Up to 2.5 thousand square metres per day: Japanese equipment helps demine Mykolaiv region

Mykolaiv rescuers received a demining machine from Japan. Photo: Mykolaiv Oblast State Emergency Service

Mykolaiv region continues to demine agricultural land and hard-to-reach areas using Japanese equipment that can work in dense vegetation and on difficult terrain.

This was reported in a story by Rada TV channel.

Thanks to a powerful cutter, the machine processes soil to a depth of 30 cm, defusing explosive ordnance left over from the fighting. The equipment can cover up to 2-2,500 square metres in one working day. After it has passed through, the area is additionally examined by pyrotechnic units of the SES.

«Many foreign objects remain on the site, such as the remains of agricultural machinery, metal pipes, and debris. This complicates the work, but the equipment can handle it, and the sappers finish cleaning it manually,» says Pavlo, head of the mechanised cleaning department.

Stanislav, operator of a Japanese demining machine. Photo: Mykolaiv Oblast State Emergency Service

The machines are operated by specialists who have been trained in Japan and Cambodia. One of them is a former farmer, Stanislav, who worked in Kherson region until 2022. After the de-occupation, he joined the sapper service and was later selected for training.

«For the first three weeks we were in Japan, we were shown the factories where this equipment is assembled. We learnt where the engine is located, how it works, how to repair it, and some of the basics of management. Then, for another three weeks in Cambodia, we practiced in minefields that were also contaminated with explosives after the war. Working in the field is a pleasure for me. Moreover, I understand that there are fields here, and that this is where the crops will be sown, which is necessary,» says Stanislav.

The next stage is to clear irrigation canals to restore the agricultural infrastructure.

As a reminder, the sappers of Mykolaiv region received an aerial reconnaissance system «Mines Eye», which will help them detect ammunition and explosive devices in the region more effectively.

In addition, the company plans to set up an underwater demining and water rescue centre in Mykolaiv region.