Brimstone deploys to Lithuania for 1,300-hectare UXO survey

Earlier this year, Brimstone successfully won a competitive tender for a major UXO survey in Lithuania, covering an impressive 1,300 hectares. Our team has now deployed on-site, using cutting-edge UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) technology to survey the land and identify any anomalies, ensuring the site is safe for future development.

The scope of the project: A critical UXO survey near Vilnius

Our team is currently based south of Vilnius, working on behalf of the Lithuanian Armed Forces to clear a large area of land near an active military base. This area is set to be developed into a new military training ground, and it requires a thorough UXO survey before any development or construction work can proceed.

Unexploded ordnance (UXO) surveys are essential site-based services that detect buried ferrous objects, providing critical safety information before any ground disturbance occurs. These surveys can take two forms: intrusive and non-intrusive. For this project, we are conducting a non-intrusive survey using our UAV, which provides significant advantages for a project of this scale and environment.

Why UAV technology was chosen for this UXO survey in Lithuania

We opted for our advanced UAV technology for this UXO survey for several key reasons, most notably time efficiency, safety, and budgetary considerations – all of which are crucial in construction and military operations. UAVs deliver exceptional survey coverage, enabling us to survey up to five times the amount of land in a single day compared to traditional survey methods, such as the push-cart system.

Additionally, UAVs are ideal for hard-to-reach and challenging terrain, offering resistance to wind, rain, and extreme temperatures. Given the size of the survey site and the varying conditions, our UAVs were quickly identified as the best tool for the job, ensuring the survey is both effective and efficient.

To further streamline operations in this remote and rural location, our team has been using Starlink satellite internet. This has enabled us to transmit survey data back to our Head Office in the UK in real-time, where our in-house geophysics team processes the information to identify any potential UXO hazards.

The survey process and working towards ALARP certification

Our team is scheduled to remain on-site for several months to complete the survey and investigate any anomalies found during the process. Once the survey is completed, all anomalies will be fully investigated, and we will issue the client an ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Practicable) certificate, confirming that the site has been thoroughly assessed for UXO contamination.

This certificate is crucial as it provides official assurance that the site is safe for any future development or construction activities. We will then demobilise from the site, leaving the Lithuanian Armed Forces with the confidence that their new training area is safe and secure.

Brimstone Operations Manager, Jock Forde, reflects on the significance of this project:

“Brimstone’s success during the tender process for this project highlights the stellar reputation we have earned, not just in the UK but globally, as a leading UXO contractor. Our technical team have spent countless hours working to bring to market, and then further develop our UAVs for UXO surveys, and it’s great to now be using this technology on our largest survey to date.

“I’m happy to see the significant progress we have already made thanks to this innovative technology. It’s all down to the hard work of our team here on-site and our colleagues back at our Head Office in the UK.”

Continuing our global commitment to safe UXO operations

As the UK’s only Ministry of Defence assured UXO company, Brimstone offers a comprehensive range of services for clients worldwide. We hold various security clearances, including Section 5 authority, as well as licenses to acquire and store explosives in two counties. This makes us the ideal contractor for high-security projects, having recently worked on sensitive sites such as MOD training locations, former air weapons ranges, and even the Houses of Parliament.

Brimstone’s global UXO services include risk assessments, surveys, investigations, and disposal operations, ensuring projects are safe for development. We also offer UXO awareness training and consultation services, helping organisations mitigate the risk of unexploded ordnance.

Our commitment to safety and innovation in UXO risk management

Brimstone is committed to providing safe, effective, and innovative solutions for the management of UXO hazards across the globe. As we continue to expand our capabilities with cutting-edge technologies like UAVs, we remain dedicated to protecting lives and property by identifying and neutralising potential risks before they pose a threat.

If you’re planning a new development project or need UXO support for an existing site, don’t hesitate to reach out to our dedicated commercial team. We’ll be happy to assist with your specific needs and ensure that your site is thoroughly assessed and free of UXO.

To stay up to date with the latest news and updates on this survey project and other Brimstone operations, be sure to follow us on our social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), LinkedIn and YouTube.

Latest update: survey complete and results published

We’ve now completed the 1,300-hectare UXO survey in Lithuania! You can read our case study detailing the results, what we found, and how we addressed any anomalies identified during the process.