Page 1
background image
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 6-K
Report of Foreign Private Issuer
Pursuant to Rules 13a-16 or 15d-16 under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Dated 24 October 2016
Commission File Number: 001-31318
GOLD FIELDS LIMITED
(Translation of registrant’s name into English)
150 Helen Rd.
Sandown, Sandton 2196
South Africa
(Address of principal executive offices)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F
Form 40-F
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): _____
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): _____
background image
September 2016 Quarter Gold Fields Trading Statement and Operating Update
1
JOHANNESBURG. 24 October 2016
Gold Fields Limited (NYSE & JSE: GFI) is pleased to provide an operational
update for the quarter ended 30 September 2016. Detailed financial and operational results are provided on a six-
monthly basis i.e. at the end of June and December.
UNITED STATES DOLLARS
Quarter
Key Statistics
September
2016
June
2016
September
2015
Gold produced*
oz (000)
537
529
557
Tonnes milled/treated
000
8,656
8,372
8,295
Revenue
US$/oz
1,329
1,242
1,103
Operating costs
US$/tonne
41
42
45
All-in sustaining costs
US$/oz
1,026
1,023
948
Total all-in cost
US$/oz
1,038
1,061
961
Net debt
US$
1,029
1,155
1,427
Cash flow from operating activities**
US$
152
34
75
*All of the key statistics are managed figures from continuing operations, except for gold produced which is attributable equivalent production.
**Cash flow from operating activities (which is net of tax) less net capital expenditure, environmental payments and financing costs.
All operations are wholly owned except for Tarkwa and Damang in Ghana (90.0 per cent) and Cerro Corona in Peru (99.5 per cent).
Gold produced (and sold) throughout this report includes copper gold equivalents of approximately 5 per cent of Group production.
Statement by Nick Holland, Chief Executive Officer of Gold Fields
OVERVIEW AND UPDATE
The gold industry had a much more buoyant Q3 2016 driven by the higher US$ gold price, however, this has waned post
quarter- end, with the gold price having pulled back in recent weeks. At Gold Fields, we remain focused on delivering on our
strategic objectives, despite the moves in the gold price, including the positioning of the portfolio to withstand lower prices.
Regrettably, we had a fatality at South Deep during the quarter (as previously reported), following a seismic event. While we
have made good progress on safety across the Group, the incident is a tragic reminder that we still have more work to do and
our efforts to achieve ‘zero harm’ will continue.
Attributable equivalent gold production for the quarter was 4% lower YoY (2% higher QoQ) at 537koz. All-in sustaining costs
(AISC) were 8% higher YoY (flat QoQ) at US$1,026/oz and all-in costs (AIC) were 8% higher YoY (2% lower QoQ) at
US$1,038/oz. Year to date, both AISC and AIC are tracking below the cost guidance for the full year provided in February 2016.
The average US$ gold price achieved in the quarter was 20% or US$226/oz higher YoY (7% or US$87/oz higher QoQ). The
average Australian dollar for the quarter was 0.76 (4% stronger YoY and 1% stronger QoQ), while the average rand for the
quarter was 14.15 (10% weaker YoY and 6% stronger QoQ).
Production from South Deep was 26% higher YoY and 9% lower QoQ at 69koz, as a result of lower reef yield due to changes in
mining mix. AIC was 2% higher YoY and 4% lower QoQ at R599,245/kg (US$1,317/oz). Destress mining decreased by 35%
QoQ to 6,340 square metres due to the combined effect of the earlier than anticipated full adoption of the high profile destress
method and the fatality which resulted in the cessation of destress mining across the operation for a two-week period. High
profile destress accounted for 90% of total destress meters in Q3 2016.
background image
2
September 2016 Quarter Gold Fields Trading Statement and Operating Update
Managed production in Ghana for Q3 2016 was 188koz, down 3% YoY (up 14% QoQ), with AIC of US$999/oz, up 4% YoY
(down 7% QoQ). Gold equivalent production at Cerro Corona was 23% lower YoY and 5% lower QoQ at 61koz, with AIC of
US$765 per equivalent ounce, up 2% YoY (up 28% QoQ). The Australian region produced 237koz for the quarter, down 5%
YoY (down 1% QoQ), with AIC of A$1,303/oz (US$991/oz), up 11% YoY (up 2% QoQ).
Net cash flow and net debt
On the back of the increase in the US$ gold price during Q3 2016 and a favourable working capital movement, the net cash flow
from operating activities (net of tax) less net capital expenditure, environmental payments and financing costs for the quarter
was US$152m, 2.5 times more than the net cash flow reported for H1 2016 (US$60m). Consequently, the net debt balance
further reduced during the quarter to US$1,029m (30 June 2016: US$1,155m). We remain on track to beat our net debt to
EBITDA target of 1x by year-end.
FY16 outlook intact
Guidance (upgraded in August 2016) for attributable equivalent gold production for the Group for 2016 remains unchanged at
between 2.10Moz and 2.15Moz. AISC is expected to be between US$1,000/oz and US$1,010/oz and AIC is expected to be
between US$1,035/oz and US$1,045/oz – both unchanged from the guidance provided in February 2016.
