STARLIGHT Afghan Demining Services Company’s services include, but not limited to the followings.
Services and Procedures
Non-Technical survey
Non-technical survey is only to be undertaken by technically qualified Geophysicist Engineer who is collect essential information about a SHA in order to allow a decision to be made as to what further actions are to be taken with regard to the SHA. Non-technical survey activities can vary from analysis of existing information, to visits and meetings with local landowners and/or authorities. Normally there is no need to enter the SHA while conducting a non-technical survey.
Technical Survey
Technical survey is detailed and topographical investigation of presence of hazards and requires physical approach through demining methodologies (manual, mechanical) into a hazardous area; however, it may be conducted separately, but can be integrated with clearance operations for efficient and effective conduct of demining operations. This is crucial if the terms of contract require technical survey to be conducted; otherwise all the private sector demining approach is limited to the clearance of areas anticipated for development projects to be established. STARLIGHT Afghan Demining Services Company has the ability to provide service to the client and customers as per their requirements.
Manual Mine Clearanc
Manual clearance techniques involve using of variety of demining tools, equipments and procedures depending on specifications of worksites and types of hazard nature of the ground. Manual clearance operation in the minefield are usually undertaken using mine detectors and further signal investigation, but in areas of highly contamination, manual demining teams conduct full excavation based on the extent of hazard and then sweep the ground to ensure no hazard item is left behind in the area.
Mechanical Demining Operation
STARLIGHT Demining Organization invested on machineries in Afghanistan in order to facilitate quick and timely demining operations in the field. Proper demining tools and equipment are crucial for safe, effective and efficient demining. SADC will use Front End Loader (FEL) equipped with ripper attachment in Anti-Tank contaminated areas and will use (GCB) to facilitate clearance operations. Manual deminers are conducting both manual clearance and following up operations behind machines. Remove all obstacles, collapsed building scrapes and bushes in order to prepaQAre the land trouble-free for deminers
Canine Services
Dogs are most effective in the rapid reduction of an area to ascertain the exact extent of contamination, as well as identifying the perimeter of the dangerous area. They do this by smelling out the explosives and sittings and waiting for the handlers to mark the spot.
Developing Demining Standard Operating Procedures
STARLIGHT Afghan Demining Services Company’s staffs are selected from more experienced demining experts, we are able to provide services to other demining companies in terms of developing Standard Operating Procedures and training packages as per current Afghan Mine Action Standards and International Mine Action Standards as required.
Quality and Safety
Quality of our demining services is the main consideration in STARLIGHT Afghan demining organization. We are committed to continually improve our performance and make sure that a completely safe land is handed back to the client as per the requirement of contract and Afghan Mine Action Standards and our internal SOPs. Safety of our staff is the primary objective of STARLIGHT throughout the life of our projects in demining operations. We provide Personal Protective Equipments (PPE) to our staff and implement proper supervision to make sure that nobody compromises the safety and Quality at any situations. The capacity development of our staff both senior at management level and field staff are also considered in STARLIGHT Afghan Demining Services Company policy and procedures.
Equipments
Starlight Afghan Demining Services Company is fully equipped with the mine clearance machineries and equipments to provide high quality landmines/ UXOs clearance services in accordance with the IMAS, AMAS and Starlight Afghan Demining Services Company’s Standard Operating Procedures.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and other ERW Clearance
STARLIGHT Afghan Demining Services Company undertakes a considerable amount of EOD that ranges from battlefield clearance to clearing areas previously used by military forces as well as disposal of munitions stores. When a device of ordnance is discovered, the procedures for actions should be conducted in accordance with International and National Mine Action Standards the (IMAS and AMAS). The Supervisor/team leader is to be called forward to categorize the item and decide on removal for destruction or for destruction in-situ. Such items are categorized in the following manner:
A. Category 1 – Fired munitions
B. Category 2 – Unfired primed or fused munitions with safety devices removed
C. Category 3 – Unfired primed of fused munitions with safety devices in place
D. Category 4 – Un-fused/unprimed munitions Action for Destructions: A. Category 1- In-situ destruction.
B. Category 2- May be pulled and moved a short distance for centralized demolition
C. Category 3- May be pulled and moved by vehicle to a bulk demolition site
Abounded Improvised Mines (AIM)
IM clearance operations in Afghanistan are relatively new, and it is well known among mine action stakeholders that most recent civilian casualties have been caused by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) placed during the conflict between the parties. When conflict escalates, local communities are displaced from their homes, either becoming Internally Displaced People (IDPs) or relocating to distant districts or provinces where they perceive safety.
Once the situation stabilizes and the conflict-engaged parties leave an area, the IEDs they emplace remain behind. These devices then become AIMs (Abandoned Improvised Mines) and fall under the scope of humanitarian clearance operations. To ensure safe and effective AIM clearance, all mine action organizations must have a dedicated SOP tailored to AIM operations.
IEDs in Afghanistan are extremely dangerous due to their methods of construction and employment. Many IEDs found in Afghanistan have been used by Anti-Government Elements and are frequently designed to be victim-operated, giving them the same functional characteristics as landmines. Therefore, they are classified as Abandoned Improvised Mines (AIMs).
