Because the AUD is so close to parity and appears to be moving closer to it .. I have assumed it.
not all the WA gold producers would be profitable at $900/oz.
SBM - which I'd consider an average cost producer - will only be marginally profitable at $900/oz.
Certainly some South African operations would close.
MCO which has pure high grade gold in its elemental form(not oxides or sulphides) will be able to produce it by simply crushing and gravity separation(gold is heavier than the quartz vein material) - will be the lowest cost producer - no expensive acids are needed - that's a huge saving and the comparative advantage will increase in the future as costs continue to rise.
