Chinese (PRC) Landmine Database

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED // OSINT Created: 2026-03-28 Last Updated: 2026-03-28 Source Reliability: B-2 (Usually Reliable / Probably True) -- compiled from ODIN (TRADOC), METIS (Fenix Insight), CAT-UXO, bulletpicker.com, nolandmines.com, ARES, Jane's, Wikipedia (cross-referenced), Landmine Monitor (ICBL), NWC Review, GlobalSecurity.org Purpose: Comprehensive EOD reference for Chinese mine identification, hazard assessment, and clearance planning

SAFETY WARNING: This document is for IDENTIFICATION AND AWARENESS ONLY. It does NOT replace official EOD technical publications (60-series pubs, NAVEODFLTDIV, JODIC). Always refer to current TMs for render-safe procedures. When in doubt, withdraw and call higher.

PROLIFERATION NOTE: Chinese mines are the most widely proliferated mines on Earth. China has exported mines to 30+ countries across Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and South America. China's stockpile was estimated at 100+ million mines (Landmine Monitor), though China claimed <5 million in 2014. China has NOT signed the Ottawa Mine Ban Treaty and remains an active producer through NORINCO and Poly Technologies, Inc.

---

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Anti-Personnel Blast Mines

1. Type 72 (AP)
2. Type 72A
3. Type 72B
4. Type 72C
5. Type 69 (AP Blast)
6. Type 58 (AP Blast -- PMN Copy)
7. PPM-2 / Model 1989 (PMN-2 Copy)

Anti-Personnel Fragmentation Mines

1. Type 58 (Stake -- POMZ-2 Copy)
2. Type 59 (Stake -- POMZ-2M Copy)
3. Type 69 (Bounding Fragmentation)

Anti-Personnel Directional Mines

1. Type 66 Directional (Claymore Copy)
2. GLD-112 (Scatterable AP)

Anti-Vehicle Blast Mines

1. Type 72 AT (Metallic)
2. Type 72 AT (Non-Metallic)
3. Type 59 AT (TM-46 Copy)

Scatterable/Remotely-Delivered Mines

1. Type 84 (Scatterable AT -- EFP)

Naval Mines (Summary)

1. EM-52 / Te-1 (Rocket-Rising)
2. EM-11 (Bottom Influence)
3. EM-31 / EM-32 (Moored Contact/Influence)
4. EM-57 (Remote-Controlled)
5. Chinese Limpet Mines

Export Map

1. Countries with Chinese Mines

---

ANTI-PERSONNEL BLAST MINES

---

Type 72 (AP)

designation: "Type 72"
country_of_origin: "People's Republic of China"
manufacturer: "NORINCO / state arsenals"
year_introduced: ~1972
type: "AP blast (minimum metal)"
status: "In service; most proliferated Chinese mine worldwide"

Specifications

Fuze/Activation

• Type: Type 72 integral pressure fuze (mechanical)
• Arming: Safety pin removed; pressure on rubber inset drives striker down through spring mechanism
• Mechanism: Direct pressure on rubber inset compresses Belleville spring, drives firing pin into stab detonator
• Arming delay: Minimal -- armed upon pin removal

Anti-Handling/Anti-Lift Features

• Type 72 (original): NONE -- pure pressure-actuated
• WARNING: Type 72B and 72C variants ARE anti-handling equipped (see below)
• The three variants are EXTERNALLY NEAR-IDENTICAL; the safety pin shape is the ONLY distinguishing feature, and once removed, the mines cannot be visually differentiated

Self-Destruct/Self-Neutralization

• None -- mines remain active indefinitely

Color/Markings/Visual ID

• Body: Green plastic, cylindrical disc shape
• Top: Green rubber pressure inset (smooth, slightly raised center)
• Markings: Chinese characters on bottom; lot/date stamps (often absent on exports)
• Distinctive: Very small, flat, puck-shaped; almost entirely non-metallic

Commonly Confused With

• Type 72B / 72C -- IDENTICAL external appearance once safety pins removed
• South African NM-AP -- direct copy of Type 72
• Pakistani P4 Mk1 -- similar design lineage
• PMN -- completely different (much larger, bakelite, rubber dome)

