UXO and Archaeology: Collaborative Approaches to Preserve History Safely

Unexploded ordnance (UXO) presents a significant challenge to archaeological projects across the world. These remnants of past conflicts not only pose a severe risk to human safety but also hinder archaeological research and heritage preservation. The presence of UXO can stall excavations, making it difficult to explore and document historically significant sites. However, through collaboration UXO and archaeology can be navigated successfully, ensuring both safety and the continued discovery of our shared history.

At Brimstone, we recognise the importance of preserving historical artefacts while ensuring safe excavation conditions. By integrating UXO detection and clearance with archaeological methodologies, we help safeguard both people and the past.

The challenge of UXO and archaeology

UXO refers to explosive ordnance that has failed to detonate as intended. It can include artillery shells, bombs, grenades, landmines, and other munitions left behind by military activity. UXO remains hazardous for decades or even centuries, buried beneath the surface or concealed within structures, waiting to be disturbed.

The legacy of war, training exercises, and military testing has left many regions, both urban and rural, contaminated with UXO. For archaeologists, this contamination complicates excavation efforts. UXO not only presents an immediate danger to researchers and fieldworkers but can also limit access to historically significant locations. Without proper UXO mitigation, excavation projects may be delayed indefinitely or abandoned due to safety concerns.

The impact of UXO on archaeological work

Archaeologists rely on careful excavation techniques to uncover historical artefacts and structures without causing damage. However, the presence of UXO introduces additional complexities:

• Safety Risks – Unearthing a UXO item, whether knowingly or unknowingly, can have life-threatening consequences for archaeologists, researchers, and surrounding communities.
• Restricted Access – Many sites with historical significance remain unexplored due to the risk of UXO contamination.
• Project Delays – UXO contamination often requires extensive clearance operations before archaeological work can commence, leading to prolonged project timelines.
• Environmental Impact – Some traditional UXO disposal methods, such as controlled detonations, can impact the surrounding landscape, potentially damaging delicate archaeological layers.

Because of these risks, it is crucial to adopt a collaborative approach that balances the need for historical preservation with UXO risk mitigation.

UXO in marine archaeology

While UXO contamination is often associated with land-based sites, marine environments are equally affected. Unexploded sea mines, depth charges, and discarded ordnance pose significant hazards to underwater archaeology. Shipwrecks, submerged settlements, and other underwater heritage sites often require specialist UXO assessments before research can begin.

Brimstone’s marine UXO expertise enables archaeologists to safely investigate underwater sites. Our surveys and clearance operations allow for the exploration of historically rich areas while mitigating the risks posed by submerged munitions. Through remote sensing technologies and diver-assisted investigations, we ensure that maritime heritage sites can be studied and preserved without compromising safety.

Collaborative solutions: how Brimstone supports archaeology

Recognising the importance of both heritage conservation and safety, Brimstone takes a tailored approach to UXO risk mitigation for archaeological projects. Our methodologies align with the specific needs of each site, ensuring that archaeologists can conduct their research while minimising risk.

Risk assessments:

Before excavation begins, we conduct a comprehensive UXO risk assessment. Using historical research and military records, we assess the likelihood of UXO presence on-site. By analysing wartime activity, post-war developments, and previous land use, we provide archaeologists with a bespoke UXO report. This report outlines potential hazards and recommends safe approaches for excavation.

Surveying your site:

If our risk assessment indicates a potential UXO presence, a UXO survey may be required. Brimstone offers both non-intrusive and intrusive survey options:

• Non-Intrusive UXO Surveys – Using advanced magnetometry, we detect ferrous materials beneath the surface without disturbing the ground. This method is particularly suitable for archaeological sites where preserving site integrity is a priority. Our surveys can map out magnetic anomalies, helping archaeologists plan excavations in safe areas while flagging high-risk zones.
• Intrusive UXO Surveys – In cases where deeper assessments are required, we conduct intrusive surveys, using borehole magnetometry and targeted investigations to locate buried UXO at greater depths.

By overlaying UXO survey data with archaeological site plans, we help researchers prioritise excavation zones while ensuring that high-risk areas are addressed first.

On-site support:

For projects where UXO contamination is suspected but difficult to fully assess beforehand, Brimstone provides on-site UXO support:

• UXO Watching Brief – Our Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) engineers oversee excavation work, ensuring that any UXO finds are managed safely. This allows archaeologists to continue their work while maintaining safety protocols.
• UXO Safety Awareness Briefings – Before work begins, we deliver tailored safety training to excavation teams. These briefings cover UXO identification, emergency response procedures, and historical site-specific risks.
• Site-Specific UXO Training – For larger projects, we offer in-depth training sessions that provide a detailed understanding of UXO risks in the context of the specific excavation site. These sessions ensure that archaeologists and site workers are well-prepared for potential encounters with UXO.

Preserving the past while ensuring safety

The intersection of UXO and archaeology presents both challenges and opportunities. By working collaboratively, archaeologists and UXO specialists can safely explore and preserve historical sites, unlocking insights into the past without compromising safety.

At Brimstone, we are committed to supporting archaeological projects with tailored UXO solutions. Our expertise enables researchers to navigate UXO hazards efficiently, ensuring that historical discoveries continue to be made safely.

If you require UXO support for an archaeological project, contact our Commercial Team on 020 7117 2492 or email enquire@brimstoneuxo.com. We’d be happy to discuss how we can help.

Stay updated with Brimstone by following us on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), LinkedIn and YouTube.