Last UK blast furnaces days from closure as Chinese owners cut off crucial supplies

News Snapshot:

​​​​​​​The last blast furnaces left operating in Britain could see their fate sealed within days, after their Chinese owners took the decision to cut off the crucial supply of ingredients keeping them running. Jingye, the owner of British Steel in Scunthorpe, has, according to union representatives, cancelled future orders for the iron ore, coal and other raw materials needed to keep the furnaces running. The upshot is that they may have to close next month - even sooner than the earliest date suggested for its closure. Read more: Thousands of jobs at risk as British Steel consults unions over closure...