Website Glossary

Landmines are explosive devices designed to be detonated by a person’s presence, proximity, or contact. Landmines are typically buried underground and can cause injury or death to civilians long after a conflict has ended.

A class of explosive materials characterised by a slower rate of decomposition or combustion compared to high explosives. In low explosives, the chemical reaction occurs at a subsonic speed, resulting in a slower release of energy. This slower reaction makes low explosives suitable for applications where a sustained, controlled release of energy is required, such as in propellants for firearms, fireworks, or blasting agents for mining and construction. Low explosives are typically less sensitive to shock and friction than high explosives, making them safer to manage and transport.