Chinese Type 59 Anti-Personnel Mine

Overview

The Type 59 is a Chinese-manufactured anti-personnel blast mine that represents one of the People’s Republic of China’s most widely produced and exported landmine designs. Based on Soviet mine technology transferred during the Sino-Soviet alliance period, the Type 59 is a pressure-activated blast mine designed to inflict incapacitating injuries to personnel. Its simple, robust construction and low manufacturing cost made it one of the most proliferated mine types globally during the late 20th century.

Country/Bloc of Origin

  • Country of Origin: People’s Republic of China
  • Development Period: Late 1950s (adopted 1959)
  • Design Basis: Derived from Soviet PMN-series mine technology
  • International Distribution: Extensively exported worldwide; encountered on every continent in various conflicts
  • Production Facilities: Multiple state arsenals throughout China
  • Export History: One of the most widely exported Chinese mine types, supplied to numerous nations and non-state actors

Ordnance Class

  • Type: Anti-Personnel Mine
  • Subtype: Blast mine (pressure-activated)
  • Primary Role: Area denial, defensive perimeter protection, route interdiction
  • Delivery Method: Hand-emplaced or mechanically scattered
  • Activation Type: Pressure-initiated

Ordnance Family/Nomenclature

  • Official Designation: Type 59 (中国59式地雷)
  • Alternative Designations:
    • Type 59 Anti-Personnel Mine
    • 59式反步兵地雷
  • Related Variants:
    • Type 58: Earlier variant with minor differences
    • Type 69: Later development with plastic body
    • Type 72: Significantly different design (bounding mine)
  • Comparison to Soviet Designs:
    • Functionally similar to PMN series
    • Shares design philosophy with PMD-6 family
  • Export Names: May be encountered under various designations depending on recipient country

Hazards

Primary Hazards
  • Blast Effect: Primary kill mechanism; designed to cause traumatic amputation and severe lower extremity injuries
  • Fragmentation: Limited; casing may produce secondary fragments but blast is primary effect
  • Soil/Debris Projection: Explosive force propels surrounding material, contributing to wound contamination
Sensitivity Considerations
  • Pressure Sensitivity: Typically requires 5-15 kg (11-33 lbs) of pressure for activation
  • Mechanical Reliability: Simple fuze mechanism is generally reliable but degradation increases sensitivity
  • Environmental Effects: Waterlogging, temperature extremes, and soil chemistry can affect fuze function unpredictably
Danger Areas
  • Lethal Radius: Direct contact (standing or stepping on mine)
  • Injury Radius: 1-2 meters for secondary injuries from blast and debris
  • Characteristic Injuries: Traumatic amputation of foot/lower leg, severe soft tissue damage, blast lung
UXO Considerations
  • Extremely difficult to detect due to low metal content in many variants
  • Casing degradation can expose explosive to environmental factors
  • Fuze mechanism may become more sensitive with age
  • May be booby-trapped with anti-lift devices in tactical deployments
  • Plastic-cased variants present significant detection challenges
Special Hazards
  • Some variants constructed primarily of plastic/bakelite, complicating metal detector clearance
  • Explosive charge remains effective for decades under proper conditions
  • Minefields may contain mix of mine types and densities

Key Identification Features

Physical Dimensions
  • Diameter: Approximately 79-82mm (3.1-3.2 inches)
  • Height: Approximately 40-45mm (1.6-1.8 inches)
  • Total Weight: Approximately 170-200g (6-7 oz)
Shape and Profile
  • Cylindrical, low-profile disc shape
  • Flat bottom with slightly raised pressure plate on top
  • Distinctive circular form when viewed from above
Color and Markings
  • Standard Colors:
    • Olive green or dark green (most common)
    • Black or dark brown (some variants)
    • Tan/sand (desert variants)
  • Markings: Chinese characters indicating model, lot number, date of manufacture
  • Pressure Plate: May be slightly different color than body
Material Composition
  • Body: Bakelite, plastic, or metal depending on variant
  • Pressure Plate: Rubber or plastic membrane over striker mechanism
  • Internal Components: Metal striker, spring, and detonator
Distinctive Features
  • Low, disc-like profile designed to be flush with ground surface
  • Rubber or plastic pressure plate with visible texture
  • Seam line around circumference where top and bottom sections join
  • Small hole(s) for fuze well or arming mechanism
  • Chinese characters or numerals stamped or molded into casing

