Business Context and Reporting Period
This Form 6-K filing by Gold Fields Limited, dated April 23, 2012, announces the publication of the Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve supplement to the 2011 Integrated Annual Review. The data reflects the company's status as of December 31, 2011. Gold Fields operates eight mines across Australia, Ghana, Peru, and South Africa and is listed on the JSE, NYSE, NASDAQ Dubai, Euronext Brussels, and the Swiss Exchange.
Key Financial and Operational Metrics
The filing focuses on operational reserves rather than financial performance metrics such as revenue, profit, or cash flow, which are not provided in this text.
- Total Attributable Mineral Resources: 217.0 million ounces (gold equivalent) as of December 31, 2011.
- Total Attributable Mineral Reserves: 80.6 million ounces (gold equivalent) as of December 31, 2011.
- Annualized Production: Approximately 3.5 million gold equivalent ounces.
- Debt and Liquidity: The filing text does not provide a clear value for debt or liquidity positions.
Material Changes Versus Prior Period
Comparing the December 31, 2011 figures to the December 31, 2010 figures:
- Mineral Resources: Decreased from 225.4 million ounces to 217.0 million ounces.
- Mineral Reserves: Increased from 76.7 million ounces to 80.6 million ounces.
Outlook, Management Commentary, and Risks
Management highlights an extensive global growth pipeline comprising four major projects currently in resource development and feasibility stages. Construction decisions for these projects are expected within the next 18 to 24 months. The filing does not explicitly detail specific risks, contingencies, or unusual items beyond the standard operational context.
Key Facts for Investor Verification
- Verify the specific drivers behind the 8.4 million ounce decrease in total Mineral Resources year-over-year.
- Confirm the timeline and capital requirements for the four major growth projects mentioned.
- Review the full 2011 Integrated Annual Review for financial performance data (revenue, margins, cash flow) not included in this summary.
- Assess the impact of the reserve increase on future production guidance.