Costs weigh on African Barrick Gold numbers

African Barrick Gold (ABGL.L: Quote) said its net profit declined in the first quarter as lower production and higher costs offset rising gold prices.

Net profit fell 5 percent to $50.4 million as the miner’s production dipped 2 percent to 173,907 ounces. Cash costs jumped 28 percent to $658 an ounce.