Core Viewpoint - The sudden shift by Chinese buyers to demand payment in RMB instead of USD for iron ore from BHP has created significant turmoil in the iron ore trade, highlighting the ongoing capital market dynamics and the contrasting responses of major mining companies [1][3]. Group 1: Company Responses - Rio Tinto quickly agreed to the RMB settlement, reflecting its deep financial ties to the Chinese market, which accounts for over half of its revenue and has seen record procurement levels [1]. - BHP, on the other hand, has resisted the shift to RMB, influenced by its American shareholders who are concerned about the potential erosion of the USD's dominance in mineral trade [3]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - The global iron ore market is transitioning from a seller's market to a buyer's market, with increasing supply from countries like Guinea and Brazil, which could threaten BHP's market position if it remains inflexible [5]. - The pricing power in the iron ore market is shifting, with China's Dalian Commodity Exchange now having a trading volume eight times that of Singapore, indicating the emergence of a new pricing center in China [5].

Core Insights - Rio Tinto has adopted a new settlement scheme using the Chinese yuan, while BHP Billiton has chosen to maintain its existing settlement model, highlighting a stark contrast in strategic approaches between the two Australian mining giants [1][3] - The choice of settlement currency has become a significant indicator of a company's strategic flexibility, especially in the context of the deepening demand for stable mineral resource supply from the Chinese market [1][3] Group 1: Company Strategies - Rio Tinto's decision is based on a thorough consideration of real interests, having established a long-term investment presence across multiple sectors in the Chinese market [1] - The company has set up a dedicated yuan account in the Shanghai Free Trade Zone, indicating a forward-looking strategy with a 36-month implementation period [1] - BHP Billiton's decision reflects a tighter connection to international capital markets, with a significant dollar-denominated debt structure that could be adversely affected by a shift in settlement currency [1][3] Group 2: Market Dynamics - The iron ore trade transcends mere commercial transactions, involving complex international relations, particularly between Australia and China [1] - The ongoing fluctuations in exchange rates pose a risk to profitability, with annual iron ore trade volumes exceeding hundreds of millions of tons [3] - The strategic decisions of both companies will be tested over time, with upcoming financial data serving as a critical observation point for market expectations [1]

Core Viewpoint - Rio Tinto Group, along with partners Mitsui & Co. and Nippon Steel Corp., is investing $733 million in new iron ore mines in the Pilbara region to sustain production levels from the West Angelas hub, which is crucial for meeting global demand for high-quality iron ore [1][2][3]. Investment and Production Plans - The West Angelas Sustaining Project aims to maintain production at approximately 35 million tons of iron ore annually, with first production expected to commence in 2027 following the receipt of all necessary government approvals [2][3]. - Rio Tinto's share of the investment in the West Angelas project will amount to $389 million, part of a broader strategy to counteract declining ore grades and reserves in existing operations [4]. Industry Context - The need for Rio Tinto to invest heavily in new mining projects is driven by the challenges of falling ore grades and diminishing reserves, which are not unique to the company but affect other miners in the region as well [3]. - The company has previously announced a $1.8 billion investment to expand its Brockman iron ore hub to maintain production levels as older mines are depleted [4].

Core Viewpoint - Rio Tinto announced an investment of $733 million to develop new iron ore deposits at the West Angelas hub in Western Australia, in collaboration with joint venture partners Mitsui and Nippon Steel Corp [1] Investment Details - The investment of $733 million will be utilized for the development of new iron ore deposits [1] - Joint venture partners involved in this investment include Mitsui and Nippon Steel Corp [1] Location and Project Scope - The project is located at the West Angelas hub in Western Australia [1] - The focus of the investment is on expanding iron ore production capabilities [1]

