In providing prefabricated and modular buildings, modular buildings manufacturer Kwikspace has completed various installations at several mining operations in South Africa, where such buildings were required for mine site classrooms, training facilities, induction centres and offices.

One of the most recent of such orders involved the delivery of five modular buildings, which will be used as classrooms for a mine’s education programmes, says Kwikspace COO Roberto Campos.

“All of the classrooms were delivered within a week from date of the order,” he enthuses.

This is indicative of the company’s ability to supply durable modular buildings in a short period, consequently enabling mining operations to meet tight deadlines for education and training programmes.

Mobile classrooms on offer from Kwikspace are constructed at one of the company’s controlled-environment facilities, and are then transported to a mining operation, for installation without too much site preparation.

This reduces the costs and workforce required for the on-site construction of buildings, which is likely to benefit the mining operation, adds Campos.

Additionally, the mobile classroom buildings are fully relocatable, making it easy for the company or a mine’s on-site personnel to move modular buildings according to a mine’s requirements.

The mobile classrooms are unique in that they are “eternally versatile”, notes Campos, adding that this depends on the requirements of a mining operation, with the design and flexibility of the mobile unit being customisable long after the modular building has been established and installed.

Kwikspace’s modular buildings are manufactured using durable materials that can withstand harsh environments, and are compliant with the health, safety and quality standards of many mining operations, he says.

Built Strong

The ceilings and walls of the company’s modular buildings are made from Chromadek steel, which encapsulates the structural insulated panels.

The panels are engineered to a 40-mm-thick layer of polyurethane foam, and are joined using a male and female joint, offering optimal strength and the ability to withstand heavy rains.

The panels, regardless of customisation specifications, are equipped with a simple design, offering enhanced structural strength over the full width of the panel. They also assist in reducing the amount of energy used to control the climate within, owing to its thermal efficiency.

However, the units can be equipped with heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems, depending on customer requirements and the environment.

“The buildings provide a comfortable learning environment, and when required, we often include HVAC for improved conditions,” notes Campos.

Kwikspace also offers a variety of modular units for other purposes, including accommodation facilities, ablutions, change-houses, control rooms and offices.

“We have provided many buildings to various mines for training facilities and other facilities . . . [and] often keep classrooms in stock . . .” he concludes.