Discovery Mining Services excels in delivering reliable infrastructure in Canada’s most remote locations
With more than three decades of experience of working in remote locations under difficult conditions, Discovery Mining Services (DMS) has evolved into a leading provider and servicer of remote camps, headquartered in Yellowknife, Canada, with its branch office in Prince Albert, Canada. From exploration camps in the most remote areas of Newfoundland or Saskatchewan to Covid-19 testing sites, DMS not only has a proven track record of delivering remote camp services and supply, but also in providing specialty logistics and expediting services to the mining, construction, and resource sectors from junior exploration projects through to operating and producing mines.
Whether customers are renting or buying camps, DMS offers expertise in camp catering, maintenance, expediting, logistical support, environmental clean-up support, and dangerous goods documentation and packaging expertise. As Canada’s most experienced remote camp provider, DMS offers tailored camp sizes ranging from one to 30 tents, and all necessary amenities like kitchens, shower tents, offices, sleepers, and core logging tents.
“Our work ranges from grassroots exploration programs to advanced projects, with camps ranging from two to 200 people,” opens Trevor Wever, President. “Over the years, we’ve become the industry’s most trusted provider of remote exploration camps, and our work is perfectly encompassed by our motto – first ones in – last ones to leave.”
Rod Brown, Vice President of Special Projects, adds: “Every project is unique in its own way, regardless of whether it’s a rental camp or resale application. Rental camps generally require full spectrum, meaning we plan all details across the delivery model, including site selection, structure set up, and consumable supply aspects like food, fuel, potable water supply, workforce rotations, and transportation. We also manage waste management throughout the lifecycle of each camp, such as solid waste management and human refuse.”
Considering DMS operates in some of Canada’s most remote locations, the company requires highly skilled people to construct camps in difficult conditions, relentless weather, and challenging terrain. “We approach new hires in a similar way to apprentices; we start by hiring laborers and giving them the experience and responsibility to gain confidence and knowledge,” says Malcolm Mclean, Vice President. Of equal importance are the relationships with Indigenous partners that DMS has built over the years. “We actively engage our Indigenous stakeholders in the normal course of the business; this is crucial for us and the clients we work for” adds Trevor.
Indeed, DMS specializes in supplying remote camps to areas where there is no existing or permanent infrastructure and as such, relies on secure structures from its supply partners such as Alaska Structures (AKS). “AKS is a supplier of premium all-weather structures that can be heated or cooled and used as personnel accommodation, kitchens, showers, and other utility applications,” explains Malcolm. “These specialized structures range from arch style to gables, providing a wide selection of options to meet the needs of various field camps. They can be used in any temperature from minus 40 to plus 35 across all parts of Canada, from projects North of Resolute Bay in Nunavut to the East to the Coast of Newfoundland and all areas in BC and throughout Canada. Occasionally our remote expertise has even allowed us to respond to non-domestic regions such as Greenland and Iceland.”
Trevor continues: “Our relationship with AKS began around 27 years ago, when DMS was a client purchasing structures. Over the years, our partnership grew as we worked together to create structural solutions for specific applications and requirements. As the relationship evolved, we became a Canadian supply representative for AKS, combining our remote construction and deployment expertise with their high-quality products to offer a premium service to companies operating in Canada’s most remote regions.
“At AKS, there’s a dedicated team headed by Carolyn Bishop, with whom we’ve worked closely over the years and built a fantastic relationship. With collaboration and communication, we turn ideas into ready-to-ship orders in quick timeframes, and the crew at AKS have been instrumental in providing seamless support for our requirements, especially Monica, Christina, and Darlene.”
Together with AKS, DMS delivered Covid-19 drive-through testing shelters during the pandemic, helping government agencies, hospitals, and city health departments respond to urgent care and testing needs. The building systems were engineered for rapid installation in just 30 minutes by a crew of four people, with no foundation required, low maintenance, and reconfigurable features like removable side curtains and flexible end panels.
Today, DMS is experiencing increased demand due to upcoming capital infrastructure projects, including increased defense projects like self-contained and rapid deployment platforms. “Demand for temporary infrastructure will remain strong for the foreseeable future but we expect it will expand from being exclusively focused on exploration and mining to also supporting remediation and infrastructure development projects,” Rod shares.
With increased demand in mind, DMS is strengthening its systems and capabilities while also continuing to look after current projects and customers. “Our focus for the balance of 2026 is managing the camps that have recently been or are soon to be deployed in the field,” Trevor says. “This includes camps that are both client-owned and contracted to DMS to provide all labor components such as site services, heavy equipment operators, and catering and hospitality services. We are also engaging with new clients to support civil and defense department infrastructure projects and expect to see that engagement grow in the near term and beyond 2026.
“We see the business positioning itself in a strong place to respond to the increased activity around large scale civil infrastructure development, as well as supporting the Department of National Defense with its intended increased activity in our immediate region,” Trevor concludes. “While we’re open to growth in new or non-traditional markets, this will be measured and intentional, so we remain committed to our clients in the exploration, mining, and remediation sectors.”