Codan Opens MDS-20 Dual-Sensor Countermine Detector Production Line in South Australia

MAWSON LAKES, South Australia – South Australia’s Defence and Space Industries Assistant Minister Michael Brown has opened the production line for the MDS-20 Dual-Sensor Countermine Detector at Codan’s headquarters in Mawson Lakes. The system, designed by Minelab (a Codan company), combines metal detection with ground-penetrating radar to enhance mine and IED detection for military and humanitarian operations.

Production Launch Highlights Local Defence Technology Capability

Minister Michael Brown presided over the ribbon-cutting at Codan’s Mawson Lakes facility, underscoring the state’s growing role in sovereign defence technology and export-ready manufacturing.

Minister Brown said: “Codan is a great example of South Australian innovation and its global impact, all made possible through local engineering, local high-tech experts, right here in Mawson Lakes.

“This production line will save lives, not only those of the defence personnel using the MDS-20 detector, but also of Minelab’s international defence and humanitarian customers using this homegrown capability to protect their own communities.”

Advanced Dual-Sensor Detection for Military and Humanitarian Use

The MDS-20 integrates metal detection and ground-penetrating radar (GPR), enabling operators to locate low-metal landmines, plastic explosives, and complex improvised explosive devices (IEDs) across diverse soil types and challenging ground conditions.

The new detector builds on Minelab’s established portfolio, including the F3 humanitarian demining detector, and is intended for deployment in both defence and humanitarian demining missions.

Executive Commentary

Codan managing director and CEO Alf Ianniello said: “The MDS-20 represents the next evolution of Australian innovation, designed, engineered and manufactured by our team in Mawson Lakes for customers around the world.”

Codan’s Growth and Global Reach

Codan has expanded significantly over the past four years, growing from 250 to 1,000 employees, and now exports to more than 150 countries. The company supplies detection and communications equipment to defence forces, public safety organisations, and humanitarian agencies worldwide.

Key Capabilities at a Glance

• Dual-sensor technology: Metal detection plus ground-penetrating radar for improved accuracy.
• Versatile threat detection: Locates low-metal mines, plastic explosives, and complex IED components.
• All-terrain performance: Designed to operate reliably across varied soil types and conditions.
• Operational contexts: Military route clearance and humanitarian demining.

Conclusion: Strengthening Global Demining Efforts

The opening of Codan’s MDS-20 production line in Mawson Lakes marks a notable scaling of Australian-made countermine technology for defence and humanitarian users. With expanded manufacturing and a global export footprint, Codan and Minelab are positioned to support international partners seeking advanced, life-saving demining and IED detection capabilities.