Europe's energy crisis has taken a heavy toll on a notoriously power-hungry sector.

In its quarterly report, South32 met coal, aluminum, and copper forecasts and slightly exceeded analyst estimates for manganese ore production.

"I think we will see renewable energy play a very big part of our overall earnings in the future," said the company's global green ambassador.

The NSW Minerals Council said the policy would have little impact on electricity prices but could upset trade partners.

Its view contrasts with that of Rio Tinto, which said this week that China's reopening could raise near-term risks of labour and supply-chain shortages.

Company produced 8.8 million tonnes of coal in the first half of 2022.

The company will also look to collaborate with Tsingshan Group.

The lithium miner's revenue was $265 million for the three months.