UXO DETECTION EQUIPMENT TEST SITE TO SET STANDARD IN LAOS

The unexploded ordnance (UXO) detection equipment company Mine Lab yesterday introduced a detector testing site in Vientiane, which they hope will set a standard for all UXO detectors to be used in Laos.

The testing site is supported by the Lao Union of Science and Engineering Associations and the Minerals and Metals Group UXO Department. Detection equipment was tested at Lao Techno Engineering with the help of expert Mr Douglas A. Handisides.

The test unit is quite easily replicated. Its design has not been patented, meaning it is public knowledge and can be used freely.

Mr Handisides said “We have done much research over the last four years and we came to feel the need for a standard testing block that detectors must pass before being used in Laos. For this reason we have constructed a test area made up of a completely metal free concrete block structure divided into five compartments, and covered in a layer of concrete about 20mm thick.”

The testing unit is made up of several compartments containing different types of soils found in Laos. They include sand, non-magnetic soil, and soil that contains magnetic mineral deposits.

The idea is to design a universal detector that can cover all soils found throughout Laos. This would save money and speed up clearance, and would also reduce human error when using different detector types and working in different provinces.

Mr Douglas added that checking many detector brands on this test area has come up with some interesting results. Some detectors can detect bomblets, but cannot detect 40mm shells, as the shells are aluminium.

Laos is the most heavily bombed country in the world per capita.

Remaining UXO is stalling development in many rural areas and preventing commercial investments in many sectors.

Due to the high amount of UXO in the country, Laos should be setting the global standard for detection equipment rather than accepting what is currently on the market, Mr Handisides said.

Laos should be pushing manufacturing companies to develop a detector that achieves safety and speed requirements with as little impact as possible on the ecosystem and soil microorganisms, he suggested.

The new testing area has the potential to set a global standard for detectors, he said.

Source: Vientiane Times
By Khonesavanh Latsaphao
(Latest Update February 29, 2012)