Refuge Chambers

Compact, Modular, Standard, and Permanent Refuge Chambers.

36-Hour Standalone Entrapment Capacity – Designed for the Mining Sector.

Refuge Chambers, also known as Refuge Stations, are a critical component of an underground hard rock mine’s broader Emergency Response Plan (ERP). Despite rigorous planning and stringent safety measures, incidents such as fires, explosions, rockfalls, flooding, and the release of smoke or toxic gases still occur frequently.

In situations where evacuation is no longer safe or feasible, SUB’ROCA Refuge Chambers serve as secure, life-sustaining shelters. They provide a designated safe zone where personnel can regroup and await rescue, significantly improving survival outcomes during underground emergencies.

Learn more about the options, specifications and features

Safeguarding miners in critical underground emergencies

Simple to Use

Our SHELT’AIR range has been developed by our engineers to be the simplest to use on the market, thanks to its Airguardian technology.

4 Main Designs

SHELT’AIR refuges come in 4 main designs: COMPACT, MODULAR, STANDARD & PERMANENT. We also offer ranges dedicated to micro-tunnelling and Tunnel Boring Machines.

International Standards

Our refuges meet various international recommendations such as BS EN 16191:2014, ITA WG5 and WA Guidelines..

Underground Toilets

The BIO’LOO is a self-contained, highly portable and environmentally friendly toilet system, that can be used both above and below ground wherever there is access to electricity.

  • Simple to Operate & Maintain – Latrine facilities mounted on a miniature biological treatment plant.
  • Efficient Waste Processing – Waste is fully isolated and broken down using SUB’ROCAs biodegradable, non-toxic BIO’ZYME solution.
  • Minimal Odour & Environmental Impact – No hazardous chemicals, ensuring a cleaner and eco-friendly process.
  • Low Maintenance – Requires emptying only once every 12 months, unlike chemical latrines that need more servicing.
  • Improved Workplace Hygiene – Reduces employee contact with waste, creating a cleaner, safer, and more productive work environment.
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After-Sales Support

Servicing SUB’ROCA Refuge Chambers

We provide dependable servicing, repairs, and annual maintenance for our refuge chambers throughout Africa.

Our experienced technicians travel across the continent, offering expert support at competitive, market-appropriate rates.

We use premium quality OEM manufactured spare parts to ensure long term performance and full operational readiness.

Servicing Other Refuge Chamber Brands

We offer expert servicing for all makes of refuge chambers, supported by customized service kits and spare parts. Our experienced technicians are trained to maintain a wide range of systems, ensuring full compliance and delivering dependable, efficient support across multiple chamber brands.

Simply let us know your make and model.

Our daily service rates are much lower than what you’re currently paying.

Refuge Chamber Upgrades

We provide cost-effective upgrade solutions for a wide range of refuge chamber makes, allowing a seamless transition to SUB’ROCA systems. Our upgrades include:

  • Replacing standard batteries with refuge-specific batteries
  • Installing 3-stage air filtration kits
  • Converting to SUB’ROCA CO₂ and CO chemical systems, offering a more affordable alternative

Our adaptor plate is designed to fit most existing scrubber systems, making upgrades quick and simple. The CO₂ and CO cartridges are easy to handle, just place them on the upgraded tray and replace as needed.

Critical Spares

We supply a full range of critical spares to support and upgrade your existing refuge chamber systems. Our cost-effective solutions enable a smooth transition to SUB’ROCA equipment, helping improve performance and reduce operating costs.

Available upgrades include:

  • SUB’ROCA refuge-specific batteries for enhanced reliability
  • Three-stage air filtration kits to improve air quality and safety
  • Reliable, high-performance inverters, fully pre-programmed for refuge chamber applications
  • SUB’ROCA chemical cartridges, a more affordable alternative, delivering significant savings without compromising effectiveness

Call Us Today

With a presence in over 20 countries, SUB’ROCA is committed to expanding the reach of its products and services every day.