EOD Hazard Warnings

• CRITICAL: Cannot distinguish Type 72 from Type 72B (electronic anti-handling) or Type 72C (anti-lift) without safety pin present
• TREAT ALL Type 72-family mines as potentially anti-handling equipped
• Minimum metal content means metal detector sweeps may miss this mine entirely
• Extremely sensitive (3 kg / 6.6 lbs) -- light footfall or probing can detonate
• "Toe-popper" class but 34-50g TNT is sufficient to destroy a foot and lower leg

Countries in Service / Conflicts

• Afghanistan, Angola, Cambodia, China, Eritrea, Iraq, Kurdistan (Iraqi), Kuwait, Lebanon, Mozambique, Namibia, Peru, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Thailand
• Copies produced: South Africa (NM-AP), Iran, Pakistan
• Used extensively in: Soviet-Afghan War (mujahideen via Chinese supply), Cambodian Civil War (Khmer Rouge), Sino-Vietnamese War (1979), Gulf War (Iraqi stockpiles), Sudanese Civil Wars, Horn of Africa conflicts

Mine Clearance Notes

• Detection: Near-zero metal signature; requires dual-sensor (GPR + metal) or prodding/probing
• Approach: Manual probing only; extreme care due to low activation pressure
• Key risk: Cannot differentiate from 72B/72C variants; treat ALL as anti-handling

---

Type 72A

designation: "Type 72A"
country_of_origin: "People's Republic of China"
year_introduced: ~1972 (variant)
type: "AP blast (minimum metal)"
status: "In service; encountered in field"

Specifications

Notes

• The Type 72A is often referenced as a designation variant of the original Type 72
• Some sources list "72A" as the base pressure-only model to distinguish it from the 72B and 72C
• Physically identical to the Type 72; same fuze, same performance
• The safety pin shape may differ slightly between production batches

---

Type 72B

designation: "Type 72B"
country_of_origin: "People's Republic of China"
year_introduced: ~1980s
type: "AP blast / boobytrap (electronic)"
status: "In service; the most commonly REPORTED Type 72 variant in the field"

Specifications

Fuze/Activation

• Type: ELECTRONIC fuze with pressure activation
• Arming: Delay-armed electronically after safety pin removal
• Mechanism: Ball-in-cage anti-disturbance mechanism; mine functions as BOOBYTRAP -- detonates if moved, tilted, or lifted
• Power: Two 3V batteries
• Trembler switch: Detects movement/vibration; any disturbance after arming triggers detonation

Anti-Handling/Anti-Lift Features

• YES -- INTEGRAL ANTI-HANDLING
• Ball-in-cage mechanism with electronic trembler
• Detonates upon ANY movement after arming
• Functions primarily as a boobytrap device, not just a pressure mine

Self-Destruct/Self-Neutralization

• YES -- THREE SELECTABLE SELF-DESTRUCT SETTINGS
• Self-destruct timer activated by side switch
• Settings are selectable before emplacement
• Battery life limits active period

Color/Markings/Visual ID

• Body: Green plastic -- IDENTICAL to Type 72/72A/72C once pin removed
• Safety pin: Different shape from Type 72/72C -- THIS IS THE ONLY EXTERNAL DIFFERENCE
• Side switch: Recessed; not visible without close inspection

EOD Hazard Warnings

• EXTREME HAZARD: Electronic anti-handling means ANY disturbance = detonation
• DO NOT PROBE, TOUCH, OR APPROACH unless positively identified and RSP is available
• The most commonly encountered Type 72 variant in the field
• Battery degradation over time may cause unpredictable behavior (spontaneous detonation or failure)
• Blow in place (BIP) is the recommended disposal method

---

Type 72C

designation: "Type 72C"
country_of_origin: "People's Republic of China"
year_introduced: ~1980s
type: "AP blast / boobytrap (mechanical)"
status: "In service"

Specifications

Fuze/Activation

• Type: MECHANICAL fuze with pressure activation and anti-lift
• Arming: Delay-armed mechanically after safety pin removal
• Mechanism: Functions BOTH as AP mine (pressure) AND boobytrap (anti-lift/tilt)
• Dual function: Activates on downward pressure (AP mode) OR upon lifting/tilting (boobytrap mode)

