Business Context and Reporting Period
This Form 6-K filing by Gold Fields Limited, dated September 29, 2008, announces the release of the company's Annual Report for the financial year ended June 30, 2008. Gold Fields is a major unhedged gold producer with operations in South Africa, Ghana, Australia, and Peru. The company is listed on the JSE, NYSE, DIFX, Euronext Brussels, and SWX.
Key Financial and Operational Metrics
The filing text does not provide specific financial figures for revenue, profit, cash flow, margins, debt, or liquidity for the 2008 fiscal year; these details are contained within the referenced Annual Report.
Key operational metrics disclosed in this filing include:
- Attributable Production: 3.64 million ounces per annum from eight operating mines.
- New Production: The Cerro Corona Gold/Copper mine in Peru commenced production in August 2008 at an initial rate of approximately 375,000 gold equivalent ounces per annum.
- Reserves and Resources: Total attributable ore reserves of 83 million ounces and mineral resources of 251 million ounces.
Material Changes
The primary material change noted is the commencement of production at the Cerro Corona mine in Peru in August 2008, expanding the company's operational footprint to nine mines. The filing also highlights the integration of sustainable development as a key performance indicator within the reporting framework.
Guidance, Outlook, and Risks
This specific filing does not contain forward-looking guidance, management commentary on future financial performance, or a detailed discussion of risks and contingencies. It serves primarily as a notification of the Annual Report's availability. The report itself incorporates reviews of operations, exploration, and development projects.
Investor Verification Checklist
- Verify the full financial statements (revenue, net income, cash flow) in the Annual Report for the year ended June 30, 2008, available on the company website.
- Review the "Mineral Reserves and Resources supplement" for detailed breakdowns of the 83 million ounce reserve base.
- Assess the impact of the new Cerro Corona mine on total production volumes for the subsequent fiscal year.
- Confirm the company's unhedged exposure to gold price fluctuations as a primary risk factor.