Milestone in Chile:
Altiplano region is being cleared of mines
Chile began systematic mine clearance after signing the Ottawa Convention in 1997. The Chilean mine clearance commission SECNAD has been working to remove mines and explosive ordnance since 2001. In an interview, Colonel Juan López Demuth talks about the commission's experiences with VALLON detectors under the special conditions found on the high plateau.
Challenges at altitude
Mine clearance in the Altiplano region placed particular demands on people and materials. The high altitude and extreme weather conditions required reliable detection technology. SECNAD relied on the VMH3 and VMH3CS metal detectors.
Technical reliability
The detectors impressed with:
- triple alarm signaling (optical, acoustic, vibration)
- precise location of the explosive ordnance
- robustness in continuous operation
- versatility with different types of explosive ordnance
- Training and deployment
The detectors were not only used in direct clearance:
- training of military engineers
- training of military service personnel
- quality control of cleared areas
- Search for explosive ordnance in former training areas
- Long-term experience
In 18 years of use, the VALLON detectors have proven themselves through:
- High operational reliability
- Low accident rates
- Long service life with regular maintenance
- Effective detection of various explosive ordnance
Perspectives
The experiences gained in the project are being incorporated into the further development of detection technology. Further optimizations are being sought, particularly for use at high altitudes.
The full interview with Colonel Juan López Demuth in Spanish is available here.