Seed Storage Required for Global Mining Company
How Humiscope converted two insulated shipping containers into temperature and humidity controlled seed storage rooms for South32’s mine rehabilitation program on Groote Eylandt.
PROJECT AT A GLANCE
Client: South32
Application: Seed storage for mine site rehabilitation
Location: Groote Eylandt, Northern Territory
Solution: Two insulated shipping containers converted into climate controlled seed storage rooms
Operating conditions: 4°C and 30% RH
Equipment: TFT AD550 desiccant dehumidifiers with commercial refrigeration
Delivery: Designed and constructed on the Gold Coast, then delivered to site
Delivered: March 2022
Operational: Early 2023
The main purpose of seed storage is to maintain the viability of the seed. Preserving the seed with its initial quality until it is needed for planting. See how we modified two shipping containers into fully insulated and sealed humidity and temperature controlled storage rooms.
THE CLIENT
South32
South32 is a globally diversified mining and metals company that creates value by producing commodities that are used in many aspects of modern life.
THE SITUATION
South32 required long-term, climate-controlled seed storage at its Groote Eylandt site to help preserve seed viability for future land rehabilitation activities.
Following a site visit and assessment of the requirements, Humiscope determined that two low-humidity cold rooms operating at 4°C would provide the controlled environment required for extended seed storage.
Seed Storage Containers
The choice was made to engage Humiscope, located in Queensland, to design and construct the seed storage rooms at their Gold Coast warehouse. The completed rooms were then delivered to the client, fully operational.
Following client approval, Humiscope repurposed two insulated shipping containers, fitting each with commercial refrigeration, a TFT AD550 desiccant dehumidifier, shelving and lighting.
The containers were transported and delivered in March 2022, and first put into use in early 2023.
The completed rooms maintained 4°C and 30% RH, providing stable conditions for long-term seed storage.
“All reports onsite are the units are functioning very well and the Rehab Team(s) are very happy with their new assets.”
Inside one seed storage container fitted with refrigeration, desiccant dehumidifier, shelves and lighting
An insulated seed storage container fitted with HVAC+R, shelves and lights. Ready to deliver.
We convert existing spaces into climate controlled storage rooms to suit our clients requirements. On this project, we modified containers, using state-of-the-art HVAC+R systems, making them commercially viable seed storage facilities.
Seed Storage for Mining
Land rehabilitation is an obligatory requirement for Australian mining companies. While complete restoration is generally never possible, there are several practices that are commonplace within the industry.
One such practice is seed collection, storage and eventual regermination.
A 2019 handbook published by the Australian Government asserts that after seed collection occurs, they are to be stored in optimal conditions that maintain seed viability over the period of storage.