Mining behemoth BHP is continuing to negotiate a deal to keep iron ore from its vast Pilbara empire flowing into Chinese steel mills. China’s state iron ore buyer reportedly ordered steelmakers and traders to pause purchases of US dollar-denominated seaborne iron ore cargoes from the Big Australian during its annual price negotiations, sources said on Tuesday. It was reported late on Tuesday that the decision to halt purchases of BHP ore followed several meetings between the two sides since late last week that had failed to produce results. China, the world’s largest iron ore consumer, buys about 75 per cent of global seaborne iron ore and established China Mineral Resources Group three years ago to buy ore on behalf of its steelmakers in a bid to gain more leverage as a large, single buyer and keep a lid on prices. BHP is China’s third-biggest supplier of iron ore behind Rio Tinto and Vale.