Anti-Handling/Anti-Lift Features

• YES -- MECHANICAL ANTI-LIFT
• Detonates when moved or lifted after arming
• Mechanical system (no batteries, no degradation-based failure)

Self-Destruct/Self-Neutralization

• None -- mechanical system remains active indefinitely

Color/Markings/Visual ID

• Body: Green plastic -- IDENTICAL to other Type 72 variants once pin removed
• Safety pin shape is the only external distinguishing feature

EOD Hazard Warnings

• EXTREME HAZARD: Anti-lift means DO NOT TOUCH or attempt to move
• REPORTED SENSITIVITY TO MAGNETIC MINE DETECTORS -- electromagnetic field from detectors may trigger detonation in some specimens
• This report, if true, makes conventional mine detection potentially lethal
• BIP is the recommended disposal method
• Mechanical anti-lift system does not degrade like batteries -- remains lethal indefinitely

---

Type 69 (AP Blast)

designation: "Type 69 (AP Blast)"
country_of_origin: "People's Republic of China"
year_introduced: ~1969
type: "AP blast (minimum metal)"
status: "In service; widely exported"
note: "NOT the same as Type 69 bounding fragmentation mine -- same designation, different mine"

Specifications

Notes

• The Type 69 AP blast mine is very similar to the Type 72 AP and Type 81 AP
• Some sources suggest these three designations (Type 69, 72, 81) may refer to essentially the same mine with different fuzes
• The Type 69 designation is also used for a completely different BOUNDING FRAGMENTATION mine (see below)
• Context (AP blast vs. bounding frag) is essential for identification

EOD Hazard Warnings

• Same minimum-metal detection challenges as Type 72
• Near-zero metal signature defeats conventional mine detectors
• Manual probing or dual-sensor detection required

---

Type 58 (AP Blast)

designation: "Type 58 (AP Blast)"
nickname: "Chinese PMN"
country_of_origin: "People's Republic of China"
soviet_equivalent: "PMN / PMN-1"
year_introduced: ~1958
type: "AP blast"
status: "Obsolete but widely encountered in contaminated countries"

Specifications

Fuze/Activation

• Type: Pressure-actuated integral fuze (identical mechanism to PMN)
• Arming: Ring-pull safety removed; spring-loaded striker held by wire cutting through lead strip (arming delay ~2-10 minutes)
• Mechanism: Pressure on rubber cap collapses bellows, driving striker into stab detonator

Visual ID vs Soviet PMN

Anti-Handling/Anti-Lift Features

• None integral -- but commonly booby-trapped from below in the field

Self-Destruct/Self-Neutralization

• None -- remains active indefinitely

EOD Hazard Warnings

• CRITICAL HANDLING HAZARD: Significant number of EOD/demining fatalities during Type 58 removal
• Sand jamming: Sand infiltrates between detonator/booster assembly and mine body over time; creates extreme sensitivity during handling
• Corroded fuze components in aged specimens create unpredictable sensitivity
• 240g TNT is devastating -- will destroy entire leg, often requiring above-knee amputation; severe injuries to adjacent limb
• Treat with same extreme caution as Soviet PMN; refer to PMN RSP but note cosmetic differences

Countries in Service / Conflicts

• Exported widely through Chinese military aid programs
• Found in: Afghanistan, Angola, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Mozambique, and other recipient nations of Chinese military assistance
• Commonly encountered alongside Soviet PMN in mixed minefields

---

PPM-2 / Model 1989

designation: "Model 1989 (Chinese copy of PPM-2)"
country_of_origin: "People's Republic of China (original: East Germany)"
original_design: "PPM-2 (East German)"
year_introduced: ~1989
type: "AP blast"
status: "In service; exported"

Specifications

Fuze/Activation

• Type: Piezoelectric fuze -- UNUSUAL mechanism
• Arming: Arming delay system activated upon emplacement
• Mechanism: Pressure generates piezoelectric charge that fires electric detonator
• Notable: Uncommon fuzing mechanism; different from most AP mines

