Infograhpic: Cost of producing gold

Gold mining companies have been publishing their quarterly updates and we looked at what it costs them to produce an ounce of gold. As with most accounting procedures there are a bunch of different ways of determining the costs as detailed below. We went with the All-in Sustaining Costs as it the cost of not only mining the gold but keeping the miner alive and growing.

These costs are also dynamic and certain issues during the quarter may have pushed them higher.

Cash Cost:
The cost of production at the mine site, not including head office costs, interest expense, capitalized development or stripping, off-site costs (like smelting or refining costs), taxes or depreciation.

Total Cash Costs:
Cash Costs plus off-site costs, head office costs, and sometimes interest.

Total Costs:
Total Cash Costs plus depreciation, interest, and reported taxes (not necessarily paid).

All-in Sustaining Costs:
Cash Costs plus exploration expense, head office costs, and sustaining capital.