The mission of the CMC is to promote
the abolition of landmines in Cambodia and
to support self-independence of the survivors.
The Importance of Manual Mine Clearances
Many people think that mine clearance operations can be easily done by demining machines. Indeed, the speed at which machines work is extraordinarily fast, but the problem is its effective use largely depends on geographical features and the ground conditions. In Cambodia, the majority of land is covered with semitropical jungles, which make it difficult for people and vehicles to access. Considering the fact that millions of landmines still remain in densely-wooded forests, the efficiency of the machine is highly controversial. Do you think you would be brave enough to enter the post-landmine field where your safety is not 100 present guaranteed? That is why manual mine clearance is necessary in order to make sure the area is completely safe. A person who engages in de-mining activities is called de-miner.
They are taking a number of risks and work hard, wearing a heavy helmet and protective suits which often create internal temperatures hitting nearly 40 degrees.
The Process of Mine Clearance Operations
1.Marking
Marking is the first important process that distinguishes safe zones from danger zones, and if clearing operations have already been carried out. Signs indicate the progress status.
2.Removal of Shrubs and Weeds
Not all landmines have remained in the ground but some specific ones such as tripwire mines have been installed on the ground randomly. De-miners spend most of their time for this work, ensuring whether the area is a suspected hazard zone or not.
3.Metal Detection
In this process, de-miners use metal detectors to search for metallic objects in the ground. The machine reacts to any types of metals including bullets, metal waste and iron scraps making it difficult to know if the object is dangerous or not. Surprisingly, the number of mines/ERW found in Boh Puoy village in 2004 was 80 while the total number of metal waste found was 50,000. An incredibly large amount of waste slows the pace of clearing operations each time.
4.Uncovering a mine
Once a metal object has been detected, the area needs to be marked and the object must be dug out, or uncovered carefully. A warning sign must be placed if the suspected object is a landmine.
5.Explosions
To detonate the mine, blasting caps and explosives using gunpowder must be constructed and attached then a wire is used to detonate the device remotely.
