Fortescue hopes for swift return to normal China trade conditions

MELBOURNE, Aug 20 (Reuters) - Fortescue, the world's fourth-largest iron ore miner, said on Thursday it hoped to see a return to normal market conditions for its China trade as soon as possible.

"We continue to engage with China Mineral Resources Group (CMRG) through respectful, patient and good faith negotiations," Head of Energy Agustin Pichot said on an earnings call.

Pichot added that "fair" market practices were in the best interests of China, Australia, steel customers and the iron ore industry as a whole.

(Reporting by Melanie Burton in Melbourne and Renju Jose in Sydney; Editing by Jacqueline Wong)