Australia’s national scientific research agency, CSIRO, has recently developed a novel technology for detecting landmines. This breakthrough could potentially assist countries affected by landmines in their demining operations.
The use of landmines and other explosive remnants of war is a significant humanitarian crisis worldwide, with over 100 million landmines deployed across more than 60 countries. These devices result in approximately 6,500 casualties each year.
CSIRO and its corporate advisor have partnered to create a new Australian company called MRead. The purpose of this company is to develop hand-held detectors using landmine detection technology. The goal is to create devices that can detect landmines quickly, accurately, and at a lower cost, making it easier to clear them from affected areas.
The CEO of CSIRO has highlighted that the establishment of the new company, MRead, is built upon decades of experience in developing ore sorting technologies for the mining industry. This expertise has been repurposed to create a company to generate job opportunities and, more importantly, save lives through the use of landmine detection technology.
The CEO emphasised that science-driven innovation has the power to address some of the most pressing challenges facing our world, such as creating new industries to grow our economy and finding solutions to global humanitarian crises. The landmine detection technology developed by the two parties and the creation of MRead are examples of how science can be harnessed to save lives and make a positive impact on society.
The accuracy of this new landmine detection technology is expected to revolutionise the efforts to clear landmines. Providing a faster and more reliable solution than current detectors, will not only enhance the safety of those involved in the clearing process but also expand the range of clearing efforts. This breakthrough is poised to make the world a safer place by providing a more effective solution to a global humanitarian crisis.
He noted that it is heartening to witness world-class scientific research being conducted in Australia with the potential to impact and improve lives globally. The breakthrough in landmine detection technology developed by CSIRO and its partner is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation to create positive change in the world. This achievement is a source of pride for the scientific community and the people of Australia.
CSIRO has created a novel magnetic resonance technology that can detect the molecular signature of explosives found in landmines. This technology is more reliable than the currently used metal detectors, which are unable to detect non-metallic landmines. The molecular-level detection capability of the new technology is expected to significantly improve landmine detection accuracy and safety.
The Managing Director of the new company stated that there is an understanding of the positive impact that this innovation can have on countries recovering from the aftermath of conflicts.
He noted that the magnetic resonance technology for landmine detection is expected to have a significant impact on regions that are currently affected by uncleared minefields, as well as areas that are still recovering from past conflicts. The precision and reliability of this new technology are poised to make landmine clearing operations faster, safer, and more effective, ultimately improving the well-being and safety of the affected communities.
MRead’s initial customers will include non-governmental organizations (NGOs) focused on humanitarian efforts, such as The HALO Trust, which is renowned for its mine clearance activities across the world. The adoption of MRead’s hand-held detectors is expected to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of landmine clearance operations carried out by such organisations, ultimately leading to a safer environment for the affected communities.
