Construction company African Modular Building Solutions reports that it aims to complete a housing project for mining company First Quantum Minerals’ Kansanshi mine, by March 25, adding that the project is on budget and on time.

The Kansanshi mine, the largest copper mine in Africa, is 80% owned by Kansanshi Mining, a First Quantum subsidiary. The remaining 20% is owned by a subsidiary of Zambian Consolidated Copper Mines. The mine is located about 10 km north of the town of Solwezi and 180 km to the north-west of the Copperbelt town of Chingola.

The mine has undergone several expan- sions since it began operating in 2005. From an initial production capacity of 110 000 t of copper, Kansanshi is currently capable of producing 250 000 t of copper and more than 100 000 oz of gold a year. A multistage expansion project aims to increase copper output capacity to about 400 000 t by 2015.
The mining company contracted African Modular Building Solutions to provide housing for expat workers during the construction phase of the mine expansion project. Construction for the housing project started on January 10.

The R11.5-million housing project entailed the construction of 29 buildings, comprising dormitories, ablutions, management accommodation and offices. First Quantum Minerals, however, undertook the in-house installation.

“This project offered African Modular Building Solutions an opportunity to partner with a well-respected multinational mining company. “Through African Modular Building Solu- tions strategic partnership with its suppliers, they managed to increase productivity and managed their resources effectively to achieve set objectives,” states African Modular Building Solutions owner Allan Bellamy.

It also created future opportunities for the company to supply two new office buildings for the project site.

Bellamy notes that a challenge in the mine industry is accommodation, as demand always surpasses supply. “Therefore, proactive management is needed and companies must abide by project schedules and ensure clear communication with clients,” he concludes.