The resources slowdown of last year has taken its toll on Mineral Resources with the miner and mining contractor's first-half profit slumping 22 per cent to $63 million.

But the company said it expected to lift its performance considerably in the second half with higher commodity prices and a return to higher volumes of mining and processing.

"The annual results for 2012/13 will therefore be significantly skewed to a strong second half performance, supported by increased contracting and production tonnages and continued strength of iron ore demand and pricing," the company said in a statement.

"The economic situation has also provided the company with significant opportunities for growth and expansion and to cement its leading position in the build-own-operate mineral processing market by taking advantage of its financial and operational strength."

MinRes posted revenue of $500.3 million for the half, up 22 per cent on the previous corresponding period and grew EBITDA by one per cent to $145.1 million.

The company said its debt to equity ratio remained conservative at 35 per cent at the end of December.

The company maintained an interim dividend of 16 cents a share fully franked to be paid on April 11.