Demolition at great heights: more WDS 2026 speakers announced

In keeping with the great tradition laid down over the past 18 years, the WDS 2026 will see demolition contractors present fascinating case studies from around the world when the industry gathers in Spain later this year.

The Sudbury Superstack in Ontario (Image: ICC-Commonwealth)

Joining the line up, ICC-Commonwealth will share the story behind a three-and-a-half-year project to dismantle the deteriorating flue liner inside the Sudbury Superstack.

This famous structure in Ontario was once Canada’s tallest chimney, and in fact, the second tallest chimney in the world.

It is part of a mining facility which in recent years, has invested heavily in the implementation of the best available clean air technologies, giving rise to its decommissioning and the final decision to remove the structure by 2029.

ICC-Commonwealth’s site manager Andy Fournier and project coordinator Sierra Boyuk will discuss how work to remove the 381-metre (1,250-ft) steel liner weighing more than 2,000 tonnes, along with its supporting steelwork, inside the 53-year-old concrete chimney was planned and executed with great precision and success.

Site manager Andy Fournier

Using real project examples, they will explore innovative dismantling methods, heavy-lift operations and risk management strategies that are relevant to aging industrial infrastructure worldwide.

Turning to another fascinating project involving a structure of great height, Mike Kehoe, managing director of C&D Engineering Consultants, will offer an insight into the planning and execution behind the explosive demolition of a 107-metre chimney in North Wales, UK.

Located on the Isle of Anglesey, the structure formed part of a former aluminium works and was located adjacent to an operational top-tier COMAH site, significantly increasing the complexity of planning and coordination.

Project coordinator Sierra Boyuk

While the explosive aspect was technically straightforward, logistical and operational constraints presented the primary challenge, reducing the viable demolition window to just 30 minutes.

First, the site was situated on an island environment with a single main access route that splits into four key arterial roads circling the demolition area.

Secondly, there was the operational continuity of a 24/7 international port, alongside a major Network Rail asset running through the site, to consider.

Thirdly, additional sensitivities included the proximity of an RAF training facility, ongoing emergency search and rescue operations, and the requirement for a temporary no-fly zone.

Managing director Mike Kehoe

“The Anglesey project ultimately demonstrated that the key challenge was not the demolition itself, but the integration of complex, overlapping constraints into a single, tightly controlled execution window,” said Mike.

With an ever more exciting programme for the WDS 2026 unfolding, there is still more to be announced in the coming weeks.

The World Demolition Summit 2026 takes place 3 to 5 November at the Novotel Madrid Center, Spain.

BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW – click here to register.