Kinross Gold Corporation’s Tasiast Gold Mine is one of Mauritania’s largest gold mining operations, playing a critical role in the region’s mining industry. At this remote site, Kinross required a high-performance DomeShelter™ Solution to safely store Ammonium Nitrate (AN), a volatile oxidiser commonly used as a blasting agent on mine sites.
With over 30+ years of experience servicing Australia’s mining industry, DomeShelter Australia has honed its expertise in designing fit-for-purpose fabric structures for the global mining sector, including over 100 projects across 23 African Nations.
Characterised by extreme heat, abrasive dust, and tropical cyclones, the Pilbara, Australia’s largest mining region, has long served as a testing ground for durable, weather-resilient shelters.
This environment is similar to that of the Tasiast Mine in West Africa, making DomeShelter Australia uniquely qualified to deliver high-performance shelter solutions for sensitive, high-risk operations such as these.
With a dedicated team servicing mining customers across Africa, and a trusted global logistics network capable of delivering to any major port worldwide, DomeShelter Australia was well positioned to provide Kinross Gold with a fully engineered, easily transportable shelter solution, ready to meet the extreme challenges of the Tasiast site.
The Challenge
Kinross Gold needed a highly specialised storage solution for their onsite blast facility. One that could meet strict international safety standards while performing reliably in one of the world’s harshest environments.
The solution had to:
- Safely store AN with their workers’ protection ensured and in line with international safety and regulatory requirements
- Withstand Mauritania’s harsh desert climate
- Prevent corrosion caused by AN exposure to moisture
- Provide adequate ventilation to reduce heat and fume accumulation
- And be designed for efficient global transport and straightforward on-site assembly by local crews
Material selection was critical, with conventional options like galvanised steel ruled out due to its tendency to corrode when exposed to ammonium nitrate and moisture. The project demanded a smart balance of safety, durability, and modularity—and to be delivered on time and over 13,000 km away.
The DomeShelter™ Solution
Fit-for-Purpose Design & Tailored Engineering
At DomeShelter Australia, we specialise in solving tough problems. At Kinross Gold’s Tasiast Mine, they needed more than just a shelter. They needed a fully engineered, corrosion-resistant solution to protect their people and assets, perform under extreme desert conditions, and to be installed efficiently by local crews.
We delivered exactly that:
Dimensions & Design
- Two identical DomeShelter™ Structures
- Width: 21.0m | Length: 85.0m | Apex Height: 5.1m
- Ground-mounted design engineered for 190km/hr Ultimate Wind Speed
- Compliant with AS1170.2-2011 (Importance Level 1, Terrain Category 2)
- Ventilated mesh interface between the shelter and ground to allow air circulation — essential for safe storage of ammonium nitrate (AN)
Material & Fabrication
- Structure built with stainless steel components, specifically chosen due to the corrosive interaction between ammonium nitrate, water, and galvanised steel.
- Clad in Armourtex® 410 FR, White tear-stop fabric, fire-retardant and UV-stabilised for long-term performance in high-heat environments.
Access & Ventilation Features
- Zipper doors at both ends of each shelter for airflow and controlled access
- Full framed endwalls fitted with:
- 4m x 4m roller doors for machinery access
- PA doors for pedestrian access
- Air vents to support passive ventilation and reduce heat build-up
Installation-Ready Delivery
- Supplied as complete kits with:
- Stainless steel ratchet tensioners
- Base plates with chemical anchors
- Heavy-duty stillage and crates for safe international transport
- Accompanied by clear, step-by-step instructions to support local assembly teams
Outcomes
- Fit-for-Purpose Design
The DomeShelter™ Solution delivered for Kinross Gold directly addressed the complex storage and operational challenges at the Tasiast Gold Mine. The dual-structure design provided large, compliant storage spaces engineered for the site’s extreme conditions. - Durable, Safe Materials
By using stainless steel components and Armourtex® 410 FR fabric, the shelters offered long-term safety, fire resistance, and UV stability required for protecting their people and assets against volatile materials like ammonium nitrate in harsh, high-heat environments. - Optimised Airflow and Ventilation
Ventilated mesh interfaces, strategically placed air vents, and zipper door systems ensured consistent airflow, mitigating thermal load and fume accumulation while maintaining controlled and secure access. - Streamlined Installation
Delivering the shelters in complete kit form minimised installation complexity, allowing Kinross’s local crews to efficiently assemble the structures without heavy reliance on external contractors or specialists. - Reliable Protection and Long-Term Value
DomeShelter Australia provided a high-performance solution that balanced safety, durability, regulatory compliance, and logistical simplicity and the long-term protection of critical mining operations.
Beyond the shelter solution provided, global delivery capabilities were central to the project’s success. This project reflects DomeShelter Australia’s ability to apply proven experience from Australia’s toughest mining regions to remote operations worldwide.
With a dedicated international team and global logistics network, DomeShelter Australia’s commitment to the mining industry goes beyond engineering DomeShelter™ Structures. We ensure seamless project execution from design to delivery, backed by culturally aware, region-specific support.
Need a shelter solution for hazardous materials or remote operations?
Talk to us about a DomeShelter™ Solution for your project needs today.
