Orica (ASX:ORI) said it expects earnings before interest and tax in the first half to be higher than planned, according to a Friday Australian bourse filing.

The firm expects to finalize sales of carbon credits in March, resulting in an estimated benefit of up to AU$15 million in the first half of the year.

The planned Kooragang Island plant turnaround is on track for completion on time and on budget, the filing noted.

Sales volumes for specialty mining chemicals were higher in the first half supported by new contract wins and earnings from Cyanco.

Lost production associated with plant upgrades as well as constrained gas supply in Yarwun in the first quarter will result in an EBIT contribution of AU$20 million for the full year, lower than previous expectations.

Depreciation and amortization is expected to be at the lower end of its AU$490 million to AU$510 million range for the full year. Net finance costs are expected to remain between AU$190 million to AU$200 million for the period.

The firm expects a reduction in statutory net profit after tax of between AU$300 million and AU$350 million, or AU$220 million to AU$245 million being non-cash adjustments, from restructuring costs associated with continued operating model changes and country rationalization in Europe, Middle East, and Africa, as well as an impairment charge to intangibles, property, plant and equipment, other assets and associated one-off restructuring in Latin America.