Indonesia is the world's largest nickel producer, and Central Sulawesi sits at the heart of this industry. Through 2025 and 2026, as electric vehicle battery demand continued to drive nickel prices higher, mining and processing operations around Morowali Regency in Central Sulawesi expanded rapidly. Multiple new exploration and development projects moved forward simultaneously across the region.
One such project was a nickel mining development in the mountainous terrain of Morowali Regency, approximately 400 km northeast of Makassar. The project required an 800-person worker camp to accommodate mining crews, processing plant operators, and engineering support staff. The site presented a challenging combination of tropical conditions — intense rainfall, high humidity, rugged terrain, and limited local infrastructure.
9States was engaged to design, manufacture, and deliver a complete modular worker accommodation camp for 800 workers, including dormitories, a dining hall, recreational facilities, medical station, administration offices, and prayer rooms.
Each unit features a dual-layer roof design with extended eaves (50 cm overhang) to prevent rainwater from reaching wall surfaces during heavy downpours. All accommodation floors were elevated 30 cm above ground level and fitted with IPX7-rated SPC waterproof flooring, with sealed joints to prevent moisture penetration. Interior walls use moisture-resistant magnesium oxide board as the base layer. Each unit includes drainage vents with insect screens at the floor level.
Every accommodation module is fitted with an individual ventilation fan. Kitchen and bathroom areas are equipped with high-capacity exhaust fans. Windows are rainproof sliding type with external drip grooves, fitted with double-glazed glass for condensation resistance and noise reduction. Exterior wall surfaces use light-colored reflective coating to reduce solar heat gain.
All units are mounted on 40 cm elevated steel supports to prevent floodwater ingress during heavy monsoon rains. Drainage systems use large-diameter PVC piping with steep gradients to prevent standing water and odor issues. Steel supports received anti-corrosion treatment suitable for the high-humidity tropical environment.
The camp electrical system includes dedicated circuits for air conditioning and dehumidification equipment, with provision for backup generator connection. All wiring uses flame-retardant copper conductors, and junction boxes are moisture-sealed to prevent short circuits in the humid conditions.
Total Workers Accommodated: 800
Accommodation Units: 200 units (4 workers per unit, en-suite bathroom)
Common Facilities: Central dining hall (300 seats), recreation lounge, laundry, medical station, prayer room
Office Modules: 20 administration and meeting room units
Total Site Area: Approximately 14,000 m²
Containerized Units Supplied: 350 units (6m × 3m flat-pack container type)
Design Life: 15 years
On-site Assembly Time: 6 weeks
Units were manufactured at 9States' facility in Shanghai and shipped to Makassar Port, South Sulawesi, via the Java Sea route. Total shipping volume: approximately 65 × 40-ft containers. From Makassar, the flat-pack units were transported approximately 400 km by truck over mountainous roads to the mining site in Morowali Regency, with deliveries phased over 3 weeks to match foundation preparation.
The flat-pack modular design was critical for this project — units could be transported in compact form over Sulawesi's winding mountain roads, then assembled on-site by a 6-person crew using only hand tools.
"These modules performed exceptionally well through Sulawesi's monsoon season. Even after a full week of continuous heavy rain, every unit remained dry inside, and the ventilation system kept the living quarters comfortable for workers coming off long shifts. 9States clearly understands tropical environment requirements."
— Site Operations Manager
"The biggest concern was inland logistics across Sulawesi's mountain roads, but 9States' flat-pack design made it straightforward. The 6-week assembly schedule was met on time, which was critical for our project timeline."
— Project Procurement Manager
Contact 9States today to discuss your project requirements. From exploration camps to full mining accommodation complexes, we deliver solutions built for your environment.
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