How to Size a Mining Camp: A Practical Guide for Projects in Argentina
Technical guide to sizing camp infrastructure in mining projects. Calculating dormitory, bathroom, dining-hall and infirmary modules from the staff roster.
The starting point: the staff roster
Every camp sizing starts with one figure: how many people will live in it, on what shift system and for how long.
A mining exploration camp may house 20 people for 6 months. A construction camp for a metal-mining project can grow to 800 or 1,200 people over 3–4 years. The difference in scale is enormous, but the sizing logic is the same.
The data you need before calculating:
- Number of workers at peak occupancy
- Shift system (7x7, 14x7, 21x7 or weekly rotating)
- Estimated duration of the camp
- Site conditions (altitude, temperature, access, availability of water and electricity)
Module calculation by type
Dormitories
The most common standard in Argentine mining camps is between 2 and 4 beds per module. Standard folding modules of 5,800 × 3,000 mm are usually configured as a double dormitory (2 single beds) or triple/quadruple with bunk beds.
For a rotating-shift system where half the staff is active while the other half rests, the number of beds must equal the total number of workers (not the number on site at a given moment, since off-shift staff need their space).
Example for 50 workers: With 2-bed modules → 25 modules; with 4-bed modules → 13 modules.
Bathrooms and showers
Resolution 523/95 of the Ministry of Labor sets, as a guideline reference, 1 toilet per 15 people and 1 shower per 10 people. However, in practice and especially in camps with simultaneous shift changes, it is best to use more generous ratios to avoid bottlenecks at peak use (shift entry and exit).
In projects with international operators (YPF, Barrick, McEwen, etc.), the HSE area usually requires a ratio of 1 bathroom/shower per 10–12 people and a documented maintenance and sanitation program.
Example for 50 workers: A minimum of 4–5 sanitary modules with a distribution in the camp that guarantees access in less than 3 minutes from any dormitory.
Dining hall
The capacity of a standard dining-hall module is approximately 20 seated people. To size it, the goal is for all the personnel of a shift to be able to eat in no more than two seatings, ideally in just one.
In 12-hour systems with a 30–15 minute meal break, dining-hall capacity is critical to operational productivity.
Example for 50 workers: 2–3 dining-hall modules in a linear configuration, with space for 40–60 people.
Infirmary
Workplace Risk Law 24,557 requires an authorized infirmary for camps with more than 25 workers. For projects of between 25 and 100 people, a standard infirmary module with a stretcher area, sink, supplies cabinet and medical outlets meets the basic requirements.
For more than 100 workers, it is recommended to add a second module or use a double configuration with a waiting room.
Offices
A supervision team of 5–8 people can operate in a standard office module. For larger operations with engineering, administration and safety supervisors, 2–3 modules in a linear or L configuration are recommended.
Quick reference table
| Staff | Dormitories (2 beds) | Sanitary | Dining hall | Infirmary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 people | 13 modules | 2–3 | 1–2 | 1 |
| 50 people | 25 modules | 4–5 | 2–3 | 1 |
| 100 people | 50 modules | 8–10 | 5–6 | 1–2 |
| 200 people | 100 modules | 15–20 | 10–12 | 2–3 |
Guideline values for initial sizing. The final project must be reviewed with the HSE area.
Factors that modify the sizing
Altitude and temperature: In high-mountain areas (San Juan, cordilleran Mendoza), thermal comfort is more demanding. Extra insulation, central or individual heating, and more generous rest spaces are valid considerations.
Staff rotation: In high-rotation projects (project-based work, multiple contractors), it is advisable to oversize by 10–15% to absorb overlaps between incoming and outgoing contractors.
Service modules: Don't forget the space for laundry, PPE storage, meeting room and communications module according to the project requirements.
The logistical advantage of folding modules in this calculation
When the camp grows, folding modules allow you to add units one at a time or a few at a time without needing to bring in assembly crews. A truck brings up to 12 modules and they are added to the existing camp in a few hours.
This is especially relevant in projects that scale over time: a 20-person exploration phase can grow to a 200-person construction phase in 18 months. With modular infrastructure, the camp scales with the project, without over-investment at the start or capacity shortfall at the peak.
We size and supply complete mining camps for projects throughout Argentina. View module catalog or request a quote.
