Mr Bounpheng Sisawath (right) shakeshands with Mr Eli Mechanic after the pair signed an agreement on new UXO clearance operations.

MAG receives over US$1.4 million for UXO clearance in Khammuan

The British-based Mines Advisory Group (MAG) has received funding worth over US$1.4 million (more than 30 billion kip) to finance three UXO clearance operations in Khammuan province.
The new funding tranche has been provided in part by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, which has allocated US$875,368 for UXO clearance, surveys, UXO risk education, and explosive ordnance disposal in Bualapha, Yommalath and Mahaxay districts.
In addition, the Freeman Foundation in the USAhas provided US$507,156 for the clearance of cluster munitions and other unexploded devices in Bualapha and Yommalath districts.
Mr Michael Ambler of the Laos Recovery Foundation, also in the USA, had providedUS$91,471 for explosive ordnance disposal operations in Bualapha, Yommalath, Mahaxay and Xaybuathong districts.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the implementation of the three UXO clearance operations, to be carried out by the Mines Advisory Group, was signed between MAG and the National Regulatory Authority for UXO/Mine Action (NRA) in Vientiane on Friday.
The agreement was signed by the Director General of the National Regulatory Authority, Mr Bounpheng Sisawath, and MAG Laos Country Director, Mr Eli Mechanic.
Also present on the occasion were the British Ambassador to Laos, Ms Melanie Barlow, Deputy Governor of Khammuan province, Dr Somsa-art Ounsida, and other officials.
The MOU was signed to spur the clearance of unexploded ordnance in Khammuan province, with implementation scheduled from now until March 31, 2026.
The new endeavour will support local socio-economic development plans, contribute to Laos’ Sustainable Development Goal 18, and enhance public safety.
It will focus on crucial tasks, including the survey and clearance of UXO on agricultural land and development areas.
Speaking at the agreement signing ceremony, Mr Bounpheng Sisawath urged all levels of project management to closely monitor and support project implementation, while the NRA Office will oversee macro-level management and coordinate with relevant central and provincial ministries and departments.
He advised the provincial Department of Foreign Affairs, which is the key liaison centre, to facilitate project implementation, planning, monitoring, and promotion efforts and ensure effective budget utilisation.
He also stressed the need for MAG to maintain close coordination with all committees involved in the project and to adhere to the MOU framework to achieve the targeted objectives.
Finally, he extended gratitude on behalf of related parties to Khammuan provincial and district committees, the provincial Department of Foreign Affairs, donor countries, and MAG Laos for their fundraising efforts, dedicated management, planning, and coordination with partners to ensure effective operations in the months ahead.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update June 25, 2025)