Georgia Tech researchers are developing life-saving technology that will make the detection of landmines and other buried objects easier and more reliable. Using signal processing algorithms, the research team has enabled various sensors to accurately identify landmines, offering hope to the millions of people around the world who live each day in the vicinity of mines--some recently buried, others long-forgotten but still active and lethal.

There are more than 100 million landmines laid in about 70 countries. It is estimated that every 20 minutes someone is killed or injured by a landmine. As an example, Afghanistan is one of the world’s most heavily landmined countries, yet it has made progress in recent years in reducing the number of victims. Some 8,000 deminers are involved in Afghanistan’s mine-clearing program, which aims to rid the country of all mines and other unexploded ordinance by 2012. Afghan authorities estimate that 800 square kilometers of land is contaminated with landmines and other buried explosives. This month, authorities in Western Afghanistan have detonated nearly 20,000 landmines that were collected from various militia groups. Experts say Afghanistan can set an example in a landmine-ravaged region.

Because of mine-clearing operations and programs promoting landmine awareness, the number of landmine victims in Afghanistan has decreased significantly in recent years. Today, some 15 organizations are currently engaged in the detection, removal and destruction of landmines in Afghanistan.

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