** Australian mining stocks .AXMM down as much as 2.4%, their lowest level since January 6, 2026

** Globally, aluminium, copper, and other key metal prices fall over shipping disruptions amid the ongoing Middle East war

** Australian shares of UK-based miner Rio Tinto RIO.AX down as much as 2.9%, aluminium miner South32 S32.AX fell as much as 2.6%

** Despite moves, sub-index up 2.2% YTD

(Reporting by Aamir Sheik Khalid in Bengaluru)

((Aamir.SheikKhalid@thomsonreuters.com))