In 2013, Damasec Mine Action Systems became the first commercial contractor to participate in the clearance of a former Swedish military training area when engaged on the Myran Range project near Falun, approximately 200 kilometres northwest of Stockholm.
The project marked an important milestone for commercial UXO clearance activities in Sweden and demonstrated how specialist expertise can help transform former military land into safe and valuable areas for future development.
Originally used by the Dalregimentet Regiment between 1909 and 1958, the area had served as a military training and firing range for decades. As a result, the site contained a significant risk of unexploded ordnance (UXO) and other ammunition-related contamination. Swedish military training ammunition has historically contained a relatively high proportion of explosive components, increasing both the complexity of clearance operations and the potential risks associated with redevelopment.
The objective of the project was to prepare the area for civilian use and future commercial development. To achieve this, Damasec carried out a comprehensive search and clearance programme designed to identify and remove explosive hazards to depths of up to two metres below ground level.
Advanced magnetic detection equipment was used throughout the operation. By identifying variations in the earth’s magnetic field, the specialist sensors enabled the team to locate buried metallic objects that could potentially be unexploded ordnance. Depending on terrain and site conditions, the equipment was either mounted on vehicles or operated manually by experienced UXO specialists.
The project involved close cooperation between several stakeholders. RGS90 acted as the main contractor, while NIRAS provided technical advisory services. Damasec Mine Action Systems was responsible for UXO risk management, quality assurance, environmental considerations, and the execution of the search and clearance operations. The client was Fortifikationsverket, the Swedish Defence Estates Agency, responsible for managing former and active military properties throughout Sweden.
The results demonstrated both the level of contamination present on former military sites and the importance of systematic UXO investigation prior to redevelopment. During the project, Damasec successfully cleared approximately 27 hectares of land and removed 295 items of unexploded ordnance together with more than 9,000 significant ammunition-related fragments and components.
Beyond the technical achievements, the project contributed directly to the safe redevelopment of the area, allowing future commercial and urban development to proceed with significantly reduced risk. The Myran Range project remains an important reference for Damasec Mine Action Systems and highlights the company’s extensive experience in supporting governments, defence agencies, infrastructure projects, and land developers in managing historical explosive hazards.
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Video in Swedish:
- Project Clearing of unexploded ordnance
- Client Fortifikationsverket
- Category Ammunition clearance
- Location Sweden
- Year 2013-14