Fuzing Mechanisms

Fuze Type
  • Integral Pressure Fuze: Self-contained mechanical pressure-activated fuze
  • Striker Mechanism: Spring-loaded striker held by pressure plate
Arming Sequence
  1. Safety clip or pin removed from fuze mechanism
  2. Mine is placed in prepared hole with pressure plate facing up
  3. Mine is covered with thin layer of soil/debris
  4. Arming delay (if present) expires
  5. Mine is now sensitive to pressure on plate
Safety Features
  • Removable safety pin or clip prevents striker release during transport
  • Some variants include additional transport safety devices
  • Safety mechanism typically painted or marked for visibility
Triggering Methods
  • Primary: Direct pressure on pressure plate
  • Pressure from foot, vehicle tire, or heavy object compresses plate
  • Striker is released when plate deforms beyond retention threshold
  • Striker impacts detonator, initiating main charge
Operating Pressure
  • Activation typically requires 5-15 kg (11-33 lbs)
  • Designed to activate under weight of human foot
  • Some variants have adjustable pressure settings
Anti-Handling Devices
  • May be emplaced with separate anti-lift fuze beneath mine
  • Tripwire attachments possible with modified fuzing
  • Multiple mines may be linked with sympathetic detonation cord

History of Development and Use

Development Background

The Type 59 was developed during the period of close Sino-Soviet cooperation in the late 1950s. Chinese engineers adapted Soviet mine technology, particularly drawing from the PMN and PMD family designs, to create a domestically producible anti-personnel mine. The designation “Type 59” reflects its adoption year of 1959, following Chinese military nomenclature conventions.

Production History

China established large-scale production of the Type 59 across multiple state arsenals. The mine’s simple design and low material cost made it economical to produce in enormous quantities. Production continued for decades, with various improvements and variants introduced over time.

Export and Proliferation

The Type 59 became one of China’s most exported landmine types. Chinese foreign policy during the Cold War period included extensive arms transfers to revolutionary movements and aligned governments. The mine was supplied to:

  • Southeast Asian nations (Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos)
  • African liberation movements and governments
  • Middle Eastern countries
  • South American and Central American groups
  • Various non-state actors globally
Notable Conflicts
  • Vietnam War: Used extensively by North Vietnamese forces and Viet Cong
  • Cambodian-Vietnamese War: Major UXO contamination source
  • Angolan Civil War: Widely deployed by multiple factions
  • Mozambican Civil War: Significant contributor to mine contamination
  • Afghan Conflicts: Present among various factions’ arsenals
  • Iran-Iraq War: Used by both belligerents
  • Numerous African conflicts: Found across the continent
Current Status
  • Production: China ceased landmine exports in the 1990s-2000s; current production status unclear
  • Stockpiles: Remain in numerous national arsenals worldwide
  • UXO Threat: Major humanitarian concern in Southeast Asia, Africa, and other regions
  • Ottawa Treaty: China is not a signatory; stockpiles likely remain substantial
  • Demining Efforts: Type 59 is a primary target of humanitarian demining operations in affected countries
Humanitarian Impact

The Type 59’s widespread distribution has contributed significantly to the global landmine crisis. Its low metal content makes detection difficult, and its longevity means mines emplaced decades ago remain lethal. Humanitarian demining organizations encounter Type 59 mines regularly in clearance operations across Asia and Africa.

Technical Specifications

SpecificationValue
Total Weight170-200g (6-7 oz)
Diameter79-82mm (3.1-3.2 inches)
Height40-45mm (1.6-1.8 inches)
Explosive FillTNT or Tetryl
Explosive WeightApproximately 75-110g (2.6-3.9 oz)
Casing MaterialBakelite, plastic, or metal
Operating Pressure5-15 kg (11-33 lbs)
Operating Temperature-30°C to +55°C (-22°F to +131°F)
Metal ContentLow (detection difficult in plastic variants)
Shelf Life10+ years under proper storage; remains functional for decades
DetectabilityDifficult with standard metal detectors (plastic variants)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the Type 59 considered one of the most problematic mines for humanitarian demining? A: The Type 59 presents exceptional challenges for humanitarian demining due to several factors. Its low metal content (particularly in plastic-cased variants) makes detection with conventional metal detectors extremely difficult. The mine was produced in enormous quantities and exported globally, meaning it contaminates many countries. Its simple, robust design allows it to remain functional for decades, and it was often laid without records or marking. Finally, its pressure fuze remains effective long after deployment, creating persistent danger.

