RPS UXO - Case Study - LIBYA - Sirtes Basin

RPS Explosives Engineering Services (EES) was awarded the contract by Shell Exploration & Production Libya (SEPL) to provide Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) QA\QC services and ERW technical support to their 2D and 3D Seismic Exploration Project within Libya. The award was in accordance with the MSA between Shell and RPS Energy (Hydrosearch). The duration of this project is anticipated to be from October 2005 until December 2007.

BACKGROUND TO THE PROJECT

As a direct result of a General Mine Action Assessment (GMAA) commissioned by SEPL many of the Seismic Exploration Areas offered a potential Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) risk as a result of the intense battles that occurred during the dessert campaign in the Second World War (WWII).

Taking these factors into account, the RPS EES provided a 6-man team to deliver ERW QA/QC/ Management services in support of the four seismic companies (WesternGeco, Veritas CGG, BGP and PGS) involved with the seismic acquisition. Three different clearance contractors (BACTEC International, MineTech International and S3) were employed at varying intervals throughout the project, all of whom where responsible for conducting ERW Clearance activities within the seismic acquisition areas.

RPS EES ensured that all ERW clearance activities were conducted in accordance with International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) and a total of 16200 km2 of land was declared fit for purpose without any ERW related incidents. Approximately 1200 contractors/SEPL staff were involved on the project, all of which were incorporated into the Mine Risk Education (MRE) programme. RPS EES not only monitored this training but; designed and implemented the programme to ensure the training met with IMAS.

For the duration of the project, the RPS EES worked closely with the Libyan Civil Defence Force (CDF) and instigated the destruction or removal of no fewer than 2456 items of unexploded ordnance. A series of planned demolitions took place with RPS EES acting within its role as the client representative, ensuring the safety of SEPL and its contracted staff. RPS EES also completed an audit of all munitions stockpiles arising for clearance activities during seismic operations then carried out supervision of Libyan CDF to ensure their safe and complete destruction.

MINES AND UXO SUMMARY

The total amount of Mines and ERW recovered is illustrated in the table below:

Category	Projectiles	Grenades	Mines	Mortars	Rockets	Bombs
Totals	1795	113	139	285	86	38