It’s down!
After 110 years, the iconic black smokestack that has towered over Freeport-McMoRan’s Miami smelter has been systematically demolished, and you can watch it happen with a new time-lapse video.
As reported in FM News last November, the iconic landmark was built in 1914 to vent gases from the then-new smelter. It has been out of service since modern scrubbing equipment was installed at the site in the early 2000s in response to changing environmental regulations. With the demolition complete, the site will be used for auxiliary cooling equipment needed for a new state-of-the-art electric furnace planned for later this year.
Demolition of the smokestack started in November and was completed by the end of 2023.
While the smokestack held sentimental value for both employees and Miami-area residents, its removal “provides the necessary area to continue our modernization and sustainability efforts at the Miami smelter,” said Mark Albertsen, General Manager-Miami.
“We are committed to responsible operation and safe production at Miami operations and intend to be here for generations to come,” he said.