The explosives, industrial chemicals and consumer products group also said it expected to see continued soft demand across most of its market segments in the short term.
Net profit fell 1.8 per cent to $220.4 million for the six months ended March 31, as revenue lifted 31.6 per cent to $3.96 billion.
After material items, net profit was $264.2 million, up 15 per cent.
"Our businesses continue to show considerable resilience,'' managing director Graeme Liebelt said.
"Accordingly, we see no reason to alter our previous guidance that we expect group net profit after tax (before individually material items) in 2009 to be higher than that reported in 2008.
"However, we remain vigilant because of unpredictable global market conditions.''
Orica's mining services business, which offers blasting products, generated a record 18 per cent increase in earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) to $319 million.
The result reflected higher ammonium nitrate pricing, firm volumes in gold, thermal coal and copper, combined with productivity and restructuring initiatives in response to weak demand in base metal and infrastructure markets.
"With demand in most market segments expected to remain soft in the short term, the business will respond as needed while maintaining focus on long term growth opportunities,'' Mr Liebelt said.
Orica said it is progressing well with its plant in Bontang Indonesia and continues to examine expansion opportunities in Latin America and at its Kooragang Island plant in Australia.
