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United Nations Mine Action Service

This video tells the story of an innovative humanitarian demining partnership involving the United Nations Mine Action Service, Schonstedt Instrument Company, the US Department of State and the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) who have raised funds for donating magnetic locators to mine action programmes around the world.

Produced by Richard Krantz pilotpro@verizon.net

Munitions pile in Libya. United Nations Mine Action Service.

Schonstedt Instrument Company has shipped 36 donated magnetic locators to members of the Joint Mine Action Coordination Team - Libya (JMACT). The JMACT is a partnership of the United Nations and international NGOs, formed to present a coordinated mine action response to the explosive remnants of war (ERW) threat in that country.

Fighting in Libya since February 2011 has led to significant ERW contamination that threatens to increase the number of deaths and injuries of civilians and aid workers as well as jeopardize the delivery of life-saving humanitarian aid.

Along with its donors, Schonstedt is pleased to contribute to these efforts to clear the country of unexploded ordnance and abandoned ammunition.

See more of Italian photographer Giovanni Diffidenti's compelling images of mine action work in Libya and around the globe on FaceBook.

From the WVPubcast Website:

May 19, 2011 · An Eastern Panhandle Company product is now on display at the United Nations in New York City because the company has been providing the U.N. with metal detectors to locate land mines in war torn countries.

The United Nations is recognizing Schonstedt Instrument Company in Jefferson County for its efforts in Humanitarian Demining.

Bob Ebberson, Director of Business Development, said the company matches every donation it receives for a magnetic detector.

Then, the United Nations and State Department assist the company in sending the locators to countries in need. U.N. Humanitarian workers use them to locate bombs in former war zones.

Listen to interview and read full article here...

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The Schonstedt GA-72Cd is the workhorse of United Nations humanitarian demining teams around the world. The tool was recently put on permanent display at UN Headquarters in New York, where some 1500 people per day tour the complex. Here a guide is explaining its function in eradicating the world of landmines.


Read more about worldwide demining issues at FindUXO.com

The Schonstedt Humanitarian Demining Initiative is alive and well in this season of giving. Now, those who wish to contribute demining tools directly to United Nations Mine Action partners in the world's most devastated countries can do so. Businesses, individuals and nonprofit organizations such as church and school groups, trade associations and service clubs are invited to participate as follows:

* Purchase for donation any number of Schonstedt GA-72Cd magnetic locators at list price, currently $1041, and Schonstedt will match your donation unit for unit

* Schonstedt will ship the units directly to underserved countries according to UN priorities

* Donations are made in the name of the donor (group or individual)

Learn more and make a donation here.

West Virginia Governor and Senator-elect Joe Manchin III issued commendation plaques to Schonstedt for its recent entry into three international markets. In 2010, Schonstedt marked its first sales to Portugal, Brazil and Turkmenistan. The company currently exports to over 80 countries.

The full line of Schonstedt magnetic locators is now available through GSA to qualified government purchasers.

Information on the demining tools can be found through GSAAdvantage! or at www.findUXO.com.

Reuters photo: Iraqi police scan for land mines near the Rumaila oil field in Basrah province. (Schonstedt GA-72Cd Magnetic Locator used by soldier at left)

Excerpt from Radio Free Europe Report:July 21, 2010
BAGHDAD -- Foreign oil companies that have signed contracts to develop Iraq's oil reserves may be unable to meet contractual deadlines due to the danger of land mines, RFE/RL's Radio Free Iraq reports. Muzahim Jihad, the head of an Iraqi NGO that clears minefields, described the land mine problem as catastrophic.

He said it could severely impact the Iraqi economy and he called on the Iraqi government and international organizations to help with the problem.

Muzahim Jihad also said the government did not pay much attention to the problem of land mines until after it signed contracts with foreign oil companies. He said these companies were now facing a huge challenge that could affect their efforts to develop oil fields in Iraq.

He estimated the number of mines in Iraq at 25 million, in addition to a vast quantity of unexploded bombs scattered over much of the country but especially in areas near oil fields.

Schonstedt is now a GSA Contract Holder, making it easier than ever for the government and military to purchase the military version of the rugged GA-72Cd magnetic locator. At the request of the US Army, the GA-72Cd-ML has been adapted for use in military theaters of operation. Featuring a digital display as well as audio output, it is quickly becoming the standard for military munitions response and humanitarian demining.

Government buyers can purchase the GA-72Cd-ML at GSA Advantage

“I recently received the Schonstedt Scholarship through the American Congress of Surveying and Mapping and wanted to formally thank you for donating the funds for this scholarship. Scholarships like this are of great help when paying for tuition and expenses. I fund my own education so scholarships make it possible for me to attend school, and are greatly appreciated. I will continue to work hard as I have in the past to accomplish my goals of obtaining a degree in Surveying and Engineering from Michigan Tech, and enhancing the perception of the surveying profession and the American Congress of Surveying and Mapping.”

-- letter received from Brian Bellmore, student