Top 10: Modular Mining Construction Companies

Mining is an exacting industry that usually takes place in remote and often inhospitable environments. It can be tough on equipment, facilities and people. This makes modular buildings ideal for this type of environment.

Fully self-contained structures can arrive on-site ready for the most demanding conditions. These provide instant heavy-duty infrastructure for mine operators that are designed to be as secure and functional as a site-built structure, but that can be operational in less than a day. Plus, they can be moved when a mine expands, or moves to another site.

Modular construction also helps reduce costs and also improves sustainability. The approach – which involves manufacturing building components in factories before transportation to mine sites – also helps ease pressure on construction timelines.

The following are some of the leading modular construction companies whose markets include the mining sector. Companies are ranked by market capitalisation. Where privately owned, annual revenue is stated.

10 Prefabex

Revenue: $5.9mn
Country: Turkey

Prefabex, established in 2016, is a design-build prefabricated building company and a direct manufacturer of modular buildings catering to diverse sectors such as schools, healthcare, commercial, and government projects. Its modular buildings are used for mining camps because they can be tailored to fit the size of the workforce, provide necessary amenities and adapt to the conditions of the site. Whether it's for living spaces, offices or specialised facilities, its modular buildings can be shaped to the requirements of a mining operation.

09 Ausco

Revenue: US$154mn
Country: Australia
Ausco provides infrastructure to support remote mining sites. "Our national footprint in the mining and energy sector, allows us to work with major companies, while also supporting the smaller organisations in the industry," it says.

Its Stayover solutions are fully serviced, managed accommodation villages that provides a genuine ‘home away from home' experience for Australia’s remote and regionally based workforce. Its villages provide comfortable rooms, full catering, a range of guest services, recreational facilities and full-time on-site management.

08 Dorce

Revenue: $795mn
Country: Turkey
The first phase of the construction process for exploration and extraction activities of the mining sector begins with the establishment of accommodation facilities, camps, management offices, hangars and mining site living cities for personnel to work on the site. This is what Dorce specialises in. "Prefabricated modular building systems are the preferred building method in the construction of facilities located in mining sites," it says.

It provides turnkey accommodation areas, management offices and health service infrastructure for mining companies. 

07 Mammoet

Revenue: $5.4bn
Country: Netherlands 
​​​​​​​Modular construction allows mining and metals facilities to be built in a controlled environment, which, says Dutch construction giant Mammoet, is safer and limits delays due to bad weather on site. The company adds that this approach also means that work takes place in parallel, "where the right labour and skills are readily available".

It explains: "A specialised heavy transport provider can manage this process in a way that is far more cost-effective than stick-building facilities at a remote mine site. Relocating larger pieces of equipment in one piece saves production time because they do not need to be disassembled and reassembled. Our advanced pathfinding, permitting and route modification expertise further de-risks this process." 

06 Touax

Market Cap: $30 million
Country: France
Touax is an innovator in the field of modular building and services demanding sectors such as the construction, mining and oil industries. Its modular building solutions offer flexible and affordable solutions to the challenges faced by these industries, whether for temporary projects or long-term needs. Its modular solutions provide functional spaces for mining sites, oil and gas installations and other industrial environments, including living bases and site offices.

05 Dexterra

Country: Canada
Market Cap: $428mn
Dexterra, a Canadian company, has evolved its modular building offerings through its Horizon North division. The firm employs a standardised manufacturing process for modular units, reducing construction time and costs. Its modular camps – also known as trailer units or trailer camps – are manufactured offsite, and then transported for installation. They are a cost-saving option for extreme or remote areas.

04 Red Sea Housing

Market Cap: $482 million
Country: Saudi Arabia
Red Sea is a global leader in the design, manufacturing, and delivery of mining camps around the world. In 65 countries, its modular workforce housing accommodations, which are designed for safety, comfort and durability, "meet the needs of our mining customers".

It adds: "From quick delivery and site installation of our durable and reliable industrial housing products to our wide range of services, we offer solutions that make your mining camp completely turnkey – even in the most remote locations."

03 Fleetwood 

Country: Australia
Market Cap: $530mn
Fleetwood has transformed from a caravan parts manufacturer to a leader in modular construction. The firm utilises FRAMECAD technology for design and manufacturing, enhancing accuracy and efficiency. 

Its modular solutions have been used in MINING and remote accommodation projects. "We have a deep understanding of the unique needs and rigorous standards of the mining and energy industries," it says.. 

The company continues to expand its modular construction capabilities, recently acquiring Modular Building Systems for $34.15 million.

02 Modulaire Group

Market Cap: $1.75bn
Country: UK
Modulaire Group company Algeco has developed a range of modular building solutions for various sectors. The firm uses advanced CAD systems and automated production lines to manufacture modular units. 

Its products have been used in education, healthcare, and construction and mining site accommodation projects across Europe. The company is expanding its rental fleet and exploring new markets for modular buildings.  The company was created in the early 1950s, and its principal business throughout its lifespan has been modular space and secure storage solutions.

01 BOXX Modular

Market Cap: $4.38bn
Country: US
BOXX Modular owns and operates a large rental fleet of modular buildings. BOXX Modular rents, leases and sells temporary and permanent modular buildings, including standard buildings ready for immediate delivery and custom-designed solutions.

Parent company Black Diamond is a leading provider of modular accommodation and energy services in North America, and is involved in constructing long-term rentals for remote workforce housing projects connected to the mining and energy sectors. 
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