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.

Steelmaker British Steel said it could close its two blast furnaces as soon as June with the potential loss of up to 2,700 jobs. U.S. tariffs and environmental costs threaten its already ...

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 ...

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 ...