Landmines and unexploded bombs can remain in the ground for decades after a conflict has ended. One person every hour is killed or injured by one of these indiscriminate killers. Almost half are children.
MAG finds and clears landmines and unexploded bombs and returns unsafe land to communities, enabling them to build a safer and more sustainable future.
We use a range of methods
We use a combination of methods and tools to detect and destroy landmines, cluster bombs, and other unexploded weapons, including manual deminers, machinery and mine detection dogs. The approach used varies depending on a number of factors, including terrain, vegetation, and the level and type of contamination.
This is careful and painstaking work. Manual demining involves checking minefields step by step using metal detectors and a variety of excavation tools.
A range of mechanical resources and technologies helps us increase the speed and effectiveness of landmine clearance in certain circumstances. Our fleet of specialized armored machines prepares ground for clearance, removing vegetation and obstacles, and in some cases finding and destroying landmines directly.
Our mine detection dogs are trained to “sniff out” explosives and alert their handler, making them a valuable part of our mine clearance toolbox.
We listen to communities
Our community liaison staff are the eyes and ears of MAG. They work with local communities, agencies, and authorities to understand where landmines and unexploded bombs are located and how their presence affects people’s lives, work, and play. Working in this way helps us to ensure that our resources target and clear the areas of greatest need.
We clear former battle areas
After fighting stops, battle areas are often contaminated with unexploded bombs. We systematically clear and return the land to local communities for productive use.
We recruit people from mine-affected communities
We recruit and train men and women from local communities. This gives people affected by landmines the opportunity to clear them, as well as financially support their own families and communities. In this way, MAG also acquires knowledge, technical expertise, and further commitment to clearing the country of landmines.
We respond to emergencies
Our humanitarian response activities include survey, risk education, and clearance as well as humanitarian planning. This helps prevent casualties, and supports other humanitarian organizations to carry out their emergency operations.
I love my job. We allow people to come home. My family and my community are very proud of me -- especially my father. Thank you MAG for this great opportunity to save my people.
LenaDeminer, Iraq
