Up to 1709, furnaces could only use charcoal to produce iron. However, wood (which is what charcoal is made from) was becoming more expensive, as forests were being cleared for farmland and timber.

British Steel is preparing to close the UK’s two last-remaining blast furnaces, after its Chinese owner earlier this week rejected a £500 million ($647 million) public rescue package for the ...

Thousands of jobs are in danger after British Steel revealed plans that threaten to close its two blast furnaces. Up to 2,700 roles are at risk as a consultation was launched by the UK's second ...