Business Context and Reporting Period
This Form 6-K filing by Gold Fields Limited covers the month of July 2009, with the report dated July 31, 2009. Gold Fields is a major unhedged gold producer with operations in South Africa, Peru, Ghana, and Australia. The company operates nine mines with steady-state production of approximately 4 million ounces per annum.
Key Financial Metrics
The filing text does not provide specific financial values for revenue, profit, cash flow, margins, debt, or liquidity for the reporting period. The document focuses on operational and environmental milestones rather than financial performance data.
Material Changes and Operational Updates
- Beatrix Gold Mine Accreditation: The Beatrix Gold Mine achieved accreditation with the International Cyanide Management Code (ICMC), becoming the fourth of the company's nine mines to do so.
- Kloof Gold Mine Certification: The Kloof Gold Mine was certified as substantially compliant with the ICMC.
- Historical Context: Previous accreditations were achieved by Tarkwa (June 2008), Damang (May 2008), and South Deep (December 2008) mines.
Management Commentary and Strategic Outlook
CEO Nick Holland stated that adopting the Cyanide Code serves as an additional tool for environmental management, enhancing legal compliance, proactive incident reporting, resource usage, pollution prevention, and waste management efficiency. Gold Fields has committed all mining operations to achieve ICMC accreditation, with non-compliant sites currently in the qualification process. The company views the Code as best practice recognized by the World Gold Council, the Council for Responsible Jewellery Practice, the International Finance Corporation, and the G8 Group.
Investor Verification Checklist
- Verify the total number of Gold Fields mines currently holding full ICMC accreditation versus those in the qualification phase.
- Confirm the specific timeline for the remaining mines to achieve full ICMC accreditation.
- Review the company's most recent quarterly or annual financial report (Form 20-F) for actual revenue, profit, and liquidity figures, as they are absent in this filing.
- Assess the operational impact of the ICMC compliance on production costs or efficiency at the Beatrix and Kloof mines.