Anti-Handling/Anti-Lift Features

• None integral on base model

Self-Destruct/Self-Neutralization

• None

Color/Markings/Visual ID

• Body: Black plastic
• Construction: Two halves screw together; rubber O-ring seal visible at seam
• Markings: Embossed on base (Chinese characters on Model 1989 variant)

Visual ID vs East German PPM-2

• Externally similar/identical in shape
• Chinese copy may have different markings (Chinese characters vs German)
• Black color retained from original design

EOD Hazard Warnings

• Piezoelectric fuze is sensitive and not well understood by all demining teams
• Standard PMN-type RSP does NOT apply -- different fuze mechanism
• Screw-together body may be corroded/seized in aged specimens

Countries in Service / Conflicts

• Original PPM-2 found in: Angola, Cambodia, Chad, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Lebanon, Mozambique, Namibia, Somalia
• Chinese Model 1989 copies exported to similar markets

---

ANTI-PERSONNEL FRAGMENTATION MINES

---

Type 58 (Stake)

designation: "Type 58 (Stake Mine)"
country_of_origin: "People's Republic of China"
soviet_equivalent: "POMZ-2"
year_introduced: ~1958
type: "AP fragmentation (stake-mounted, tripwire)"
status: "Obsolete but encountered in contaminated areas"
note: "DIFFERENT MINE from Type 58 AP blast (PMN copy) -- same designation, different weapon"

Specifications

Fuze/Activation

• Type: MUV-type pull fuze (Chinese copy) with tripwire
• Arming: Safety pin removed; tripwire attached to pull fuze ring
• Mechanism: Tripwire pull releases striker; striker impacts detonator

Lethal Radius

• Fatal: ~10 m
• Injury: ~20 m
• ~200 fragments of 1.0 g or more produced

Color/Markings/Visual ID

• Body: OD green or dark gray cast iron cylinder with visible fragment rows
• Distinctive: Cylindrical body with cast fragmentation grooves on wooden/plastic stake
• Very easy to copy -- dimensions and color may vary between production batches

Commonly Confused With

• Soviet POMZ-2 -- direct original; virtually identical
• Chinese Type 59 stake -- copy of POMZ-2M (5 rows vs 6 rows)
• North Korean copies -- also produced

EOD Hazard Warnings

• MUV-type fuze is extremely simple but can be very sensitive when aged
• Tripwire may be concealed in vegetation; wire corrosion can cause spontaneous actuation
• Cast iron body produces lethal fragmentation at close range
• Multiple mines commonly linked on a single tripwire line

---

Type 59 (Stake)

designation: "Type 59 (Stake Mine)"
country_of_origin: "People's Republic of China"
soviet_equivalent: "POMZ-2M"
year_introduced: ~1959
type: "AP fragmentation (stake-mounted, tripwire)"
status: "Obsolete but encountered"

Specifications

Fuze/Activation

• Type: Type 59 pull fuze (copy of MUV fuze) with tripwire
• Arming/Mechanism: Same as Type 58 stake mine

Lethal Radius

• Fatal: ~10 m
• Injury: ~20 m

Color/Markings/Visual ID

• Body: OD green cast iron
• Key difference from Type 58 stake: 5 rows of fragments (shorter body) vs 6 rows

Commonly Confused With

• Soviet POMZ-2M -- direct original; virtually identical
• Chinese Type 58 stake -- 6 rows vs 5 rows

---

Type 69 (Bounding)

designation: "Type 69 (Bounding Fragmentation)"
country_of_origin: "People's Republic of China"
soviet_equivalent: "OZM-3 (similar, but Type 69 is significantly smaller)"
year_introduced: ~1969
type: "AP bounding fragmentation (APBF)"
status: "In service; exported"
note: "NOT the same as Type 69 AP blast mine -- same designation, different mine"

Specifications

Fuze/Activation

• Type: Type 69 pressure/tripwire fuze
• Pressure sensitivity: 7-20 kg
• Tripwire pull: 1.5-4 kg (using MUV adaptor)
• Mechanism: Pressure or tripwire pull ignites propellant charge; mine body launched to ~0.5-1.5 m height; main charge detonates at waist/chest height

