Orica achieves decade-high profit amid mining boom

Explosives and chemical giant Orica has reported its best financial results in 13 years, driven by strong global mining demand.

Record gold prices boosted sales of sodium cyanide, an essential ingredient in gold extraction.

Earnings surged 23 per cent to around $1 billion, with revenue up 6 per cent and profit climbing 32 per cent to $541 million.