Neutron backscattering was selected as a promising new method for the detec
tion of landmines. With this technique, a Cf-252 source and a thermal neutr
on detector are used. Fast neutrons from the Californium source are better
moderated by the landmine, especially plastic mines, than in the surroundin
g soil. This leads to an increase in the number of reflected thermal neutro
ns above the mine. Results from experimental trials with the Delft Universi
ty Neutron Backscattering Landmine Detector (DUNBLAD) are presented and com
pared with results from Monte Carlo simulations. The limitations of this me
thod and the radiation dose for the user are investigated. Based on these r
esults, a new portable prototype detector is presented.