Core Viewpoint - China has suspended the purchase of Australian iron ore from BHP due to a decline in ore quality and a failure to negotiate lower prices, signaling a shift in global iron ore pricing power and China's ability to reshape the steel industry [2][4][6]. Group 1: Industry Dynamics - The global iron ore market is dominated by three major players: BHP (Australia), Rio Tinto (UK), and Vale (Brazil), which have historically controlled pricing [4]. - During the Morrison administration, Australia attempted to leverage its position against China's steel industry, leading to inflated iron ore prices that reached $267 per ton, significantly impacting China's steel profits [4][6]. - In 2024, these three companies are projected to earn a net profit of 184 billion yuan, while China's entire steel industry is expected to generate only 29 billion yuan, highlighting the disparity in profit distribution [4][6]. Group 2: China's Strategic Moves - China established the China Mineral Resources Group to consolidate negotiations and enhance its bargaining power in the iron ore market, moving away from fragmented negotiations by individual steel mills [6][8]. - China's recent decision to halt Australian iron ore imports reflects the culmination of years of strategic planning and positioning in the global iron ore market [6][10]. Group 3: Alternative Supply Sources - China is strengthening its relationship with Brazil's Vale, which is the only competitor capable of challenging Australian iron ore dominance, with Brazil's iron ore production reaching 328 million tons last year and expected to hit 400 million tons this year [9]. - The Simandou iron ore project in Guinea, with reserves of 5 billion tons and high-grade ore, represents a significant asset for China, with initial production capacity projected at 12 million tons per year [10][12]. - The timing of the suspension of Australian iron ore imports coincides with the arrival of the first shipment from the Simandou project, indicating a strategic shift in sourcing [10][12]. Group 4: Future Outlook - China's steel industry, despite its technological advancements, has been hampered by reliance on imported iron ore, but recent developments suggest a move towards greater control over the supply chain [14]. - The restructuring of the steel industry could mirror the successful consolidation seen in China's rare earth industry, potentially leading to improved profitability and market stability [14].

Core Viewpoint - China has requested domestic buyers to suspend purchases of BHP's iron ore priced in USD, allowing only RMB transactions for already delivered shipments, indicating a shift in negotiation dynamics with Australian iron ore suppliers [1][23]. Group 1: Negotiation Dynamics - The suspension of USD transactions is linked to ongoing negotiations between China Mineral Resources Group and Australian iron ore giants, with significant disputes over pricing mechanisms [2][5]. - Key points of contention include the pricing cycle, where Australian companies prefer long-term contracts with price increases, while China advocates for quarterly pricing linked to current market rates [3][6]. - The price difference between the two approaches could lead to an additional cost of over $200 billion for China if the Australian pricing is accepted, significantly impacting domestic steel manufacturers [3][5]. Group 2: Market Dependence and Strategy - China is the largest consumer of iron ore, accounting for over 75% of global consumption, which has historically placed it in a vulnerable negotiating position [8][9]. - The establishment of China Mineral Resources Group aims to consolidate negotiation power and improve pricing strategies, moving away from fragmented negotiations by individual steel companies [22][24]. - The group’s formation has already led to a noticeable decrease in iron ore import prices since 2022, reflecting a more unified and strategic approach to negotiations [22][23]. Group 3: Currency and Pricing Mechanism - The push for RMB pricing is part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on USD and enhance the internationalization of the Chinese currency [6][23]. - The introduction of a new iron ore price index in RMB by the Beijing Iron Ore Trading Center marks a significant step towards establishing a pricing mechanism that reflects China's actual supply and demand [26][27]. - This shift in pricing strategy is expected to increase China's influence in the international iron ore market, leading to more transactions priced in RMB in the future [27].

Group 1 - Macquarie has lowered the target price for BHP by 2% to AUD 42 per share [1] - Macquarie has raised the target price for Rio Tinto by 4% to AUD 115 per share [1] - Macquarie has decreased the target price for Beach Energy by 2.2% to AUD 0.90 per share [1] - Macquarie has reduced the target price for Woodside Energy by 4% to AUD 24 per share [1]

Core Viewpoint - Investors in the Mining - Miscellaneous sector should consider Rio Tinto (RIO) and Anglo American (NGLOY) for potential value opportunities, with RIO currently showing a stronger investment outlook [1]. Valuation Metrics - RIO has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a more favorable earnings estimate revision compared to NGLOY, which has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [3]. - RIO's forward P/E ratio is 11.14, significantly lower than NGLOY's forward P/E of 34.32, suggesting RIO may be undervalued [5]. - RIO's PEG ratio is 4.74, while NGLOY's PEG ratio is 6.29, indicating RIO's expected earnings growth is more favorable relative to its valuation [5]. - RIO has a P/B ratio of 1.34 compared to NGLOY's P/B of 1.57, further supporting RIO's valuation advantage [6]. Value Grades - RIO has earned a Value grade of A, while NGLOY has a Value grade of C, reflecting RIO's stronger overall valuation metrics [6]. - The improving earnings outlook for RIO enhances its attractiveness as a value investment option [7].

