While modular buildings offer mines a camp solution that can be rapidly deployed and established, modular building providers can encounter various challenges, such as logistical challenges for sites in remote areas and fluctuating product demand, requiring unique strategies, reports solutions provider Waco Modular business manager Karen Olivier.

Transport is often the most time-consuming factor, depending on the location of the site, she says, adding however that Waco Modular overcomes the challenge of transporting modular units to remote mining sites by employing a flexible logistics strategy.

The company offers a wide variety of modular products, including a special solution that allows for 252 m2 of buildings to be shipped in a single 12.12 m shipping container.

This solution is particularly beneficial for remote or cross-border locations, where reducing transport volume is key, Olivier explains.

In these cases, although the buildings have to be assembled on site, the solution significantly reduces logistical complexity.

For sites closer to Waco Modular’s factories, units are delivered fully assembled, which can then be connected to various building services, such as water, sewerage and electricity, upon arrival and can be ready for occupation within a few hours.

In South Africa, Olivier explains that Waco works with transporters that are capable of delivering fully assembled units, including the services of offloading and levelling of modular buildings on site.

These transporters are also capable of assisting with on site tasks, such as stacking buildings or assembling multi-unit structures, depending on the solution provided.

However, because most of the pre- assembled units are typically 3 m wide, not all transporters are suitable; therefore, Waco Modular primarily uses its internal fleet where possible and works with carefully vetted external logistics providers, with proven industry experience, if required.

Quick Deployment
Waco Modular can mobilise small mining camps rapidly, sometimes within a few days from the order being placed, particularly if the client has an existing account and units can be drawn from the company’s extensive rental fleet, says Olivier.

As an example, she cites a 50-person camp in KwaZulu-Natal that was fully operational within three weeks of order placement.

For larger and long-term projects, Waco Modular may opt to build new units, citing the example of a recent project that entailed a 719-person camp intended for use over a five-year period, which involved a six-month mobilisation period. The mobilisation timeframe excluded site preparation, which must be completed prior to the building’s arrival.

“We usually prefer that the client manages the site preparation; however, we do offer a turnkey solution, including site preparation if required,” she says.

In terms of order placing and enquiries, Waco Modular works closely with clients from the quoting phase to ensure the project’s accommodation needs are met throughout its lifecycle. Clients provide a workforce histogram, which Waco Modular integrates into its cost model.

The company also offers a flexible rental model that can be customised to suit the specific needs of each client, including full turnkey accommodation solutions. This model includes the supply of modular buildings, such as accommodation units and support structures, such as kitchens, laundries and stores, as well as communal facilities such as dining and recreational areas.

Olivier explains that renting units allows for flexibility, enabling camps to scale up or down in line with workforce fluctuations, which helps reduce costs and ensures clients pay only for what they need.

In addition to the infrastructure, Waco Modular also provides building furniture, linen, equipment, signage and emergency items such as fire extinguishers.

The company can also supply the camp management services, which includes services such as health and safety provisions, catering, cleaning, laundry and asset management.

Maintenance of the structures is also included in the rental model, which enables clients to focus on their core work, while Waco Modular takes care of camp management.

Communal spaces such as dining halls, recreation rooms and training centres are also scalable, with multiple units being able to be joined to cater for groups ranging from five to 500 people.

Additional structures such as clinics, guard huts, convenience stores and storage areas are also available.

All buildings come standard with air conditioning, blinds and other value-added items.