Business Context and Reporting Period
This Form 6-K filing by Gold Fields Limited covers the month of December 2011, specifically dated December 5, 2011. The company is a major global gold producer with operations in Australia, Ghana, Peru, and South Africa. The filing serves as a media release update regarding operational impacts from civil unrest in Peru.
Key Financial Metrics
The filing text does not provide specific financial data for the reporting period, including revenue, profit, cash flow, margins, debt, or liquidity figures. It references general company statistics stating Gold Fields has an attributable annualized production of 3.5 million gold equivalent ounces, total attributable gold equivalent Mineral Reserves of 76.7 million ounces, and Mineral Resources of 225.4 million ounces.
Material Changes
No material financial changes versus prior periods are reported in this document. The primary update concerns the operational status of the Cerro Corona mine in Peru amidst ongoing protests against a neighboring proposed project (Newmont Corp – Buenaventura Conga Project).
Outlook, Risks, and Management Commentary
- Operational Status: Production at the Cerro Corona mine has not been affected by the protests to date.
- Supply Chain: The mine has secured supplies to maintain production for at least one additional week.
- Mitigation: Management is considering alternative supply routes should the protest action be prolonged.
- Risk Monitoring: Gold Fields is actively monitoring the situation and commits to informing shareholders if supply disruptions impact production.
Key Facts for Investor Verification
- Confirm whether the "one week" supply buffer at Cerro Corona has been extended or if alternative routes were implemented.
- Monitor for any future announcements regarding production stoppages at the Cerro Corona mine due to the Conga Project protests.
- Verify the latest quarterly financial results, as this filing contains no specific revenue or earnings data.