Modular construction units are highly beneficial for the various construction processes at a mining operation, and can prove to be cost-efficient, easily moveable and easy to set up – making it an ideal solution with various purposes during construction processes, according to modular construction solutions company WACO Modular.

Mining operations require efficient and optimised solutions for construction processes, making it necessary to consider more modern solutions that make such processes seamless and adjustable.

In this regard, WACO Modular offers various modular units – customised to withstand the unique terrain and environment of a client’s location, as well as the climate of Africa – to the local mining sector.

The factory-manufactured units can be delivered to site, reducing on-site disruption, while robust and easily moveable converted containers are useful when having to set up a mobile site office quickly before, during or after a mine’s construction, says WACO Modular MD Gerhard Britz.

“Different types of modular units are suited to specific types of applications, catering to the unique needs of various industries. For instance, converted containers serve as instant, ready-to-use smart offices that are cost-effective, secure and durable. “These units come with pre-installed furnishings in various configurations, allowing for immediate occupancy,” he explains.

For example, the EzeeSpace is a modular unit that can be used for ablution facilities for construction workers during the construction of a mine and for mineworkers during a mine’s daily operations. The units can also be converted into office space, kitchens or lunchrooms.

The company also offers Ezee Camp –a turnkey accommodation solution for mining clients.

These units can be assembled or stacked to form a two- or three-storey building, which can include a kitchen, ablution facilities and a laundromat, depending on client requirements.

The unit’s ability to be easily relocated is also a major benefit for mining companies that are constantly establishing new operations in their exploration and development endeavours.

Therefore, existing or older modular units can be moved to new mining sites, eliminating the need for the construction of new infrastructure, which could prove time-consuming and costly.

WACO says its modular construction solutions assist mining clients with cost efficiency and quick infrastructure establishment, as the units do not require on-site construction, and can be built to the specific requirements of a mining operation.

“These units can be configured to meet current and future space requirements, with a spacious 2.53 m ceiling height and a range of sizes from 3 m × 3 m, to any configuration such as 3 m × 6 m, 3 m × 9 m, 6 m × 12 m . . .”.

As the construction industry continues to evolve, Britz says that embracing modular construction could be key to meeting the growing demands for sustainable, efficient and high-quality buildings in the mining industry.