Asian Steelmakers Battle Rio and BHP over Huge Iron-Ore Price Increases

Steelmakers throughout Asia cringed earlier this week when they heard the news that Aussie mining giant Rio Tinto PLC (ADR: RTP) had secured a 97% price increase for its iron-ore. But getting Rio out of the way was only half the battle, because now steelmakers are forced to confront BHP Billiton Ltd. (ADR: BHP) and its chief executive, Marius Kloppers, who may not be so easily placated.