Q: How does the Type 59 relate to Soviet mine designs? A: The Type 59 emerged from the period of Sino-Soviet technological cooperation in the 1950s. Chinese engineers adapted Soviet mine technology, drawing particularly from the PMN and PMD family concepts, to create a domestically producible design. The result shares functional similarities with Soviet mines—particularly the pressure-activated blast mechanism and low-profile disc shape—while incorporating Chinese manufacturing methods and materials. This technological lineage reflects the broader pattern of Warsaw Pact weapons technology transfer during this period.

Q: What types of injuries does the Type 59 typically cause? A: The Type 59 is designed to cause incapacitating blast injuries rather than death. Typical injuries include traumatic amputation of the foot and lower leg, severe soft tissue damage to the lower extremities, penetrating fragments from shoe material and soil debris, blast lung from pressure wave effects, and wound contamination from soil bacteria. Many survivors face lifelong disability, multiple surgeries, and significant rehabilitation needs. The psychological impact on survivors and affected communities is also substantial.

Q: Can the Type 59 be detected with standard mine detectors? A: Detection depends significantly on the variant. Metal-bodied variants can be detected with standard metal detectors, though the small metal content produces weak signals. Plastic and bakelite variants contain minimal metal (typically just the striker pin and detonator components), making them extremely difficult to detect with conventional equipment. Modern ground-penetrating radar and dual-sensor systems improve detection rates, but the Type 59 remains challenging even with advanced equipment. This detection difficulty significantly increases demining time and cost.

Q: Why did China export the Type 59 so extensively? A: China’s extensive export of the Type 59 reflected Cold War era foreign policy objectives. Providing military equipment, including mines, to revolutionary movements and aligned governments was a tool of international influence. The Type 59’s low production cost made it economical for large-scale provision. Additionally, landmines were viewed as equalizers for militarily weaker forces, making them attractive for asymmetric conflicts. Chinese policy shifted in later decades, with exports declining significantly by the 1990s-2000s.

Q: How should the Type 59 be treated if encountered in the field? A: If a suspected Type 59 is encountered, stop movement immediately and do not approach. The mine may be armed and sensitive. Carefully withdraw along your approach path, watching for additional mines. Mark the location if possible without approaching the device. Report the finding to qualified EOD or humanitarian demining personnel. Never attempt to touch, move, or neutralize the mine. Maintain a safe distance (minimum 25 meters) until qualified personnel arrive. Assume the surrounding area may contain additional hazards.

Q: What variants of the Type 59 exist? A: Several variants of the Type 59 have been documented, differing primarily in casing material and minor construction details. Early variants used metal casings, while later production shifted to bakelite and plastic to reduce detectability and production costs. Color schemes vary based on intended deployment environment. Some variants include modified fuze mechanisms or adjusted pressure sensitivity. Related Chinese mines (Type 58, Type 69) share similar concepts but represent distinct designs. The core blast mechanism and general configuration remain consistent across variants.

Q: How does the Type 59 compare to other widely proliferated blast mines? A: The Type 59 shares characteristics with other widely proliferated blast mines like the Soviet PMN, Italian VS-50, and various other pressure-activated designs. All use similar pressure-fuze concepts and produce comparable blast injuries. The Type 59’s distinguishing features include its specific Chinese origin, extensive global distribution through Cold War-era exports, and variants with very low metal content. In terms of humanitarian impact, it ranks among the most significant mine types due to its numbers and geographic spread, alongside the PMN, PMD-6, and VS-50.

SAFETY NOTICE: This lesson is intended for educational purposes in support of EOD training, humanitarian demining operations, and military ordnance recognition. All ordnance should be treated as dangerous until rendered safe by qualified personnel.