For many years, the Inco Superstack has served as a symbolic landmark for residents and visitors of Sudbury, Ontario. Mayor Paul Lefebvre described it as a “beacon in our community,” signifying proximity to home for many. This iconic structure, towering at over 1,250 feet, was erected in 1972 to address the serious environmental concerns plaguing the area. Sudbury was once notorious for its pollution, which destroyed local vegetation and wildlife. The Superstack was built to disperse sulphur emissions further away from the community as a means of addressing the toxic atmosphere. However, the skyline of Sudbury is set to undergo a significant transformation as Vale Base Metals (VBM), the current owner, prepares to dismantle the Superstack along with its smaller counterpart, the Copperstack.
The decision to demolish these structures is rooted in VBM’s commitment to environmental progress. The company, which acquired Inco in 2006, had announced its Clean AER Project in 2010, a plan aimed at replacing the towering chimneys with more eco-friendly technologies for nickel extraction. Gord Gilpin, director of Ontario operations for VBM, noted that while the change will certainly alter the city’s landscape, it marks an important evolution in their operations. By eliminating the Superstack and Copperstack, VBM anticipates a significant reduction of 100,000 metric tonnes of sulphur dioxide emissions each year—an equivalent of 1,000 railway tanker cars of sulphuric acid.
The process of dismantling the Copperstack is nearing completion, and attention will soon shift to the Superstack. Mayor Lefebvre mentioned the extensive preparations that have taken place over the past five years in anticipation of this project. It is projected that the entire demolition process will take about five years. While some community members advocate for preserving these structures as historical tributes, Lefebvre emphasized practical concerns regarding liability and safety. The Superstack sits atop an active nickel mine, making it impractical as a tourist attraction and prompting the need for its removal.
Despite his sadness over the impending loss of such a landmark, Mayor Lefebvre expressed a sense of irony regarding Sudbury’s transformation from an environmental disaster to a crucial contributor to global sustainability. Once known for its bleak and polluted landscape during the mid-20th century, Sudbury has shifted towards responsibly supplying critical minerals, specifically nickel, essential for modern technologies like electric vehicles and batteries. This narrative embodies a broader theme in which former industrial sites can evolve to play significant roles in sustainable practices.
The dismantling of the Superstack signals a shift not only in Sudbury’s skyline but also in its environmental responsibility and economic focus. By investing in modernizing its facilities and reducing its ecological footprint, VBM aims to ensure a successful century of mining that balances economic growth with ecological stewardship. The community’s identity is likely to evolve alongside these changes, reflecting a commitment to a healthier environment while still acknowledging its mining legacy.
As Sudbury moves forward into this new era, the decision to remove the Superstack represents a pivotal moment in the city’s history. It marks the end of an era characterized by pollution and environmental challenges, paving the way for a future where Sudbury can be both a mining hub and a region that prioritizes sustainable development. The story of the Superstack is not just one of demolition; it encapsulates the journey of a city redefining itself, transforming its relationship with the environment, and its role in the global economy.