Damang Reinvestment Project Approved
As detailed in a separate release this morning, we are pleased to announce the Damang Reinvestment Project. The Project
requires a cut back of the previously mined Damang pit and will result in an 8-year life of mine to 2024, with average annual
production of about 225koz and AIC of US$950/oz over the life. At a gold price of US$1,200/oz, the project has double-digit
return metrics. The decision to reinvest in Damang would not have been possible without the Development Agreement (signed
in March 2016) and we thank the Government of Ghana for creating an enabling environment for investment.
Gold Fields rated top SA mining company on the DJSI
In September, Gold Fields was ranked the top South African mining company on the prestigious Dow Jones Sustainability Index
(DJSI) benchmarking database.
The 2016 DJSI benchmarking database, indicates that Gold Fields’ sustainability practices rank with the best of resources
companies worldwide. Gold Fields is ranked fifth in terms of all 44 mining companies on the DJSI and the third best global gold
company.
Native claim at St Ives
Following the decision of the Full Federal Court in favour of St Ives, the Ngadju group applied for permission to appeal that
decision to the High Court of Australia. On 14 October 2016, that request was declined by the High Court, leaving no other
opportunity for review or appeal. St Ives continues to engage with the Ngadju group in relation to routine heritage surveys and
other matters.
N.J. Holland
Chief Executive Officer
24 October 2016
Stock data for the 3 months ended 30 September 2016
Number of shares in issue
NYSE – (GFI)
– at end 30 September 2016
820,577,431
Range – Quarter
US$4.75 – US$6.45
– average for the quarter
820,557,923
Average Volume – Quarter
5,548,086 shares/day
Free Float
100 per cent
JSE Limited – (GFI)
ADR Ratio
1:1
Range – Quarter
ZAR65.90 – ZAR91.00
Bloomberg/Reuters
GFISJ/GFLJ.J
Average Volume – Quarter
2,655,288 shares/day
background image
September 2016 Quarter Gold Fields Trading Statement and Operating Update
3
Salient feature and cost benchmarks
Salient features and cost benchmarks for the quarters ended 30 September 2016, 30 June 2016 and 30 September 2015
UNITED STATES DOLLARS
Total Mine
Operations
South
Africa
Region
West Africa Region
South
America
Region
Ghana
Peru
South Deep
Total
Tarkwa
Damang
Cerro
Corona
Operating Results
Ore milled/treated (000 tonnes)
September 2016
8,656
539
4,604
3,475
1,129
1,709
June 2016
8,372
601
4,271
3,300
971
1,775
September 2015
8,295
387
4,538
3,415
1,123
1,753
Yield (grams per tonne)
September 2016
2.0
#
4.0
1.3
1.3
1.1
1.1
June 2016
2.0
4.0
1.2
1.3
1.0
1.1
September 2015
2.1
4.4
1.3
1.4
1.2
1.4
Gold produced (000 managed equivalent ounces)
September 2016
555.4
69.4
187.5
148.6
38.9
61.2
June 2016
546.0
76.5
164.4
134.1
30.2
64.6
September 2015
576.5
54.9
193.8
149.4
44.4
79.2
Gold sold (000 managed equivalent ounces)
September 2016
557.1
69.4
187.5
148.6
38.9
62.9
June 2016
540.0
76.5
164.4
134.1
30.2
58.6
September 2015
576.0
54.9
193.8
149.4
44.4
78.6
Net operating costs (dollar million)
September 2016
(353.6)
(71.7)
(116.0)
(89.0)
(27.1)
(37.6)
June 2016
(335.6)
(68.7)
(108.4)
(78.2)
(30.2)
(29.7)
September 2015
(366.5)
(62.8)
(133.8)
(85.9)
(47.8)
(35.3)
Gold price received (dollar per equivalent ounce)
September 2016
1,329
1,315
1,333
1,333
1,329
1,297
June 2016
1,242
1,248
1,252
1,252
1,259
1,162
September 2015
1,103
1,157
1,126
1,126
1,124
908
Operating costs (dollar per tonne)
September 2016
41
133
26
26
26
21
June 2016
42
114
26
24
30
21
September 2015
45
162
30
25
43
21
All-in-sustaining costs (dollar per ounce)
September 2016
1,017
1,289
999
950
1,182
765
June 2016
1,015
1,268
1,072
991
1,427
599
September 2015
942
1,404
962
872
1,272
747
Total all-in-cost (dollar per ounce)
September 2016
1,020
1,317
999
950
1,182
765
June 2016
1,022
1,293
1,072
991
1,427
599
September 2015
945
1,431
962
872
1,272
747
Sustaining capital expenditure (dollar million)
September 2016
(173.2)
(14.9)
(52.2)
(36.6)
(15.6)
(14.9)
June 2016
(173.0)
(25.8)
(53.7)
(43.4)
(10.3)
(7.6)
September 2015
(139.7)
(12.9)
(42.7)
(36.8)
(5.9)
(18.5)
Non-sustaining capital expenditure (dollar million)
September 2016
(1.9)
(1.9)
-
-
-
-
June 2016
(1.9)
(1.9)
-
-
-
-
September 2015
(1.5)
(1.5)
-
-
-
-
Total capital expenditure (dollar million)
September 2016
(175.1)
(16.8)
(52.2)
(36.6)
(15.6)
(14.9)
June 2016
(174.9)
(27.7)
(53.7)
(43.4)
(10.3)
(7.6)
September 2015
(141.4)
(14.4)
(42.7)
(36.8)
(5.9)
(18.5)
#
Excluding surface sources, underground yield was 5.04g/t compared with 5.66g/t in the June quarter.
