Zimbabwean deminers keep the Falklands safe Amongst the Falkland Islands' 3,400 population can be found a surprising community of around 100 Zimbabweans. They're the expert deminers clearing the 25,000 mines laid by Argentine troops during their 74-day occupation of the islands in 1982. The deminers have had to face a significant cultural change, far from their families, and the harsh weather conditions have made their adjustment particularly tricky.