For any of our readers who have just woken from a long coma, Fortescue Metals chairman Andrew Forrest is on the warpath, and his big targets are his big rivals, BHP Billiton and (especially) Rio Tinto. Situation normal really – so get some more sleep and we'll wake you for the next mining boom…

Some powdered, gout-ridden Frog once said that "self-interest speaks all sorts of tongues, and plays all sorts of roles". But today, even the most cynical rock watchers have to marvel at Twiggy's campaigning prowess.

Six months ago, Fortescue chief Nev Power reckoned the ore price falling from "unsustainable peaks", forcing "high-cost producers [to] exit the market", was "an economic reality".

Now Forrest has the iron ore majors in the political smelter over their planned production increases, which are driving down the ore price to Fortescue's (almost existential) detriment. Forrest has WA Premier Colin Barnett firmly in his corner, and federal Treasurer Joe Hockey making all the right noises about "common sense". For prosecuting an intellectually questionable position, Forrest possesses both flair and indefatigability.

And, on occasions, he'll even dance with the devil! Behind the scenes, where the furious background briefings of politicians and the press are taking place, Twiggy has a secret weapon: Glencore's mysterious chief executive Ivan Glasenberg.

LOBBYING IN CONCERT

The Australian-South African-Israeli-Swiss baron has had plenty of his own reasons to run down the majors (particularly his intended prey, Rio), but this goes further. Forrest and Glasenberg have been lobbying in concert, phoning around in a one-two combo, both the messaging and the timing synchronised, even using each other's minders.

But with egos and ambitions as lofty as these, the old "enemy of my enemy is my friend" mantra can only last so long. About a fortnight ago, Ivan went completely radio silent. Whatever could he be up to? Preparing his questions for Rio's AGM in Perth on Thursday?

At least Fortescue, carrying $9 billion of debt, needn't worry about becoming a Glencore target – in any M&A activity, Glasenberg will need to deleverage.

Is a Glencore play for BHP's debt-free spin-off South32 looming? We're all for it – if only to see Ivan once again face off against another CrapCo suitor: X2's Mick Davis. There will be blood.