APOPO offers Mine Detection services, using Mine Detection Rats, to Demining operators. Depending on the nature of the operational approach and the area to be cleared, APOPO can offer different operational scenarios. APOPO's price per square meter is very competitive, and demining operators are invited to discuss potential partnerships.

APOPO will provide Mine Detection Rat teams to a demining company, consisting of accredited rats and their trainers. For longer-term projects, APOPO can also train the staff of the partner organizations to become rat trainers, if desired. APOPO will oversee the daily operations, maintenance training, and quality assurance of the rats.

Boxing system

Boxes are outlined in the minefield to give access to the MDR trainers. The rats systematically search the boxes in half-meter lanes harnessed to a rope that runs between the trainers.

Team:

1 trainer, 1 handler, 5 MDR's

Speed:

200 sqm per team in 40 minutes

Working time:

3hrs 20 minutes / 5 MDR's

Output team:

1.000 sqm/day - single search 500 sqm/day - double search

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Lane search

The minefield is approached from one side. The rats search in one-meter lanes progressively moving inward, harnessed to a guiding stick.

Team:

2 trainers, 8 MDR's

Speed:

150sqm per rat in 45 minutes

Working time:

3hrs / 8 MDR's

Output team:

1.200 sqm/day - single search 600 sqm/day - double search

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Road search 1

Manual deminers prepare safe lanes in the road verges for the MDR trainers. The MDRs do the entire road search, harnessed to the guiding rope.

Team:

1 trainer, 1 handler, 5 MDR's

Speed:

200 sqm per team in 40 minutes

Working time:

3hrs 20 minutes / 5 MDR's

Output team:

1.000 sqm/day - single search 500 sqm/day - double search

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Road search 2

A manual deminer prepares a central safe lane in the middle of the road, and the MDR's search the road harnessed to the guiding stick.

Team:

2 trainers, 8 MDR's

Speed:

150sqm per rat in 45 minutes

Working time:

3hrs / 8 MDR's

Output team:

1.200 sqm/day - single search 600 sqm/day - double search

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Large loop

MDR's operate behind the large loop, searching for remaining low metal content mines.

Team:

2 trainers, 8 MDR's

Speed:

150sqm per rat in 45 minutes

Working time:

3hrs / 8 MDR's

Output team:

1.200 sqm/day - single search 600 sqm/day - double search

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Steel wheels

MDR's search the area after steel wheels have passed through. Kasppir with steel wheels is used as a rapid Ground Preparation method.

Team:

2 trainers, 8 MDR's

Speed:

150sqm per rat in 45 minutes

Working time:

3hrs / 8 MDR's

Output team:

1.200 sqm/day - single search

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Road verges

MDR's search the road verges harnessed to the guiding stick led by the trainer who walks in the safe lanes created by the bushcutter.

Team:

2 trainers, 8 MDR's

Speed:

150sqm per rat in 45 minutes

Working time:

3hrs / 8 MDR's

Output team:

1.200 sqm/day - single search 600 sqm/day - double search

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Quality control

The rats are easy to transport and can provide a quick means of quality control for a certain percentage of cleared areas.

Team:

2 trainers, 8 MDR's

Speed:

150sqm per rat in 45 minutes

Working time:

3hrs / 8 MDR's

Output team:

1.200 sqm/day - single search 600 sqm/day - double search