Director General of the NRA, Mr Bounpheng Sisawath (left), and MAG Country Director in Laos, Mr Eli Mechanic, sign a Memorandum of Understanding on continued US-supported unexploded ordnance clearance.

US provides US$15 million for UXO clearance in Xiengkhouang

The National Regulatory Authority for the UXO/Mine Action Sector (NRA), under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding to continue US Government-supported humanitarian mine action activities in Xiengkhouang province, one of the areas most affected by unexploded ordnance in Laos. 
The United States is providing an additional US$15 million to MAG for these UXO operations in Xiengkhouang province.
The agreement marks the start of a new phase of activities that will run until November 2027, supporting the identification of contaminated land through surveys, the clearance of explosive remnants of war, and the delivery of explosive ordnance risk education to communities across the province.
The Memorandum of Understanding on Phase V of UXO Survey and Clearance in Xiengkhouang was signed in Vientiane by the Director General of NRA, Mr Bounpheng Sisawath, and MAG Country Director in Laos, Mr Eli Mechanic. The signing ceremony was attended by representatives of Xiengkhouang province and associated officials.
Despite significant progress over recent decades, contamination from explosive remnants of war continues to affect communities in Xiengkhouang, limiting access to land and posing risks to people’s safety and livelihoods.
Through the support of the United States Government, MAG will work with national and provincial authorities to help communities safely use land for agriculture, infrastructure, and other development purposes.
Over the course of the project, MAG expects to survey more than 19 million square metres of land and clear more than 20 million square metres of priority hazardous areas.
The project will also ensure a rapid response to reports of explosive ordnance from communities and provide risk education to thousands of people living in affected areas.
Mr Bounpheng said “We welcome the continued support of the United States Government for mine action in Laos. Through this new agreement, MAG will continue to play an important role in helping communities in Xiengkhouang province access land safely while contributing to national priorities for survey, clearance, and risk education. These efforts support both community safety and local development.”
Mr Mechanic said “The United States has been a longstanding supporter of humanitarian mine action in Laos. This new phase of support will enable MAG to continue helping communities in Xiengkhouang province access land safely, strengthen livelihoods, and reduce the risks posed by unexploded ordnance. Together with the Lao government and local authorities, we are committed to supporting safer communities and contributing to the country’s development priorities.”
MAG has more than 30 years of experience supporting communities affected by unexploded ordnance in Laos.
Since 1994, MAG has surveyed more than 1.4 billion square metres of land, cleared more than 160 million square metres, safely removed and destroyed more than 350,000 items of unexploded ordnance, and directly benefited more than 1.3 million people across the country.
United States Government support for MAG’s work in Laos began in 2003 and has played a significant role in helping communities safely access land, reduce risks, and expand opportunities for social and economic development.
MAG remains committed to working alongside the Lao government and local communities to address the remaining impacts of unexploded ordnance and support a safer future for all.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update August 27, 2026)