Bounding Characteristics

• Mine body propelled upward by small propellant charge
• Detonates at approximately waist to chest height (~0.5-1.5 m)
• 360-degree fragmentation pattern

Color/Markings/Visual ID

• Body: Olive drab (OD) green steel cylinder
• Distinctive: Small cylindrical body partially buried; tripwire prongs visible above ground
• Smaller than OZM-3 -- significantly more compact than Soviet equivalent

Commonly Confused With

• Soviet OZM-3 -- similar concept but OZM-3 is larger (75mm dia, 172mm height, 3.5 kg)
• Soviet OZM-4 -- also larger
• Soviet OZM-72 -- much larger (107mm dia)

EOD Hazard Warnings

• Bounding mines are ALWAYS high-hazard -- fragmentation at waist height is devastating
• Tripwire connections may be concealed; conduct thorough wire checks before approach
• Can be dual-fuzed (pressure AND tripwire simultaneously)
• High metal content = easy to detect but does not reduce lethality
• DO NOT pull tripwires; cut at mid-span away from mine

Countries in Service / Conflicts

• China, Vietnam (used during Sino-Vietnamese War), and various export recipients

---

ANTI-PERSONNEL DIRECTIONAL MINES

---

Type 66 Directional

designation: "Type 66 (Directional)"
nickname: "Chinese Claymore"
country_of_origin: "People's Republic of China"
us_equivalent: "M18A1 Claymore"
year_introduced: ~1966
type: "AP directional fragmentation"
status: "In service (PLA and export)"

Specifications

Fuze/Activation

• Primary: Command-detonated (electric blasting cap with detonating cord and hand-held firing device)
• Secondary: Can be rigged with tripwire pull fuze or pressure fuze for unattended use
• Mechanism: Electric impulse fires detonator; detonator initiates main charge; steel balls projected in directional cone

Visual ID vs US M18A1 Claymore

Anti-Handling/Anti-Lift Features

• None integral -- but when victim-activated (tripwire/pressure), functions as unattended hazard

Color/Markings/Visual ID

• Body: OD green plastic, curved rectangular
• Front face: Convex horizontally (to spread fragments), concave vertically (to control dispersion)
• Markings: Chinese characters raised on front face; may include lot/date info
• Legs: Scissor-type metal legs for aiming

EOD Hazard Warnings

• When command-detonated with wire leads visible, trace wire to firing position before approach
• When tripwire/pressure rigged, treat as victim-activated mine -- full clearance procedures
• 600 steel balls create devastating kill zone to front; back-blast zone extends 16 m
• Multiple mines may be daisy-chained for simultaneous detonation

Countries in Service / Conflicts

• PLA (standard issue), Vietnam (captured/supplied during Vietnam War era), various export recipients in Asia and Africa
• Used by Viet Cong during Vietnam War (designated DH-10 by Vietnamese)
• Encountered in Cambodia, Laos

---

GLD-112

designation: "GLD-112"
country_of_origin: "People's Republic of China"
year_introduced: ~1980s
type: "AP blast (scatterable)"
status: "In service"

Specifications

Fuze/Activation

• Type: Pressure-actuated via Belleville spring inversion
• Arming: Pyrotechnic delay arming after dispensing
• Mechanism: Pressure on plate inverts Belleville spring; spring snap drives firing pin into igniter; flash initiates detonator and main charge

Delivery Systems

• GBL330 (Type 1): Backpack dispenser -- 5 canister/launch tubes, 80 GLD-112 mines per pack
• GBL331 (Type 2): Man-portable single canister -- 30 GLD-112 mines
• GBL212BY rocket: 8 delivery canisters per rocket, 128 GLD-112 mines per rocket (16 mines per canister)
• Wide-area denial capability: Single rocket can contaminate large area with undetectable AP mines

Anti-Handling/Anti-Lift Features

• None documented

Self-Destruct/Self-Neutralization

• Unknown -- may have battery-powered self-destruct depending on variant

EOD Hazard Warnings

• EXTREME DETECTION HAZARD: ZERO metal content once armed; metal detectors are USELESS
• Designed for "nonlethal" lower-limb injuries -- but any blast mine to foot/leg causes severe trauma
• Scatterable deployment means mines are scattered randomly -- no pattern, no marking, no mapping
• Post-conflict clearance is extremely difficult and dangerous
• Requires dual-sensor (GPR + prodding) or area-denial approach

