Abstract: A closure arrangement for a ladle or similar container having an opening in ts bottom includes a bottom block arranged in the bottom opening, and a kidney-shaped refractory closing member seated in a plate at the bottom of the ladle to confront the bottom block. A cantilever frame is pivotally mounted at the bottom of the ladle for swinging movement relative to the closing member, and a kidney-shaped refractory sliding member is arranged in the frame for discharging the molten metal when the sliding member is moved to one or more selected positions relative to the closing member. A pressure plate associated with the frame urges a sealing surface on the sliding member against a sealing surface on the closing member when the frame is swung past the closing member.