South32 posts 80% slide in interim underlying profit as its metals take price hit

SOUTH32 reported an 80% drop in half-year underlying profit, hurt by lower prices across its key commodities, said Reuters.

The diversified miner reported an underlying profit of $131m for the six months ended December 31, down from $642m a year earlier.

The miner declared an interim dividend of 1.1 cents per share, down from 5.1 cents per share a year ago, and a special dividend of 1.1 cents per share.