---

ANTI-VEHICLE BLAST MINES

---

Type 72 AT (Metallic)

designation: "Type 72 (AT Metallic)"
country_of_origin: "People's Republic of China"
soviet_equivalent: "Similar to TM-46"
year_introduced: ~1972
type: "AT blast (metallic)"
status: "In service; widely exported"

Specifications

Fuze/Activation

• Type: Central blast-resistant fuze (plastic cased)
• Arming: Safety clip removed; mine laid with fuze installed
• Mechanism: Vehicle wheel pressure on pressure plate transmits force to fuze; spring-loaded striker released into detonator
• Blast-resistant fuze: Designed to resist sympathetic detonation from adjacent blasts or mine-clearing charges

Anti-Handling/Anti-Lift Features

• Secondary fuze well on bottom or side allows installation of anti-lift device
• Can be booby-trapped with MUV-type pull fuze in secondary well

Self-Destruct/Self-Neutralization

• None -- remains active indefinitely

Color/Markings/Visual ID

• Body: OD green or tan painted sheet metal
• Pressure plate: Flat circular metal disc on top
• Distinctive: Similar to TM-46 in appearance but blast-resistant fuze is plastic-cased
• Size: Dinner-plate sized circular disc

Commonly Confused With

• Soviet TM-46 / TMN-46 -- similar size and shape; Type 72 has plastic fuze vs metal fuze on TM-46
• Type 72 Non-Metallic -- same designation but completely different construction
• Iranian YM-III -- copy of Type 72

EOD Hazard Warnings

• 5 kg explosive charge is devastating -- will destroy any wheeled vehicle, damage tracked vehicles
• Blast-resistant fuze may survive mine-clearing charges; verify detonation
• Check for anti-lift devices before any movement attempt
• Secondary fuze well = potential booby-trap; always check bottom

Countries in Service / Conflicts

• Deployed during Sino-Vietnamese War (1979) for road denial
• Supplied to Cambodian Khmer Rouge
• Supplied to Afghan mujahideen during Soviet-Afghan War
• Used in Sudanese Civil Wars (both government and SPLA forces)
• Copies: Iran (YM-III), South Africa

---

Type 72 AT (Non-Metallic)

designation: "Type 72 (AT Non-Metallic)"
country_of_origin: "People's Republic of China"
year_introduced: ~1972 (variant)
type: "AT blast (plastic, minimum metal)"
status: "In service; exported"

Specifications

Fuze/Activation

• Type: T-72 clear plastic-cased blast-resistant fuze
• Arming: Manual fuze installation and safety removal
• Mechanism: Pressure on flexible plastic pressure plate (~9 mm depression); pressure plate forces fuze casing to revolve and depress; two retaining balls fall away into groove; spring-loaded striker released into detonator, booster, and main charge
• Blast-resistant: Ball-and-groove retention system resists blast overpressure

Pressure Plate Design

• Slightly domed flexible plastic
• Raised 6-spoke wagon wheel pattern on top -- DISTINCTIVE visual identifier
• Telescopic carrying handle molded into bottom
• Large-diameter filler plug on side above handle position

Anti-Handling/Anti-Lift Features

• Secondary fuze well allows anti-lift device installation

Color/Markings/Visual ID

• Body: Green/tan plastic
• Top: 6-spoke wagon wheel pattern on domed pressure plate -- KEY IDENTIFIER
• Bottom: Molded telescopic carrying handle
• Side: Large filler plug

Commonly Confused With

• Type 69 AT (plastic) -- very similar; may be same mine with different fuze
• Type 81 AT (plastic) -- very similar; may be same mine with different fuze
• NOTE: Some sources state Type 69, 72, and 81 plastic AT mines are essentially the same mine body with different fuze assemblies

EOD Hazard Warnings

• CRITICAL: Near-zero metal content; metal detectors will NOT find this mine
• 5.4 kg explosive charge will kill vehicle occupants and destroy vehicle
• Blast-resistant fuze may survive mine-clearing charges
• Ball-and-groove fuze mechanism is delicate -- handle with extreme caution if RSP requires fuze removal
• Check for anti-lift devices in secondary fuze well

