Types of Landmines

Blast Mine
Typically planted into the ground, blast mines are activated by direct pressure and will explode upwards either killing their victim or destroying their legs. These mines vary greatly in size and power.

Stake Mine
These mines are planted above ground on a stake and are activated by tripwires. They can also be placed just under the ground surface and activated by pressure. This mine is common in areas with thick vegetation such as Cambodia.

Directional Fragmentation Mine
These mines resemble small boxes and are typically placed on the ground against the trunk of a tree. Once activated by tripwire, shrapnel is expelled towards the victim.

Bounding Fragmentation Mine
Bounding mines are planted into the ground. Once activated, a charge propels it to eye level, where it explodes. The expelled shrapnel often kills the person who activated the mine and can severely injure individuals that are close by.

Butterfly Mine
With a brightly coloured plastic casing and a curved shape, butterfly mines are scattered from a helicopter. They spiral through the air and land without detonating. Due to their attractive colour and shape, children often mistake them for toys and are injured or killed after picking one up.