Group 1: Report Industry Investment Rating - No information provided about the report industry investment rating Group 2: Core Viewpoints of the Report - In Q4 2025, supported by increased supply and high molten iron production for export, the fundamentals of iron ore are decent. The price is expected to show no strong trend and maintain a moderately bullish oscillating pattern. Domestic demand remains stable overall, while overseas demand is strong. However, long - positions should pay attention to overseas risks [3][88] - The price range in Q4 is expected to be between 90 and 115 for Platts 62 and between 700 and 900 for the iron ore index [4][89] - Industrial risk management suggestion: interval trading [5][90] Group 3: Summary by Relevant Catalogs 1. 2025 H1 Iron Ore Price Review - From January 15 to February 21: Pessimistic expectations were reversed, and supply disruptions supported the price increase. The black market followed the stock market, and both domestic and overseas macro - sentiments were positive. Hurricanes affected iron ore shipments, and the spot was in short supply [5] - From February 22 to April 8: Both expectations and fundamentals weakened. After the hurricane, shipments returned to normal, and the relationship between the stock market and the black market diverged. Tariffs and anti - dumping concerns, along with the expectation of crude steel reduction, pushed the price down [6] - From April 9 to June 18: After the risk release, there was a temporary balance. The iron ore valuation was low, but the actual demand was stable. The Geneva Agreement led to a price increase, but then the market entered a low - volatility state [7] - From June 19 to the present: The iron ore price bottomed out and then rose. The reasons were the promotion of anti - involution and the repair of pessimistic expectations under high molten iron production [8] 2. Supply - **Overall Supply in 2025**: The supply of iron ore in the first three quarters of 2025 was tight at first and then loosened. The global shipment volume in the first three quarters was about 1.133 billion tons, a year - on - year increase of 0.78%. It is expected that the shipment in Q4 will be relatively sufficient, with a year - on - year growth rate of about 1% [11] - **China's Supply**: From January to August, the cumulative import of iron ore and its concentrates was 801.618 million tons, a year - on - year decrease of 1.6%. In August, the import was 10.5225 million tons, a month - on - month increase of 0.6% [17] - **Shipment by Country**: Australia and Brazil are still the top two suppliers, but their shipment volumes declined. India's exports to China dropped significantly, while Russia's and Mongolia's exports increased [19][20] - **Four Major Mines**: In H1 2025, the four major mines generally overcame adverse factors, and their production remained stable or increased slightly. Vale and Rio Tinto are expected to be the main contributors to the incremental production in H2 [24] - **Domestic Mines**: From January to August, the iron concentrate output of 332 mines was 172.55 million tons, a year - on - year decrease of 2.5%. The annual output is expected to be lower than last year, with a year - on - year growth rate of about - 2% [48] 3. Demand - **Demand Revision**: The view on demand in the semi - annual report needs to be revised. Currently, external demand is the dominant factor. Domestic demand in infrastructure and real estate remains weak, while exports, both direct and indirect, are becoming the leading force in black demand [51][52] - **Molten Iron Production**: In the first three quarters of 2025, the average daily molten iron production was 237210 tons, a year - on - year increase of 3.73%. It is expected that the production in Q4 may first remain stable and then decline [58] - **Steel Mill Supply Adjustment**: In the first three quarters, downstream steel mill demand was decent supported by exports. Building materials demand declined, while plate demand maintained positive growth. Steel mills adjusted their supply through production transfer [63][64] - **Export Support**: In the context of weak domestic demand, overseas exports are an important support for steel demand. Although the cost advantage is weakening, the export volume is expected to be supported in the second half of the year [68] 4. Inventory - **Port Inventory**: Due to hurricane disruptions and high molten iron production in the first three quarters, port inventory decreased. However, with the recovery of shipments and low steel mill profits, port inventory may start to accumulate again [73] - **Steel Mill Inventory**: Steel mills adhere to the low - inventory strategy for raw materials, and the proportion of trading ore is relatively high [75] - **Global Seaborne Inventory**: The global seaborne inventory of iron ore is high, and the shipping speed has returned to normal, which may accelerate the arrival of iron ore at ports [77] 5. Valuation - **Term Structure**: The term structure of iron ore remains in a back structure, but the contango of far - month contracts has significantly shrunk. In Q4, attention should be paid to steel mill production cuts for reverse arbitrage [79] - **Iron - Scrap Price Difference**: Scrap steel has been less cost - effective compared to iron ore in the past year. The scrap addition ratio in blast furnaces has decreased [82] - **Coking Coal/Iron Ore Seesaw Effect**: In 2025, the price seesaw effect between coking coal and iron ore is more significant. If coking coal prices remain strong in Q4, it may continue to suppress iron ore prices [84] - **Volatility**: The implied volatility of iron ore options decreased in H1 2025 and then rebounded after the anti - involution trading in late June [86]

Group 1 - The analyst has over 10 years of experience researching more than 1000 companies across various sectors including commodities and technology [1] - The focus has shifted from a personal blog to a value investing-oriented YouTube channel, emphasizing research on hundreds of companies [1] - The analyst particularly favors covering metals and mining stocks, while also being comfortable with consumer discretionary, REITs, and utilities [1]