SUDBURY, January 24, 2017 – Due to the significant reduction of atmospheric emissions at Vale’s operations in Sudbury, Ontario, today Vale announced its plans to take the iconic 1,250 foot (381 metre) Superstack out of service by the second quarter of 2020. The Superstack will be replaced with two smaller and more efficient 450 foot (137 metre) stacks.
“We are proud to be reducing emissions to a point where the Superstack is no longer required,” said Stuart Harshaw, Vice-President of Vale’s Ontario Operations. “Taking the Superstack out of service is a great symbol of how far Vale has come in terms of shrinking our environmental footprint and making Greater Sudbury a better place to work and live.”
The two smaller and more efficient stacks will require far less energy to operate than the Superstack, which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from Vale’s Copper Cliff Smelter by approximately 40%. At the same time, Vale’s Clean AER Project will reduce particulate emissions by 40% and dramatically reduce SO2 emissions by 85%.
By changing to two smaller and more efficient stacks, natural gas consumption is estimated to drop by nearly half, from 94 million cubic metres per year to 48 million cubic metres per year. This savings is equivalent to the average fuel consumption of approximately 17,500 homes, or approximately 1/3 of all the households in Greater Sudbury.
Construction of the two new stacks will begin in early 2017 and will take approximately two years to complete. The Superstack will be placed into care and maintenance mode in the second quarter of 2020 as extensive study is conducted to determine the best way to safely and carefully demolish its concrete shell. There is no immediate need for the shell to be demolished and it is expected to remain a part of the Sudbury skyline for several years to come.
“Congratulations to Vale for continuing to invest in emissions-reducing technology, and in Sudbury. Sudbury has led the way in showing the world that sustainable mining operations and living in a healthy city can go hand in hand, and Vale’s investment in the Clean AER project is a perfect example of that continued leadership.”
- Paul Lefebvre, Member of Parliament for Sudbury
“Today, we celebrate the life of the iconic Vale ‘Superstack’ which for over 40 years has been diverting by-product from the mineral smelting process away from Greater Sudbury, and in doing so, keeping the Greater Sudbury area such a pristine and beautiful place to live, work, and play. I’m quite confident that Vale’s decision to retire the ‘Superstack’ represents the beginning of a new era for Greater Sudbury—one that is more innovative, environmentally-friendly, and prosperous for all.”
- Marc Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt
"The superstack has been a fixture of Sudbury's skyline for 5 decades. But as energy minister, this is terrific news for our community. We are going to see a major reduction in greenhouse gas emissions along with significant energy savings. I want to congratulate Vale for being part of Ontario's plan for a cleaner and safer environment."
- Glenn Thibeault, Ontario Energy Minister and MPP for Sudbury
“I commend Vale Canada on their Clean Atmospheric Emission Reduction Project that will significantly reduce the amount of sulphur dioxide emissions. We have been and will continue to work closely with Vale Canada to ensure cleaner air for residents of Greater Sudbury.”
- Glen Murray, Ontario Minister of the Environment and Climate Change
“By reducing emissions at their Sudbury operations, Vale has shown its commitment to protecting the environment and ensuring that their operations are sustainable,” Our government continues to work with our partners in the sector, like Vale, to reinforce Ontario’s position as a global leader in sustainable mineral development.”
- Michael Gravelle, Ontario Minister of Northern Development and Mines