On the formal request of the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG), MAG has cleared a minefield which was preventing the reconstruction of a bridge linking Mosul and Dahuk governorates on a main trade highway to Syria. 
MAG’s front end loader (left) and sifter (right) 
The difference in height between the bank on the left of the picture and the ground the MAG staff member is standing on, shows the quantity of earth MAG removed for sifting
In addition to impeding conflict recovery in the region, the hazardous area was also close to a water project in a nearby village.
With its location next to a river increasing the probability of mine movement MAG decided, following a technical assessment, to deploy mechanical clearance methods.
An armoured front-end loader was used in conjunction with a sifting unit that had been developed by MAG’s workshops under a previous grant from the Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement, US Department of State. Mine Action Teams then safely destroyed the located mines at the site.
Some 18,826 square metres of surface soil were processed by the sifter. In total, one anti-tank mine and 12 anti-personnel mines were found, at a depth of approximately three feet (91 cm).
The mechanical assets allowed MAG to clear the area in a short period of time, ensuring that the important bridge construction was not delayed. MAG handed the site back to the local authorities in December.
Nicky Asfaw, MAG Regional Desk Officer
Geraldine Kelly, MAG Iraq Programme Officer
Links:
» More about MAG's work in Iraq
» Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement, US Department of State
4 February 08
» This work was funded by: Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement, US Department of State
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