JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) – Exxaro Resources Ltd expects a fall of between 18% and 34% in first-half headline earnings per share (HEPS), the South African coal miner said on Tuesday.

Exxaro said it expects 1,142-1,420 cents in HEPS, the main profit measure for companies in South Africa.

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) will increase by 12% to 28%, it said.

The company was deemed an essential service during South Africa’s lockdown, which lasted from late March to the end of May.