The miner posted an underlying net profit of $2.78 billion, compared with $4.08 billion a year earlier.

Scientists estimated the Hail Creek mine spewed between 123,000 and 263,000 metric tons of methane last year.

The Japanese miner it will triple its capital expenditure over the next three years to boost its output capacity of nickel and cathode materials used in batteries.

The world's no.1 miner had a busy six months marked by sweeping changes, including selling its $13 billion petroleum business and a listing unification, while managing pandemic-related disruptions to its business.

Tamarack is an advanced exploration project and a joint venture with Talon Metals.

The mining giant backed out after its lawyer told the High Court on Monday that its claim was brought out of time.

Las Bambas, which produces 2% of the world's copper supply, has said it will have to suspend production on February 20 if the road is not cleared by then.