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 global leader in creating a safer world, through providing continuous quality:-
•	Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) Clearance Solutions
•	Specialized Canine Products and Services
•	Mine Protected Vehicles
•	Ancillary Equipment
•	Related Skills Development