Abstract: A passive magnetic detection and discrimination system and method having at least one sensing structure with a plurality of magnetic inductive sensors arranged on a rigid framework; at least one screening area defined by one or more sensing structures, including a plurality of magnetic inductive sensors structured to respond to a magnetized object passing thereby; and a processor and a memory operatively connected to the plurality of sensors and configured to receive data corresponding to amplitude waveforms created in each of the plurality of sensors by the magnetized object. Based on characteristic waveforms, the system detects and discriminates the magnetized object, alternatively or in addition the system utilizes an artificial intelligence or machine learning module to improve identification of a magnetized object based on the characteristic waveforms created by the magnetized object.