---

Type 59 AT

designation: "Type 59 (AT)"
country_of_origin: "People's Republic of China"
soviet_equivalent: "TM-46 / TMN-46"
manufacturer: "NORINCO / Poly Technologies, Inc."
year_introduced: ~1959
type: "AT blast (metallic)"
status: "Obsolete but still encountered; offered for export by NORINCO and Poly Technologies"

Specifications

Fuze/Activation

• Type: Pressure-actuated fuze with stepped pressure plate
• Arming: Two-pronged safety pin removed (pin acts as bridge/positive safety protecting diaphragm)
• Mechanism: Pressure crushes stepped pressure plate; collapsed diaphragm forces fuze housing down; spring compresses until retaining ball releases into cavity; spring-driven striker impacts detonator
• Secondary fuze well: Accepts MUV-type pull fuze for booby-trapping

Visual ID vs Soviet TM-46

Anti-Handling/Anti-Lift Features

• Secondary fuze well allows installation of MUV-type pull fuze for booby-trapping
• Can be stacked (mine-on-mine) to increase blast effect

EOD Hazard Warnings

• Direct copy of TM-46 -- TM-46 RSP procedures generally applicable
• Check secondary fuze well for anti-lift/booby-trap devices before any attempt to move
• 5.7 kg TNT will destroy any vehicle and kill occupants
• Aged specimens with corroded fuze components may be extremely sensitive

Countries in Service / Conflicts

• Offered for export by NORINCO and Poly Technologies
• Likely distributed to same customer base as other Chinese mine exports

---

SCATTERABLE / REMOTELY-DELIVERED MINES

---

Type 84 (Scatterable AT)

designation: "Type 84"
country_of_origin: "People's Republic of China"
year_introduced: ~1984
type: "AT scatterable (EFP / Misznay-Schardin effect)"
status: "In service; exported; confirmed used in Syria"

Specifications

Fuze/Activation Variants

Three variants exist:

1. Magnetic influence fuze -- triggered by vehicle magnetic signature passing over/near mine
2. Self-extending tilt rod fuze -- tilt rod deploys after landing; contact with vehicle actuates
3. Contact baffle fuze -- direct pressure/contact activation

Delivery System

• Primary: GBL212 122mm artillery rocket (Chinese system)
• Export: Type 122-15 ATML rocket
• Launcher: BM-21 Grad-type MRL (40-tube) or equivalent
• Mines per rocket: 6 Type 84 mines per rocket
• Range: ~6-7 km
• Delivery sequence: Time fuze on rocket opens at preset distance; mines ejected; small green parachutes slow descent; three-prong spike legs on each mine pierce ground and arm on impact

Self-Destruct

• YES -- SELECTABLE: 4 to 72 hours
• Self-destruct timer set before launch
• Intended to allow temporary area denial with automatic clearance

Anti-Handling/Anti-Lift Features

• Anti-disturbance features likely on magnetic influence variant
• Tilt rod variant will activate on disturbance of rod

Color/Markings/Visual ID

• Body: Cylindrical metal body with three spike legs (deployed)
• Parachute: Small green parachute may be visible nearby or draped over mine
• Tilt rod variant: Visible self-extending rod protruding upward after deployment
• On ground: Mine sits on three spike legs with warhead oriented upward

EOD Hazard Warnings

• EFP WARHEAD: Will penetrate 110mm RHA; lethal to any vehicle and personnel
• Self-destruct mechanism: May detonate at any time within self-destruct window
• If self-destruct timer has NOT expired, mine is both proximity-fuzed AND time-fuzed
• Magnetic influence variant may be triggered by approaching with metal tools/equipment
• Parachute or rocket debris may indicate Type 84 deployment in area
• BIP only -- do not attempt RSP on scatterable mines with self-destruct

Countries in Service / Conflicts

• Syria: Confirmed use -- Type 84 mines documented by ARES (Armament Research Services) in Syrian conflict
• China (PLA standard issue for area denial)
• Export customers unknown but likely include nations purchasing Chinese rocket artillery systems

---

NAVAL MINES (SUMMARY)

NOTE: Chinese naval mine inventory is extensive (~50,000-100,000 mines, 30+ varieties). This section covers key models relevant to EOD operations. For comprehensive naval mine data, refer to ONI and NSWC technical publications.

