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The Mechem
division of Denel (Pty.) Ltd., South Africa, has a history
going back to the late 1960s, when it was a unit of the South
African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research.
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Specializing
in landmine detection, demining and UXO disposal, Mechem also
offers contract research and development, well-equipped laboratories
and an explosive test range, which is used for the development
and evaluation of equipment and augments workshops. Mechem has
designed mine-protected vehicles, including the Casspir and
Mamba, which are used for demining and provided safe and reliable
transport for operations. Recent developments include add-on
armor systems against SSF mines and modifications to the Schiebel
VAMIDS metal detector systems, which enables it to detect and
mark the position of mines with minimal metal content.
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Explosive
Detection Systems
Unlike
metal detection systems, The Mechem Explosive and Drug Detection System
(MEDDS) combines the mechanical concentration of explosive vapors with
the acute sense of smell of trained dogs. By using a team of dogs to
check MEDDS sample tubes, it is possible to predict where there are
the presence of explosives in the sectors of a mine field. MEDDS is
used to indicate the presence or absence of vapor, which can emanate
from stray ammo, a weapons cache, UXO or a mine. Mechem has developed
a non-magnetic triller, or pushed trolley, with a Sachiebel VAMIDS array
coupled to a computer operated marking system, which puts paint on the
spots where mines are found. The system, mounted on a Casspir, has completed
field trials by auditing cleared mine fields in Mozambique.
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The
International Counter-mine and Canine Training Institute
Funded by donors, this school provides training in all aspects
of mine detection and clearance. The intention is to enable mine-infested
countries to become self-sufficient in demining. Training is offered
through a variety of standardized courses. Specific courses can
also be designed to meet with client requirements, which may include
UXO and terror bomb disposal techniques. Standard courses include:
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Basic
Demining Course:
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Mine Awareness
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First Aid
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Metal detection
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Detection with a prodder
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International mine and
munitions identification
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Explosive characteristics
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Driver training Communications
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Advanced
Demining Course:
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Vapor detection-MEDDS sampling
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Rendering safe of mines and UXO
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MEDDS dog and handler training
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Search dog and handler training
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Communications
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Operational medical care
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Supervision
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Quality assurance
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Statistics
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Logistic support procedures
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Vehicle and mechanical maintenance
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Mine Surveys
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Permanent
staff is available for surveying and gathering information about known
or suspected mine fields. At the conclusion of an initial survey, Mechem
can report the estimated extent of the problem and offer a selection
of solutions adapted to the local terrain of the mine field.
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