Acacia Mining (ACA) is the biggest mid cap gainer today as bullish guidance on gold production helps shares in the miner 11% higher at 521p.

Full year production is likely to be 5% higher than initial guidance of 750,000-780,000 ounces of gold.

Upgraded production estimates are particularly impressive after Acacia was hit by operational problems at its Bulyanhulu mine in Tanzania last month.

Third quarter revenue soared 48% to $285m (£233m) driven by 24% higher sales volumes and the remainder on pricing improvements.

Acacia graph

Acacia says production at Bulyanhulu and Buzwagi is expected to increase in the fourth quarter, with a lower contribution predicted at its North Mara operation in Tanzania due to a reduction in underground mine grade.

North Mara has performed strongly this year with a 66% boost in production to 112,523 ounces, which was supported by a higher head grade and improved recovery rates.

Analyst Jonathan Guy from broker Numis is cautious about Acacia until a stronger operational performance at Bulyanhulu is achieved.

He believes net profit will more than double over the next two years to $274.3m.

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Issue Date: 21 Oct 2016