The "low production" is the net result of several contributing...

The "low production" is the net result of several contributing factors, but in itself is not the root cause of the poor quarterly result. It is extremely difficult for general investors to comprehend the ramifications and impact of sub-par performance at an operation, even broker analysis for generating price targets relies on forecasted figures which may or may not be met.

Brokers and instos will be waiting on an updated Edikan LOM plan to see what impact the falling POG and higher costs will have on the Reserves, for which I'm predicting a significant reduction, although hedging may assist here.

At this stage PRU are probably in a worse position than some of the better placed Australian-based producers such as Regis and Northern Star, a situation that was almost incomprehensible a year ago.