---

EM-52 / Te-1

designation: "EM-52 (export) / Te-1 (domestic)"
country_of_origin: "People's Republic of China"
developer: "710th Research Institute"
year_introduced: ~1987 (development completed)
type: "Rocket-propelled rising mine (anti-ship/anti-submarine)"
status: "In service; exported to Iran"

Specifications

Activation

• Detection: Passive acoustic and magnetic sensors detect approaching vessel
• Launch: Rocket motor fires when target detected; mine rises rapidly from seabed
• Engagement: Mine intercepts target vessel from below

EOD Hazard Warnings

• Rocket motor makes this mine EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS
• 140 kg HE warhead is a ship-killer
• Acoustic/magnetic sensors mean approach by any vessel (including MCM craft) may trigger launch
• Exported to Iran -- poses threat in Persian Gulf / Strait of Hormuz
• MCM operations against EM-52 require remote/unmanned systems

Countries in Service

• China (PLAN)
• Iran (exported, integrated into A2/AD strategy for Persian Gulf)

---

EM-11

designation: "EM-11"
country_of_origin: "People's Republic of China"
type: "Bottom influence mine"
status: "In service"

Notes

• Bottom-laid influence mine
• Uses magnetic, acoustic, or pressure sensors (or combination)
• Rests on seabed in relatively shallow water
• Limited open-source specifications available
• Part of China's extensive bottom mine inventory

---

EM-31 / EM-32

designation: "EM-31 / EM-32"
country_of_origin: "People's Republic of China"
type: "Moored mine (contact/influence)"
status: "In service"

Specifications

Notes

• Conventional moored mines limited to shallow/moderate depth waters
• Cables and simple detonation criteria make them relatively susceptible to conventional minesweeping once detected
• Represent older technology in Chinese naval mine inventory

EOD Hazard Warnings

• Moored mines may break free and drift -- creates uncharted hazard
• Contact horns on older variants contain acid-filled glass vials (galvanic cell)
• Corrosion of mooring cable/chain over time creates drift hazard

---

EM-57

designation: "EM-57"
country_of_origin: "People's Republic of China"
type: "Remote-controlled mine (submarine-launched)"
status: "In service"

Specifications

Notes

• Submarine delivery allows covert minelaying in contested waters
• Remote control allows activation/deactivation -- enables mines to be "turned off" during friendly transits
• Represents advanced Chinese mine warfare capability
• Limited open-source specifications available

---

Chinese Limpet Mines

designation: "Various / SPM-series"
country_of_origin: "People's Republic of China"
type: "Diver-placed limpet mine (anti-ship)"
status: "In service; exported"

Notes

• China produces several models of magnetically-attached limpet mines for combat swimmer / diver operations
• Designed to be placed on ship hulls below waterline by combat swimmers
• Typically use magnetic hold-fast devices and timer/command fuzes
• Exported to various nations
• Limited open-source specifications on specific models
• EOD relevance: post-blast investigation on damaged vessels; harbor security operations

---

COUNTRIES WITH CHINESE MINES

Confirmed Countries Where Chinese Mines Have Been Found or Deployed

Africa (14+ countries)

Middle East (6+ countries)

Southeast Asia (6+ countries)

South Asia (2+ countries)

South America (1+ countries)

Producers of Chinese Mine Copies

Naval Mine Exports

---

Summary Statistics

• Total countries with confirmed Chinese mine contamination: 30+
• Most proliferated mine: Type 72 AP family (estimated 100 million produced)
• Largest stockpile holder: China (claimed <5 million; external estimates 100+ million)
• Primary manufacturers: NORINCO (China North Industries Corporation), Poly Technologies, Inc.
• Treaty status: China has NOT signed the Ottawa Mine Ban Treaty (1997)
• Production status: China remains an active or potential producer of AP and AT mines

---

Source Citations