On Wednesday, July 19^th, the UXO/Demining Caucus welcomed guests from FMC Corporation, Caterpillar, Cargill, John Deere, Esri, Trimble, Schonstedt, Clandestine Materials Detection, and RELYANT Global, as well as Members of Congress and their staff, to highlight the contributions of American companies to global humanitarian demining.

The program began with remarks from caucus co-chairs Reps. Bill Johnson and Chrissy Houlahan, followed by caucus members Reps. Dean Phillips and Earl Blumenauer, on the significance of private sector partnerships to demining and the good that these companies are doing abroad. Attendees then heard from corporate representatives on their activities in the field and why they are working to support humanitarian demining.

In Ukraine, FMC Corporation, Cargill, and John Deere are funding HALO’s work in Ukraine on risk education and the clearance of agricultural land to protect farmers and promote global food security. John Deere tractors are also used in demining operations around the world, fitted with specially-designed demining attachments.

Software and technology companies Esri and Trimble are helping HALO map explosive contamination and mark minefields. This makes civilians aware of dangerous areas, keeping them safe, and enables our deminers to do their jobs faster. HALO also uses technology from Schonstedt, whose Magnetic Locators are used around the world to detect landmines and other unexploded ordnance buried underground, and who has a partnership with the United Nations to provide detectors to UN demining operations.

RELYANT Global and Clandestine Materials Detection also highlighted their work in the field with new and innovative demining methods. CMD has developed a nuclear detection technology to identify landmines, IEDs, and other explosive remnants of war from large distances, and RELYANT Global works with the U.S. government, NGOs, and the private sector to clear explosives, with a specialized training program through the University of Tennessee.

HALO and other demining organizations also use Caterpillar equipment to clear mines around the world.

Thank you so much to our Congressional speakers, corporate representatives, and all attendees!

Watch the full speaking program below.