MECHEM had its origins as the Applied Chemistry Unit (ACU) of the CSIR (Counsel for Scientific and Industrial Research of South Africa) tasked with research and development of mechanical and chemical solutions to defence related problems giving way to the name MECHEM.

The cessation of the border war in the 1980’s saw MECHEM changing its focus from largely R&D to demining and started commercial demining in 1991. MECHEM is a subsidiary of Denel (Pty) Ltd and wholly owned by South African government.

MECHEM, a world leader in creating a safer environment through providing cost effective:
•	Mine Action Services
•	Battle Area Clearance Solutions
•	Contraband Detection Services
•	Mine Protection Vehicles
•	Ancilliary Equipment
•	Training