Between 1854 and 1874, the furnace was used to smelt iron ore, using coal or charcoal for fuel.

He invested in a scheme to smelt iron using coal, and this as well as other decisions led to the end of the family estate.

Mining and smelting iron became a more successful activity until the deposits diminished.

In the 17th century, a blast furnace for smelting iron ore found in the limestone was built.

Many attendant difficulties had to be overcome before this fuel could be applied to the purpose of smelting iron.