Although the ASARCO (originally known as 'American Smelting and Refining Company) copper smelter closed in 1999, two of the stacks remained until yesterday, when both came down. The taller of the two was 828 feet; the other was 612 feet. ASARCO decided in 2007 that it was not worth reopening the smelter after more than 100 years of operation so it was time to dismantle things.
Here's a good story on the smelter's legacy - not all of it good - from the El Paso Times, with more videos and stills.
I recall first seeing these in summer 1970 en route from Virginia to Tucson; I believe there were three at the time. They were hard to miss from Interstate 10 on the west side of El Paso. Impressive!
Nothing like watching big structures coming down!
"I and others are sick, especially those who come from the younger generation." - Charlie Rodriguez, 63, former ASARCO worker
"I was fortunate to have worked at ASARCO." - Miguel Beltran, 85
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