As cold weather nears, Vale Ltd. said it has removed about 337 feet from the top of the Superstack as the company prepares to move the project to winter operations. “On Aug. 26, the project successfully reached its 2026 demolition target height of 913ft/278metres, achieving this year’s planned dismantling milestone,” the company said in a recent update. “This fall, crews have been focused on lowering the demolition machine and installing specialized equipment that will allow larger work platforms to be hoisted into place, preparing the project for continued demolition activities in 2027 and beyond.” At its fullest height, the stack was1,250 feet high. Work to lower the stack’s height can’t continue in winter. Instead, crews will focus on removing structures at ground level until the warm weather returns. Completed in 1970, the stack helped transform Sudbury’s environment, boosting cleanup efforts and allowing for trees to grow again and lakes to recover. However, advancements in cleaning emissions over the decades have made the stack unnecessary, prompting Vale’s decision to dismantle what had become the dominant sight in Sudbury’s skyline. The work will take multiple years, Vale has said. “Work on the concrete shell will resume once temperatures consistently return above freezing in the spring,” Vale said. “This project continues to showcase innovative demolition techniques and the dedication of the skilled workforce helping safely dismantle one of Sudbury’s most iconic landmarks.”
