When establishing a new mine, one of the first and most critical requirements is securing a reliable water supply. At the Kurmuk Gold Mine, owned by Allied Gold and managed by DRA Global, SBS Tanks was selected to deliver this essential infrastructure. Located three hours outside the small town of Asosa in western Ethiopia, the project required manufacturing, supplying, installing, and commissioning a 1.95-megaliter ST27/07 steel water storage tank—a solution robust enough to serve potable water to staff quarters, site offices, and ongoing mining operations.
The Kurmuk Gold Mine represents a significant investment in Ethiopia’s mining sector. As part of its development, the mine required dependable potable water storage for its man-camps and business operations. SBS Tanks was brought on board by DRA Global to deliver a solution that could not only withstand the challenges of a remote location but also be customised to suit daily drinking water needs.
To achieve this, the tank design included multiple inlets and outlets, including an inverted domestic outlet positioned midway up the tank to ensure a steady and hygienic drinking water supply for site personnel. Positioned on a hill above the camp and office facilities, the tank was engineered for both capacity and practicality, enabling gravity-fed water supply to the site below.
The seven-month project lifecycle included final design, fabrication, NDT (non-destructive testing), international freight, and site installation. Despite logistical challenges—including cross-border transport from Djibouti into Ethiopia—the project was completed six weeks ahead of schedule, ensuring DRA could meet its operational deadlines.
Key to success was early collaboration between SBS engineers and DRA’s project team, who tailored nozzle orientation and pipework to site-specific requirements. The tank was manufactured under ISO 9001-certified conditions and designed to SANS specifications, ensuring international quality standards were met.
On-site installation was carried out by SBS’s skilled team in partnership with Bhubezi Projects. Following ring beam foundation preparation, the SBS crew executed the build in accordance with strict HSE method statements and the SBS Quality Control installation procedure, with inspections signed off by all parties.
Despite water scarcity during commissioning, SBS worked with the mine to arrange daily truck deliveries, enabling liner seating, leak testing, and final fill-up to full capacity. The installation was praised for its speed, professionalism, and teamwork, with the client remarking on the smooth process despite the challenging location.
Potable Water Tank Installation at Kurmuk Gold Mine, Ethiopia
Tank Model: ST27/07
Capacity: 1.95 million liters (1.95Ml)
Purpose: Potable water for staff accommodation, offices, and mine operations
Design: Multiple inlets/outlets, including inverted outlet for drinking water
Foundation: Cost-effective ring beam with compacted sand bed
Compliance: SANS specifications, ISO manufacturing, SBS QC procedures
The successful installation of this potable water tank enabled Kurmuk Gold Mine to establish critical water infrastructure at the earliest stages of its operations. The tank ensures a steady supply of clean water, supporting both health and sanitation for staff while enabling the mine to progress with its broader development plans.
Beyond supporting daily operations, the project reflects SBS Tanks’ ability to deliver sustainable, high-volume water solutions in even the most remote and challenging environments.
The client praised the SBS team for their professionalism and efficiency:
“The installers have really done their part in helping assemble and set up the tank so quickly. They were helpful, supportive, and made fast progress which resulted in us catching up time during the project. The tank looks incredible now that it is complete and full, making life easier for us on site – Thank you for an easy project in such a remote area.”
The Kurmuk Gold Mine project highlighted the value of logistical expertise and seamless project management in global mining operations. From manufacturing to cross-border freight and on-site commissioning, SBS demonstrated its ability to provide a worry-free, turnkey service backed by regular progress reporting and strong client communication.
This project underscores SBS Tanks’ mission: no matter the location, SBS will deliver reliable, engineered water storage solutions – backed by wholehearted commitment, skilled installers, and world-class manufacturing standards.
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SBS Tanks is Africa’s leading manufacturer and supplier of modular steel panel water storage tanks fitted with an internal liquid storage liner. SBS Solutions East Africa Limited, our branch in Nairobi, services the East Africa region directly from Kenya. With ISO accreditation (ISO 45001 and ISO 9001) collaborating with a trusted supplier like SBS Tanks East Africa, can offer professional advice and a variety of premium tank alternatives to satisfy your various needs.
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