Business Context and Reporting Period
This Form 6-K filing by Gold Fields Limited, dated December 8, 2009, serves as a report of a material event rather than a periodic financial statement. The company is a major global gold producer with operations in South Africa, Ghana, Australia, and Peru. The filing specifically addresses a tragic incident at the Driefontein Gold Mine in South Africa.
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. The document contains only general corporate background information, noting an annualized production run rate of 3.6 million ounces for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 and total attributable Mineral Reserves of 81 million ounces.
Material Changes and Unusual Items
The primary material event reported is a seismic incident at the Driefontein Gold Mine's Ya-Rona (No. 4) Shaft:
- Incident Details: A seismic event measuring 3.4 on the Richter Scale occurred on December 6, 2009, at 23:52, causing a fall-of-ground approximately 2,500 meters below the surface.
- Casualties: Two miners were trapped. The body of one miner has been recovered. The second miner remains unaccounted for as of the filing date.
- Operational Impact: Blasting activities at the mine have been suspended while rescue operations continue.
Guidance, Outlook, and Risks
The filing does not contain updated financial guidance, management commentary on future outlook, or specific risk factor disclosures beyond the immediate safety incident. The company expressed deep regret for the accident and offered condolences to the family of the deceased. The suspension of blasting represents an immediate operational disruption at the Driefontein site.
Key Facts for Investor Verification
- Confirm the status of the second missing miner and the timeline for the conclusion of rescue operations.
- Verify the duration of the blasting suspension and its potential impact on Driefontein's production schedule.
- Monitor for subsequent filings regarding potential compensation claims, regulatory investigations, or long-term operational changes at the Ya-Rona Shaft.
- Review upcoming quarterly reports to assess the financial impact of the production suspension on the company's overall output and margins.