Western Areas NL
(ASX:WSA) has reported its first half net profit for the six months to December 31 fell 64 per cent to $24.1 million.
The Australian miner says the fall reflects a sharp drop in the price of nickel and the strong Australian dollar.
Western Areas says the average nickel price was reduced by 25 per cent.
The company is hoping the price of nickel continues to trend up, as it has done in January.
An interim dividend of 5 cents has been declared.
