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Engineering Students Present Novel Method of Dismantling Sudbury’s Superstack

Engineering Students Present Novel Method of Dismantling Sudbury’s Superstack

Mechatronics students create prototype to demonstrate real world application

(May 6, 2025) - A team of senior Engineering students from Laurentian University has developed an innovative solution to a longstanding local engineering conundrum: how to safely and systematically dismantle towering industrial stacks like Sudbury’s iconic Superstack.

Inspired by the ongoing decommissioning of large smokestacks across North America, Laurentian Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering students Tyler Marcon, Alex Giguere, Quinn Roos, and Emmanuel Mukwakwami designed and prototyped a robotic system capable of disassembling reinforced concrete stacks from the top down. Their project, which formed part of Professor Markus Timusk’s Capstone Design course, earned top honours in the course’s annual project awards.

“There are existing demolition methods, but many involve significant human risk,” said Marcon. “We wanted to propose something safer, more autonomous, and engineered specifically for large-scale structures like the Superstack here in Sudbury.”

The team’s design centers around a dual-cutting system using diamond wire technology—commonly used in the mining and jade industries—that can carefully slice blocks of concrete while minimizing dust, noise, and structural instability. A full-scale version of their design could operate autonomously, gradually cutting and pushing debris inward over an estimated two-year demolition timeline.

Professor Timusk praised the project for its creativity, execution, and real-world relevance. “This project hit all the marks for a successful Capstone: open-ended design, creativity, integration of engineering principles, and teamwork,” he said. “It’s a truly standout example of what our students are capable of when tackling problems that matter to our community. We’re grateful that a panel of industry professionals joined us to give their thoughts on each project.”

The students showcased a working prototype that visually demonstrates the sequence of operations in their design, using foam and a heated wire to mimic diamond-wire cutting. 

The project was completed in collaboration with co-instructor Greg Lakanen, who supports the Capstone program’s hands-on, real-world approach to engineering education. While Vale has already determined the method through which the Superstack will be demolished, the novel concept may inform future research or industrial practices for stack demolition.

For this group of students set to graduate in the next few months, some of whom already have job offers, they begin their careers with exceptional references, hands-on experiences, and valuable connections to the industry. 

Laurentian's Bharti School of Engineering receives renewed investment from IAMGOLD

Laurentian's Bharti School of Engineering receives renewed investment from IAMGOLD

$2 million investment to further enrich learning for engineering students

The Bharti School of Engineering at Laurentian University has received a $2 million investment from Canadian mining firm, IAMGOLD Corporation Inc.

The investment will fund the creation of a collaboration space for engineering students in the newly constructed Cliff Fielding Research, Innovation and Engineering Building. To honour this contribution, the space will be named the IAMGOLD Student Engineering Junction. In addition, funds will support engineering lab refurbishment, upgrades to technology and equipment, research, scholarships as well as student activities and field trips. 

“We are grateful to IAMGOLD for their continued support of Laurentian students. This investment will further enhance our students’ learning experience at the Bharti School,” said Dr. Markus Timusk, Director of the Bharti School of Engineering. “Engineering students from across disciplines will have a place to gather, collaborate and share ideas and knowledge. Students will also have access to leading-edge technology and additional experiential learning opportunities.”

With accredited programs in Mining, Chemical and Mechanical Engineering (with Environmental, Mechatronics and Metallurgy Options), the Bharti School of Engineering has experienced tremendous growth and success over the past decade. 

"Five years ago, we were new to the region and just at the beginning of developing our Cote Gold project. But step one for us was to establish and develop a relationship with Laurentian,” said Gordon Stothart, Executive Vice President and COO of IAMGOLD Corp. Inc. “IAMGOLD is a company that strongly believes its most valuable asset is our people and Laurentian plays a key role in driving the modernization of Canadian mining education, and will support new generations of aspiring mining professionals."

IAMGOLD’s initial investment in 2013 of $1.25 million, enabled Laurentian to hire two IAMGOLD Research Fellows who have played a role in enhancing teaching and research capacity at the Bharti School of Engineering.

“This investment shows a commitment to the Bharti School of Engineering and a confidence in Laurentian’s students.  Relationships with partners such as IAMGOLD, make us stronger and enhances the student experience which in turn delivers the best and the brightest to industry upon graduation,” said Laurentian University Interim President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Pierre Zundel

The Cliff Fielding Research, Innovation and Engineering Building is scheduled for completion in the spring of 2018 and will include collaborative research and development space, innovation and commercialization space, as well as space for the award-winning Bharti School of Engineering including four capstone innovation labs, a material analysis lab, environmental and soil mechanics lab, prototype development and machine shop, integrated software lab and lecture theatre, and a hydraulics and fluid mechanics lab.

 

About IAMGOLD

IAMGOLD Corp. Inc. is a Toronto-based, leading mid-tier gold producer with four operating gold mines (including current joint ventures) on three continents, with a pipeline of development and exploration projects. The company’s growth plans are focused in Canada, select countries in South America and Africa.

 

ABOUT LAURENTIAN UNIVERSITY

Laurentian University, located on the traditional territory of the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation, is committed to strengthening the foundation of knowledge in higher education and research in order to offer an outstanding university experience in English and French with a comprehensive approach to Indigenous education. Together with its federated partners, Laurentian University prepares leaders who bring innovative and intelligent solutions to local and global issues.