Dorce successfully delivered pre-engineered heavy steel hangars, workshops, process buildings, mineral processing facilities, and traditionally built administrative buildings within the scope of the Guelb II Iron Ore Enrichment Project for SNIM (Société Nationale Industrielle et Minière) in Zouérat, Mauritania.

The industrial hangars required for ore processing, storage, and shipment, along with the administrative buildings forming the operational core of the facility, were completed on a turnkey basis with a focus on high durability, long service life, and accelerated construction timelines.

The project was executed under the technical consultancy management of Atkins Réalis (formerly SNC-Lavalin) through a Design & Build delivery model, including both infrastructure and heavy steel superstructure works. This integrated approach ensured seamless coordination between design, engineering, and construction, enabling rapid adaptation to site conditions and optimal project control.

High-Durability Design for Harsh Conditions and Complex Logistics

In the desert climate of Zouérat, where extreme heat, dust loads, and intense operational activity are major challenges, pre-engineered heavy steel solutions were selected.

Due to the significant size of structural components, including large-section columns and high-tonnage steel members, the project required not only advanced construction techniques but also a large-scale logistics operation. The facility’s clear spans ranging from 17 m to 27 m and building heights between 15 m and 29 m made standard transport methods impossible, transforming the process into a specialized logistics engineering task.

To overcome international transport restrictions and weight limitations, oversized steel elements were designed in segmented form, transported through long-distance supply routes via specialized logistics convoys, and assembled on-site using high-precision bolted connection systems. Final column assemblies were completed in the field by expert installation teams.

Heavy-lift crane operations, on-site rigging scenarios, and millimetric assembly planning were fully integrated into the project schedule, allowing the complex installation process to be completed safely and without interruption in the middle of the desert.

HSE Excellence with a “Zero Accident” Objective

As a major mining operation, the Guelb II Project required compliance with some of the strictest Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) protocols in the world. Dorce implemented full adherence to International Mining Safety Standards, particularly during the installation of high-tonnage steel components, working at heights, and executing complex lifting operations.

Routine risk assessments, continuous staff training, strict field inspections, and environmental protection procedures ensured minimized operational risks. Completing this high-risk industrial project with a Zero Accident record demonstrated Dorçe’s strong capability in safe construction practices.

Full Compliance with International Quality Control Standards

Robust quality assurance processes ensured that every component of the heavy steel hangar structures was designed, manufactured, and installed according to the highest engineering standards. All steps, from material selection to final assembly, were verified through certified quality control procedures.

Environmental protection measures such as land preservation, waste management, dust and noise control, and mitigation of ecological impacts were rigorously applied, ensuring a responsible and balanced project execution.

Integrated Industrial and Administrative Infrastructure at the Heart of Zouérat

As one of Mauritania’s most strategic mining investments, the Guelb II Iron Ore Processing Project represents a major engineering achievement where Dorce’s multi-disciplinary construction expertise converged on a single site. The project includes both large-scale industrial buildings and the administrative complexes that manage the facility.

Pre-Engineered Heavy Steel Hangars and Processing Facilities

The massive structures supporting the mine’s operational activities were constructed using Dorce’s Pre-Engineered Heavy Steel technology. These facilities, serving ore enrichment and mineral processing operations, include:

• Structural design and manufacturing of heavy steel buildings

• Foundation design and on-site construction

• Design and installation of high-tonnage overhead cranes

• Column-free clear spans ranging from 17 m to 27 m

• Structure heights between 15 m and 29 m

• Steel construction systems resistant to industrial loads and vibrations

All buildings were assembled on-site by specialized teams and engineered for long-term durability.

Pre-Engineered Heavy Steel Hangars – Guelb II

The heavy steel hangars, fully manufactured in Dorçe’s factories in Ankara, were engineered to withstand Zouérat’s extreme desert environment, including +50°C temperatures and sandstorms. These clear-span hangars are used for mineral processing, equipment protection, maintenance workshops, and logistics storage.

Thanks to rapid installation features, they were delivered 70 percent faster than comparable reinforced concrete structures.

With advanced galvanization and specialized coating systems, the hangars offer over 30 years of corrosion-free lifespan.

Administrative Buildings Using Conventional Construction

In addition to industrial steel facilities, Dorçe also deployed traditional reinforced concrete construction methods for the administrative buildings, which serve as the strategic management hub of the project. These structures were designed to meet long-term operational needs and align with the architectural context of the region.

Why Dorce?

• Proven heavy steel expertise in Sahara Desert conditions

• Minimal on-site duration through factory pre-production

• Special coatings resistant to +50°C heat and sandstorms

• Turnkey capabilities: design, manufacturing, logistics, assembly

• Guelb II reflects Dorçe’s strong presence and expertise in Mauritania’s mining sector

Dorce’s Heavy Steel Advantages

• Rapid and reliable installation in remote geographies

• Pre-engineered heavy steel solutions

• Full compliance with international engineering standards

• Long service life, strength, and low maintenance

• Large clear-span design capabilities

• Extensive EPC (Engineering – Procurement – Construction) experience

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Technical Specifications

Project Name: Guelb II Iron Ore Enrichment Project
Location: Zouérat, Mauritania
Scope: Heavy Steel Hangars, Mineral Processing Facilities, Administrative Buildings
Construction Method: Pre-Engineered Heavy Steel + Conventional Construction
Purpose: Industrial Mining Facility
Project Duration: December 2012 – December 2013