The Ministry of National Defense announced today (August 3) that it has finalized the "1st Basic Plan for Mine Action (2027–2031)" to safely detect and remove landmines and other unexploded ordnance that are no longer militarily necessary.

The basic plan includes shifting the landmine clearance method, which has traditionally been handled exclusively by the military as part of military operations, into a mine action system that complies with domestic laws and International Mine Action Standards (IMAS).

Accordingly, mine action will transition from a "clearance-centric" approach to an "evidence-based impact survey and land release following clearance" system.

The Ministry of National Defense plans to systematically identify landmine-risk areas through impact surveys before carrying out clearance, and to lift or reduce the designation of minefields to return the land to public use in areas free of risk.

The target minefields include "previously established minefields" where military utilization plans have been abolished, and "unknown minefields" where there are no military records of planting, but where the risk of discovering landmines restricts civilian access despite posing no hindrance to military operations.

As of last year, these span approximately 200 locations (about 85 square kilometers) across areas near the Civilian Control Line and rear-area air defense positions.

The Ministry of National Defense will also implement a "private agency system" allowing qualified private corporations or organizations to undertake landmine detection and clearance on its behalf.

This decision was made to address changes in the military's personnel structure, such as troop reductions, and growing demands for landmine detection and clearance.

However, given the current lack of specialized landmine removal companies in South Korea, the initiative will begin in small-scale areas in 2027, with plans to gradually expand the scope of contracted operations.

In addition, the ministry plans to train specialized private personnel, utilize cutting-edge equipment such as explosive detection and clearance robots and unmanned search vehicles, and strengthen cooperation with international organizations.

The Ministry of National Defense plans to formulate the 2027 implementation plan, including the selection of target areas for landmine detection and removal, by the end of this year.

(Photo: Yonhap News)