The mining solutions segment and Much Asphalt were the most seriously affected. Conversely, the pandemic presented opportunities for ChemSystems, in the chemicals segment, and Schirm, in Germany. Both businesses entered the hand sanitiser and disinfectants markets to good effect and both are expected to continue sustaining sales in these markets for the duration of the pandemic and beyond. AECI advises that the deferred final cash dividend of 414c declared for 2019 financial year will be paid before the end of this calendar year. The payment date was originally set for April 6, but the company approached the Companies Tribunal for an exemption to its corporate action timetable to first conserve cash amid the peak of uncertainty during lockdown in South Africa. AECI has invested close to R12-million internationally in socioeconomic relief initiatives that are focused on the provision of preventive gear and products in areas of need, such as South Africa's Solidarity Fund, which received R2-million from AECI.