The demolition of all three headframes will be completed by mid-December, with shafts Seven and Eight to be dismantled first by carefully removing pieces of the headframes from the top down.  Stobie was placed on care and maintenance two years ago.

"The ageing headframes are being demolished to reduce maintenance costs and pave the way for potential new development currently being studied at the Stobie Mine site," said Patrick Boitumelo, head of mining & milling for Vale's North Atlantic Operations.

Nine Shaft will be blasted down the week of November 9. Some buildings at the site such as the crusher plant, mill and hoist building have already been removed with a few more also scheduled for demolition.

For safety reasons, the public has been asked to stay away from the construction site. 

"After operating for more than 100 years in the Sudbury Basin, Stobie Mine has a certain nostalgia to it," said Boitumelo. "It has a rich history of contributing to our business and our community. We cherish that history while looking forward to the future growth of operations." 

During World War II, the adjacent Frood Mine alone accounted for 40% of all the nickel used in Allied artillery production.