Dumfries charity clears final Mozambique landmine

A Dumfries charity has destroyed the final mine in Mozambique's last known minefield.

Before the HALO Trust began operating in the country in 1993, landmines caused hundreds of accidents, including fatalities and amputations.

How have they done it?

HALO has employed more than 1,600 Mozambican men and women in demining since 1993.

They use manual and mechanical demining methods, and have helped make over 17 million square metres of land safe.

Overall, they've cleared over 171,000 landmines, accounting for about 80% of the total destroyed.

Why clearing landmines matters:

How will Mozambique benefit?

Ridding the country of landmines will save many lives, but it also brings huge economic benefits.

Cultivating crops and farming livestock is now much safer.

Mine clearance has also helped access Mozambique's gas and coal sources, and has boosted tourism and helped attract international investment.

Mozambique’s GDP has grown 7% a year since HALO began demining, and it is now one of the world’s fastest growing economies.