Kumba Iron Ore reported a 41% decline in profit for the first half of 2026. Headline earnings per share fell to R13.24 from R22.26 in the prior year. Revenue decreased 11% to R30.9 billion.
The company declared an interim dividend of R7.90 per share. This marks a significant reduction from the R16.60 paid in the first half of 2025.
External pressures drove the earnings slump, led by an 11% strengthening of the rand against the dollar. Realized iron ore prices decreased slightly while input costs rose. Record rainfall also disrupted operations during the period.
Kumba maintained its full-year production and sales guidance despite these challenges. The miner is executing a strategic shift to reduce sales to China in favor of Japan, South Korea, and other Asian markets.