EPSRC-funded project takes dual approach to clearing landmines

Removing anti-vehicle mines from roads can also reconnect people in neighbouring communities, and allow aid agencies and government bodies to reach areas that were previously cut-off.

But clearing landmines from roads and fields is often hampered by the slow speed of existing techniques used to detect and remove the devices. What’s more, the process is further complicated by the need to prioritise the order in which different areas are cleared, to provide the greatest benefit to local people in the shortest possible time.

Now researchers led by Dr Panagiotis Kosmas at Kings College London have launched an EPSRC-funded project to tackle both of these difficulties simultaneously. The researchers are developing a new sensor technology to detect landmines more quickly and reliably, alongside a method to consider cultural, political and socio-economic factors at national, district and community levels.

“The idea is to develop a de-mining strategy that interacts with the way that we are developing the technology,” said Kosmas.