LAOS has set a target of clearing landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) on an area stretching 10,000ha this year.
This was revealed by the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) following its annual meeting to outline its work plan this year, according to The Laotian Times.
Labour and Social Welfare Minister Khampheng Saysompheng and the NRA board chairman Chomyaeng Phengthongsawath were among those in attendance.
Khampheng said a combined total area of 111,196ha remain classified as hazardous from UXO threats while thus far, 60,190ha have been cleared.
Chomyaeng said the NRA will coordinate with UXO clearance organisations this year to carry out surveys in 1,106 villages to remove and destroy UXO on 10,000ha of land.
He added the organisation will continue its victim assistance programme and campaigns on awareness of UXOs and risk education in target areas.
Since 1996, there have been 251 deaths and 962 injuries from UXO related cases in Laos, according the NRA.
Some two million tonnes of explosives were dropped by the US on Laos between 1965 and 1973 during the Indochina War.
This includes 270 million cluster bombs designed to break up and release a payload of smaller bombs.
UXOs are a hindrance to economic and social development as well as hazardous on land, which could otherwise be used for agriculture, industry, tourism and infrastructure.
Tests conducted in the US have found that cluster munitions have a failure rate of up to 30 per cent, meaning a large amount of unexploded devices likely still remain in Laos.