Successful mining operations rely on steel buildings

Darren Sperling • February 28, 2023

Dependable and durable processing and storage facilities for the mining industry are ideally built with pre-engineering from Summit Steel Buildings.

Cutting precious minerals out of solid Canadian Shield rock or Rockies' steep slopes is slow, dirty and dangerous work. It’s also necessary for securing the future as more and more people and companies rely on critical minerals to power electric vehicles and digital devices so critical for business communication. As consumers look at their shiny and sophisticated technology, they seldom think of the difficult labor and massive infrastructure necessary to prospect and quarry the elements required to make them. 


The backbone of every successful mining operation is infrastructure – the tools and equipment that support the human effort and keep people and materials working safely and effectively. Some of the most essential, yet lesser publicized, equipment for the mining industry are pre-engineered buildings made from steel that support processing, storage and housing.

What sort of buildings are necessary for Canadian mining operations?

Facilities needed in Canadian mining vary depending on the type of operation. For example, underground mines may need headframes, hoists and other structures to support the shafts and tunnels; open-pit mines require large processing plants and offices; while placer mines sometimes only need basic equipment sheds and bunkhouses. Other common structures include warehouses for storing supplies, maintenance shops, laboratories for testing samples and administrative offices.


These sturdy and strong facilities are pre-engineered to be cost effective, durable while requiring minimal maintenance. Pre-engineered metal buildings provide a strong structure that can withstand harsh weather conditions throughout Canada's northern climate. They also offer flexibility to customize the building design to meet the specific needs of each individual project. Additionally, pre-engineered steel buildings help reduce construction time compared to traditional brick and mortar structures, allowing projects to be completed faster while still providing quality results.


The benefits of using pre-engineering for mining operations

  1. Cost savings: Pre-engineered metal buildings are more cost effective than traditional construction methods, making them ideal for mining operations in remote locations that require a large space but have limited budgets. 
  2. Durability and strength: Steel is incredibly strong and durable, which is important in a rugged environment such as a mine. It also requires minimal maintenance over time, saving money on upkeep costs in the long run. 
  3. Safety: Steel buildings can be designed to meet specific safety requirements, such as fire codes and seismic regulations, so they provide an extra layer of protection against potential hazards in the work environment. 
  4. Quick construction time: Pre-engineered means buildings can be erected quickly compared to other types of structures due to their modular design, which reduces labor costs and allows projects to be completed faster with fewer people involved in the process. 
  5. Flexibility: When it comes to size, shape, features and finishes, only pre-engineered steel buildings offer the ability to customize the structure according to your specific needs at an affordable cost. And with its modular engineering, buildings can be adapted or expanded without having to start from scratch each time you need something new built.


The advantages of using pre-engineered steel buildings over other construction methods:

  1. Pre-engineered steel buildings are cost effective, allowing for quick and easy construction at a fraction of the cost of traditional brick and mortar methods. 
  2. Steel buildings require less maintenance than wood or brick structures due to their durability and resistance to insect infestation, fire damage, rot, mold, mildew, etc. 
  3. Steel buildings can be designed to meet exact specifications with customizable features, such as windows, doors, insulation options and more without sacrificing structural integrity or stability. 
  4. Pre-engineered steel buildings have superior strength compared to other building materials making them ideal for extreme weather conditions like hurricanes or earthquakes that would otherwise cause significant damage to wood or masonry constructions. 
  5. Steel is 100% recyclable which makes it an environmentally friendly choice in comparison with other building materials such as concrete or timber that release harmful toxins into the atmosphere when manufactured from scratch each time a new structure is built.


When it’s time to build, contact Summit Steel Buildings

When one thinks about modern advances, people need to remember tough and strong people, machinery and buildings in remote, extreme environments that bring us all the essential critical minerals necessary to make our lives so much more convenient and easier. These materials are not easy to find or extract. Fortunately, mining operations can partner with reliable Canadian companies to provide the infrastructure that makes all the sourcing possible. 


Summit Steel Buildings is a leading manufacturer and constructor of pre-engineered metal structures. Their leadership team has more than 40 years of combined experience and are ready to dedicate all their talents to your project to make it as successful as possible. Their turnkey methodology ensures you have one point of contact and only one team responsible for completing all aspects of your construction. Summit Steel Buildings offers expert engineering services to ensure the highest quality project with superior design capabilities that meet all local codes and requirements. All their building solutions are customizable to fit any budget or need for commercial and heavy industry applications. 


When you’re ready to start a new mining operation or are looking increase the capacity of your current ones, please contact Summit Steel Buildings at 877-417-8335 for a free quote and to receive preliminary drawings. 


About the author

Darren Sperling has specialized in the engineering and delivery of pre-engineered steel buildings for over 15 years and has experience in over 20 countries worldwide. He can be contacted at Summit Steel Buildings at (877) 417-8335, by email at darren.sperling@summitsteelbuildings.com or on LinkedIn.


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