Anti-personnel mines consist of a container (wood, plastic or metal), a detonator, an arming system or device, a firing device and a less substantial charge of high explosive than the amount in an anti-tank mine — but sufficient to kill or severely maim a victim who sets it off, or one who is passing nearby. These mines are frequently designed to act as a boobytrap or victim-initiated device. They generally operate on application of pressure by stepping on a pressure plate, or pulling on a difficult to see tripwire. Some operate on tilt rod release, ground vibrations, nearby sounds, lifting, etc.

The more than 100 countries that signed the Ottawa treaty banning landmines, determined that they would destroy existing military stockpiles, cease manufacturing them or selling them, and make every possible de-mining effort to unearth and destroy buried mines. De-mining operators need accurate replica representations of actual anti-personnel mines, and information on how they function and their specific hazards.

We have a number of such replicas, some made by us and others made by several affiliated companies. They are accurate in terms of dimensions, color and weight. Some types are now in development to be functional, reactive and indicative, from a trainee and instructor point of view. Buried in the ground in a simulated minefield, they will send a radio signal if disturbed in a way that, if live, would have resulted in a detonation and casualties.

We also offer a series of full-color technical posters and mine awareness publications.