GCS has been assisting the humanitarian organisation HI in its mission to rid Colombia of its legacy of landmine and IED (improvised explosive devices) contamination, for many years. Most recently, we provided HI with our GCS-100 machine in support of a new project in Vista Hermosa in Meta, a region with the highest number of landmine victims in the country.

Field technician Carlos Sierra and the team of operators after successful completion of operator training.

Mechanical operations

The team had a small celebration to mark the completion of the training

The application of the GCS-100 platform, which is light, compact and highly mobile, will increase the effectiveness of the mechanical operations. The platform and its support equipment (trailer, workshop, spare parts etc.) will be deployed on three demining projects for the mechanical clearance of around 22,000 square meters. In addition, GCS provided an experienced local Field Technician, Carlos Sierra, who conducted a 2-week training course in March for six local certified HI operators and mechanics. He will also provide service and maintenance support during the planned mechanical operations.

Decades of conflict

The GCS-100 is light and compact, ideal for the hilly and dense terrain of Colombia.

Vista Hermosa, literally translated means ‘Beautiful View,’ and is located in Colombia’s Meta department in the south-eastern part of the country. For decades, Vista Hermosa has been in the grip of violent conflict between non-state armed groups (NSAGs). Improvised anti-personnel mines were laid to block access to roads, paths, schools, and other civilian infrastructure, preventing the productive use of land. As a result of this contamination, the region has the highest number of landmine victims in Colombia. The clearance of anti-personnel mines is a vital step in improving security, assisting victims and enhancing the socioeconomic development of the area.