Kyrgyzstan is one of Central Asia's most significant gold producers, with the Tien Shan gold belt—one of the world's major orogenic gold systems—spanning across its entire territory. Proven gold reserves exceed 2,500 tonnes. In 2025, Canadian mining company Silvercorp Metals Inc., through its subsidiary, formally acquired a 70% interest in the Tulkubash and Kyzyltash gold projects located in the Alatau Mountains of western Kyrgyzstan, committing US$150 million for mine construction. Phase 1 of the project, expected to reach production by 2027–2028, is projected to produce approximately 110,000 ounces of gold annually.
Located approximately 490 km by road southwest of the capital Bishkek, the Tulkubash gold project is currently transitioning from exploration assessment to mine construction. The mine site sits in the Tien Shan foothills at 2,500–3,000 meters above sea level, not far from the Uzbekistan border. As site infrastructure gradually advances, demand for on-site accommodation for construction crews and operational personnel is growing rapidly.
An engineering company contracted for the Tulkubash camp construction approached 9States to build a standardized 500-bed integrated worker camp to support the mine construction and initial operational phases.
Construction in the high-altitude Tien Shan region faces extraordinarily difficult conditions: the effective construction window is less than 6 months per year; winter temperatures of −35°C make concrete pouring effectively impossible; the 2,500–3,000 m elevation causes reduced productivity for both workers and machinery; local building materials are scarce, with most supplies needing long-distance transport from Xinjiang or Bishkek; and permafrost zones impose higher requirements on foundation and pipeline installation. Completing a 500-bed camp within 4 months is practically unachievable using conventional construction methods.
9States provided a 500-bed cold-resistant flat-pack modular camp solution, fully customized for the extreme high-altitude conditions of the Tien Shan region.
Accommodation Layout
The camp is divided into four functional zones: the accommodation area includes 125 modular dormitory rooms (4 persons per room), each equipped with independent heating, ventilation, and an electric water heater; the public service area includes a 200-seat canteen, clinic, laundry, and supply warehouse; the administration area houses 10 offices and 1 meeting room; and the auxiliary area includes an equipment maintenance room and recreation room. All modules follow a centralized layout to minimize pipeline length and heat loss, connected by enclosed walkways so workers can move between key functional areas without exposure to harsh winter conditions.
Cold-Climate Adaptation Design
Supply Chain and Logistics
Modules are manufactured at 9States' Shanghai factory in flat-pack form. Transport follows the Lianyungao–Khorgos Expressway to Kashgar, Xinjiang, then crosses into Kyrgyzstan via the Irkeshtam port of entry, through Osh to the Tulkubash mine site—a total overland route of approximately 1,800 km with a transit time of 10–14 days. The final ~30 km section to the mine site requires heavy trucks on mountain roads. Modules are sorted and assembled on a leveled staging area at the mine entrance. Each flat-pack module can be assembled by a 4-person team in approximately 30 minutes using only hand tools—no heavy lifting equipment required.
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Total Beds | 500 (expandable to 600) |
| Accommodation Units | 125 rooms (4-person, independent heating & bathroom) |
| Canteen | 200 seats, with separate kitchen and cold storage |
| Clinic | 1 unit |
| Office Modules | 10 offices + 1 meeting room |
| Recreation | Activity room, TV room, lounge area |
| Total Area | ~6,000 m² |
| Total Modules | ~180 cold-resistant flat-pack units |
| Insulation | Walls/roof: 100 mm PU sandwich panel; Floor: 80 mm insulation |
| Design Life | 20 years (high-altitude environment) |
| On-Site Installation | ~6 weeks (15 workers + 2 supervisors) |
"Building a worker camp for the Tien Shan gold project was an immense challenge from the start—high altitude, long winters, and scarce local supplies. 9States' cold-resistant flat-pack solution was impressive. The reinforced insulation panels and centralized heating system performed reliably through winter extremes. What gave me the most confidence was the rapid assembly—we didn't have to wait long before moving the first workers in. The enclosed walkway design proved essential during winter; workers could reach the canteen and recreation room without stepping outside in −30°C conditions."
— Project Site Manager
For more information on mining camp solutions in Central Asia, visit our website: 9prefabhouse.com
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