Post-clearance inspection in mine action - how cost-effective?

In approximately ten years of external quality control, millions of square metres of already cleared land have been sampled, and a comparatively small number of missed mines/ERW have been found.

This indicates that the quality of the final product, the cleared land, is typically very high. In such instances, the question of costs versus the added value of external quality control should be considered – especially in programmes with limited funding. The findings of this study show that, for five of the countries in 2010, 7.1 million m² of previously cleared land was re-cleared during external quality control, in five countries. This cost USD 5.9 million but only six mines were found. The GICHD study seeks to examine post-clearance inspection, including its costs and benefits, and explores:

• How is external quality control implemented across the sector?
• What are the pros and cons of external quality control?
• What additional statistical confidence does external quality control provide to ensure that land is free from explosives hazards after clearance?
• What are the cost implications of external quality control?

GICHD study report | A Review Of External Post-Clearance Inspection In Mine Action

Guidance on Post-Clearance Inspection is provided in the following document :
IMAS 09:20 | The inspection of cleared land : guidelines for the use of sampling procedures
available on the Mine Action Standards website PDF 127KB