IRONORE/MET/L Sector leaders BHP Group BHP.AX, Rio Tinto RIO.AX and Fortescue FMG.AX slipped between 1% and 2%. June 30 (Reuters) - Australian shares skidded on Thursday, on course for their worst month since March 2020, as recent comments from U.S. Federal Reserve officials reaffirmed fears of a sharp economic slowdown amid attempts to contain soaring inflation. Energy stocks .AXEJ were the top losers on the Australian benchmark index, shedding as much as 1.7% on lower oil prices.