The first half of 2020 has tested society to its limits, Anglo American CEO Mark Cutifani said on Monday, when the company reported 39%-lower $3.4-billion half-year earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda).

The interim dividend of $0.28 a share declared by Anglo is consistent with its 40% payout policy.

“It’s been a very tough six months. Coivd-19 has had a material impact on our operations and the business, but certainly, from our perspective, I think we finished the half strong ,and we also believe that taking that improving performance into the second half will be the key to us delivering a much better full-year result,” Cutifani said.

Mining Weekly can report that Anglo acted quickly at the onset of the pandemic to protect employees and host communities through its global ‘WeCare’ lives and livelihoods programme. At the same time, it secured the continuity and integrity of its operations.