parts.

Kungsbäcks training and shooting range, Gävle (2023)

In 2023, we carried out a risk-reducing surface search of the Kungsbäcks training and shooting range, which was previously a training and shooting area. The municipality wanted to start subdividing and building a new business area, but there were concerns about the risks associated with wildfires and the danger of explosions from surface-near UXO. We carried out a surface-near clearance in a buffer area to ensure that fire personnel could fight a wildfire without the risk of explosions. The result was a risk reduction of 345,104 m², where we found 581 UXO and 8000-11000 significant ammunition parts.

Explosive storage in Älvdalen Municipality (2023)

In April 2023, Damasec Mine Action Systems carried out a specialized task in Älvdalen Municipality, Sweden. The task involved opening two old explosive storage units, also known as explosive chests, which required a high degree of expertise and especially safety. Our team worked closely with local authorities to ensure that all safety protocols were followed and that both chests were opened and the contents destroyed.

Damasec Mine Action Systems is dedicated to delivering high-quality and safe clearance projects in Sweden. Our experience and expertise make us a reliable partner for both public and private organizations seeking effective solutions in ammunition clearance. If you need to clear a current or former military area or older explosive storage, please contact us. We provide input so that you can make informed decisions and price the solution based on the scope of the task.

Damasec Discovers Nearly 200 Hand Grenades in Jönköping

Updated November 15 at 3:32 PM

Damasec found a total of 188 hand grenades. The project was completed on November 15, with a total of 17 detonations carried out to destroy all the grenades.

If you’re up for a three-hour broadcast, you can listen to P4 Jönköping Midday from November 15, 2024. It covered the detonations, along with features about the project, its history, and great music: https://sverigesradio.se/formiddagip4jonkoping

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Damasec Global Group is currently working on clearing a popular natural area near the A6 road in Jönköping, Sweden. Earlier this year, live hand grenades were found on the surface of a small area, prompting Jönköping Municipality to contract the company for the investigation and clearance task.

Damasec began the job on the afternoon of November 11, and now, two days later, the number of grenades found has reached nearly 200, and the task is far from complete. Progress is slow, as the level of metal contamination from nails, screws, and other waste is high, making it challenging to work with the search equipment.

Project Manager Morten Frøding states: “I’ve been in this industry for 25 years, and I have never encountered so many live grenades in such a small area of 45 square meters. It’s quite incredible.”

Jönköping Municipality believes the grenades originated from a former regiment that was stationed in Jönköping until 1980. However, how the grenades ended up in the forest instead of being disposed of properly remains a mystery. The grenades are believed to date back to the 1940s or 1950s, making them over 70 years old.

We will update this article once the project is completed, but in the meantime, you can read and hear more in the Swedish news here:

https://sverigesradio.se/artikel/chocken-over-130-granater-hittade-i-populara-strovomradet

https://www.svt.se/nyheter/lokalt/jonkoping/14-nya-handgranater-vid-a6-i-jonkoping

Damasec Addresses Old Explosives Storage Challenge in Älvdalen

In April 2023, Damasec Mine Action Systems carried out a specialized demolition task in Älvdalen Municipality, Sweden. This project involved the opening of two so-called “explosive chests”—old storage chests for explosives once used in rock blasting for road construction and other infrastructure projects. Since these chests might contain dangerous explosives, professional assistance was essential to manage the potential risks. The municipality had been in close dialogue with Damasec about the project since January 2022, discussing solutions and obtaining necessary permits for handling the chests.

Lost Knowledge and Forgotten Explosives – A Growing Problem
As highlighted by Sveriges Radio, several municipalities today are facing the challenge of “forgotten explosive stockpiles.” Many of the individuals who originally worked with these explosives have either retired or passed away, leading to a loss of essential knowledge about these old explosive chests and, in some cases, even their locations. This includes expertise on safely opening the chests and handling explosives that may be up to 60 years old and potentially unstable.

Safe Opening of Explosive Chests
To tackle the task safely and avoid accidental explosions, Damasec employed a controlled method that involved a small amount of explosive to open the chests. The operation required two carefully planned detonations, one for each chest, to open them securely. Once opened, the chests were inspected, and the explosive contents were carefully removed. A final detonation was then carried out to safely destroy the contents. This approach ensured the entire operation was completed with minimal risk and posed no danger to the surroundings. Inside the two chests, Damasec found explosives and old detonators—materials left behind and forgotten for decades.

Securing and Destroying Old Explosives
Over the years, Damasec Mine Action Systems has developed substantial expertise in securing and destroying old explosives in Denmark, Sweden, and internationally. This project in Älvdalen Municipality exemplifies how Damasec’s expertise can address complex challenges associated with abandoned and potentially hazardous explosives.

The challenges faced by Swedish municipalities with explosive chests underscore the need for specialized companies capable of addressing issues that arise when forgotten explosives are discovered.