Whitehaven Coal's shares fell 6% after the Australian miner posted a first-half underlying net loss of A$19 million, swinging from a A$350 million profit a year earlier. The loss was driven by a 19% drop in coal prices to A$189 per tonne, with revenue declining 28% to A$2.48 billion despite steady production.

On a statutory basis, Whitehaven reported a net profit after tax of A$69 million, aided by A$88 million in non-recurring gains from its acquisition of Daunia and Blackwater assets. The company declared a fully franked interim dividend of 4 Australian cents per share and announced plans to buy back up to A$32 million of shares over six months.

Whitehaven maintained its full-year production and cost guidance, citing early signs of recovery in coal prices. The company's ability to generate solid cash flow despite challenging market conditions suggests resilience, though investors remain cautious about the sector's outlook amid ongoing price volatility.