Iron ore miners face pressure Global top iron ore miners are navigating a more challenging September quarter as the Middle East conflict keeps fuel and freight costs elevated and commercial tensions with China Mineral Resources Group (CMRG) create additional uncertainty. For most of the top miners, operational performance is expected to remain comparatively resilient. Kpler forecasts Rio Tinto Pilbara sales of 84.50Mt(+0.20% y/y, 100 basis), Vale production of 94.50Mt(+0.10% y/y, including 3-rd party purchases) and BHP production of 72.30Mt (+2.90% y/y, 100% basis) for the quarter. However, FMG faces a more pronounced risk amid the dispute with China's CMRG, with shipments forecast at 47.70Mt, down 4% from a year earlier. Diversification towards Southeast Asia and India may provide some support, but unlikely to fully compensate for weaker shipments to China. Stay ahead of the market with #Kpler# Insight: