minefields

There are about 130 minefields in the Falklands containing over 20,000 mines. They are mostly around Stanley, although some are elsewhere, and they are all fenced and clearly marked.

The mines were laid by the Argentine forces during the conflict in 1982. Since then there have been no human casualties of the mines although an occasional cow or horse has broken through the fencing and been blown up.

Under the Ottawa Convention to which Britain is a signatory these minefields should have been cleared by March 2009 but Britain has asked for a 10 year extension. A feasability study has indicated that the nature of the terrain and the isolation of the Falklands would make clearance difficult and expensive. However a trial clearance of 3 sites is to be commenced soon. It seems rather ironic that Britain should be held responsible for clearing mines laid by the Argentinians.

The attitude of most Falklanders seems to be that they are happy for resources to be prioritised to clear minefields in parts of the world where children are regularly losing limbs. There is also the question of the environmental impact of clearing the minefields here. Many provide safe havens for wildlife.