The demand for fast and affordable accommodation in Africa’s mining sector is increasing, especially for temporary workforce housing often referred to as “man camps” in remote locations. Modular construction is thus emerging as a cost-effective solution to meet these accommodation needs.
Mining projects are generally set up wherever valuable minerals or resources are located, often in areas lacking the necessary infrastructure or accommodation nearby to support the project. This is where modular construction solutions come in.
Not only can modular buildings be shipped to a site quickly – for instance, 14 units can typically be transported in a single container – but a site can be fully operational within three to six months. On the contrary, a traditional brick-and-mortar construction project of similar scale would usually take about two to three years.
Furthermore, the ease and speed with which modular housing units can be relocated makes this an ideal solution for remote locations such as the Lumwana mine in Zambia, and Palma, in Mozambique, where major projects are currently underway.
Additionally, modular camps can be expanded as required, and if the client rents the units from a modular construction company, it eliminates the need to allocate capex from the project. The modular company will also be able to remove the rented units at the end of the project period. This is particularly beneficial in mining, where there is often a construction phase with a fluctuating workforce. The client can provide a histogram of their anticipated staffing needs and accommodation can be scaled accordingly.
Structures of any size
One of the key benefits of modular construction is scalability. Units can be added or removed as needed and structures of any size can essentially be constructed, such as a dining room for 100, 200 or even 1,000 people.
Because mining projects are often situated in remote areas with little or no road infrastructure, transporting building materials to these sites can be particularly challenging. With modular construction, project owners can easily side-step these challenges.
Due to the adaptability of modular buildings, it is possible to construct anything from executive accommodation with en-suite bedrooms to housing for supervisors, managers, labourers and artisans. This contributes to the comfort and functionality of living environments for workers in remote mining areas across Africa.
Pre-designed modular options are ideally suited for the accommodation camp market, allowing construction companies to essentially meet specific client requirements. Typically, rooms are comfortable and fully functional – once set up, they come fully fitted with plumbing, toilets, basins and showers. It’s essentially like a brick-and-mortar building but constructed much faster.
The ability to quickly assemble and stack modular units can also have a positive impact on the overall efficiency of mining operations; and because accommodation can be up and running quickly, the mine can start operations as soon as possible.
Financial flexibility
While some mines have a long lifespan, other projects have a huge ramp-up phase in the beginning, requiring a lot of accommodation. However, once fully operational, they may no longer require so many units. Given that modular buildings can be rented, units can be removed, and rental costs lowered, providing the project with the type of financial flexibility that brick-and-mortar construction cannot match.
From a sustainability perspective, modular construction does not require concrete to be poured into the ground. At the end of a project, when mine rehabilitation is required, the land can be restored to its original state and modular units can simply be picked up and removed, without leaving behind a concrete foundation. This results in very little impact on the ground, leaving virtually no footprint.
Ultimately, the mining industry cannot operate without modular building solutions, which is a very unique product that can be transported rapidly and cost-effectively. This makes the landed cost of the asset sensible for clients, whether they choose to rent or purchase the units. Modular construction solutions are expected to continue growing and improving, only getting better over time.
[Karen Olivier, Business Manager at Waco Modular]
