The world's biggest listed mining firm also declared a record interim dividend.

Underlying profit for the six months to the end of December jumped to just over $6 billion.

That is up from about $5.2 billion last year.

The gains come on strong demand for Iron or from China on BHP says it expects that trend to continue in 2021 with global demand also recovering later in the week.

The same factors are expected to see strong numbers from rivals Rio Tinto and Fortescue.

For BHP vote coal is the one question mark.

Sales have taken a hit due to a trade spat between Australia and China, and the miner says it doesn't expect any quick resolution off that problem for a while.

The gains The firm's earnings numbers actually missed analyst forecasts but still cheered investors.