Business Context and Reporting Period
This Form 6-K filing by Gold Fields Limited covers the month of December 2009, specifically dated December 10, 2009. Gold Fields is a major global gold producer with operations in South Africa, Ghana, Australia, and Peru. The company reported an annualized attributable production run rate of 3.6 million ounces for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2009, with total attributable Mineral Reserves of 81 million ounces and Mineral Resources of 271 million ounces.
Key Financial Metrics
The filing text does not provide specific values for revenue, profit, cash flow, margins, debt, or liquidity for the reporting period. This document serves as a material event disclosure rather than a financial results report.
Material Changes and Unusual Items
The primary material event disclosed is a fatal accident at the Driefontein Gold Mine's No. 4 Shaft in South Africa.
- Incident Date: A seismic event occurred on Sunday, December 6, 2009.
- Casualties: Two employees were trapped underground. The body of the first employee was recovered on Monday, December 7, 2009. The body of the second employee was found on December 10, 2009.
- Management Response: Gold Fields expressed deep regret for the accidents and offered condolences to the families of the deceased.
Guidance, Outlook, and Risks
The filing does not contain updated financial guidance, forward-looking production outlooks, or specific risk factor analysis beyond the immediate safety incident. The company continues to operate nine mines with an extensive growth pipeline including greenfields and near-mine exploration projects.
Investor Verification Checklist
- Verify the operational status of the Driefontein Gold Mine No. 4 Shaft following the seismic event.
- Monitor for potential regulatory investigations or safety audits resulting from the fatalities.
- Review subsequent filings for any impact on production targets or cost structures related to the incident.
- Confirm the company's ongoing commitment to safety protocols across its global operations.