UNITED STATES DOLLARS
AUSTRALIAN DOLLARS
SOUTH
AFRICAN
RAND
Australia Region
Australia Region
South Africa
Region
Total
St Ives
Agnew/
Lawlers
Darlot
Granny
Smith
Total
St Ives
Agnew/
Lawlers
Darlot
Granny
Smith
South Deep
Operating Results
Ore milled/treated
September 2016
1,804
1,005
312
111
376
1,804
1,005
312
111
376
539
(000 tonnes)
June 2016
1,725
950
282
130
363
1,725
950
282
130
363
601
September 2015
1,617
837
294
125
361
1,617
837
294
125
361
387
Yield
September 2016
4.1
2.8
5.8
4.3
6.0
4.1
2.8
5.8
4.3
6.0
4.0
(grams per tonne)
June 2016
4.3
2.9
6.3
4.4
6.5
4.3
2.9
6.3
4.4
6.5
4.0
September 2015
4.7
3.0
6.1
6.3
7.1
4.7
3.0
6.1
6.3
7.1
4.4
Gold produced
September 2016
237.3
91.5
57.8
15.3
72.8
237.3
91.5
57.8
15.3
72.8
2,160
(000 managed
June 2016
240.7
88.8
57.2
18.5
76.2
240.7
88.8
57.2
18.5
76.2
2,378
equivalent ounces)
September 2015
248.6
83.6
57.5
25.4
82.1
248.6
83.6
57.5
25.4
82.1
1,709
Gold sold
September 2016
237.3
91.5
57.8
15.3
72.8
237.3
91.5
57.8
15.3
72.8
2,160
(000 managed
June 2016
240.7
88.8
57.2
18.5
76.2
240.7
88.8
57.2
18.5
76.2
2,378
equivalent ounces)
September 2015
248.6
83.6
57.5
25.4
82.1
248.6
83.6
57.5
25.4
82.1
1,709
Net operating costs*
September 2016
(128.3)
(46.2)
(34.4)
(13.1)
(34.7)
(168.5)
(60.8)
(45.1)
(17.1)
(45.5)
(1,021.8)
(million)
June 2016
(128.8)
(44.3)
(35.4)
(14.7)
(34.4)
(172.6)
(59.4)
(47.4)
(19.6)
(46.1)
(1,034.3)
September 2015
(134.6)
(45.9)
(37.5)
(16.9)
(34.3)
(185.5)
(64.2)
(51.3)
(22.9)
(47.1)
(803.2)
Gold price received
September 2016
1,339
1,337
1,344
1,348
1,338
1,761
1,759
1,768
1,764
1,759
600,694
(dollar per
June 2016
1,254
1,254
1,243
1,256
1,262,
1,681
1,681
1,667
1,684
1,694
604,668
equivalent ounce)
September 2015
1,133
1,128
1,126
1,172
1,132
1,553
1,561
1,547
1,573
1,547
471,094
Operating costs
September 2016
73
45
122
119
95
96
59
161
155
125
1,882
(dollar per tonne)
June 2016
78
52
119
116
99
104
69
160
155
133
1,714
September 2015
84
59
120
128
97
115
81
165
175
133
2,088
All-in-sustaining costs
September 2016
991
1,050
955
1,286
885
1,303
1,383
1,246
1,688
1,167
586,712
(dollar per ounce)
June 2016
950
976
1,034
1,167
805
1,275
1,311
1,383
1,574
1,081
615,697
September 2015
859
879
1,025
906
699
1,177
1,229
1,401
1,232
957
578,051
Total all-in-cost
September 2016
991
1,050
955
1,286
885
1,303
1,383
1,246
1,688
1,167
599,245
(dollar per ounce)
June 2016
950
976
1,034
1,167
805
1,275
1,311
1,383
1,574
1,081
627,233
September 2015
859
879
1,025
906
699
1,177
1,229
1,401
1,232
957
589,823
Sustaining capital*
September 2016
(91.2)
(43.1)
(16.8)
(5.4)
(25.9)
(120.0)
(56.8)
(21.9)
(7.1)
(34.2)
(207.1)
(million)
June 2016
(85.9)
(36.6)
(20.2)
(5.9)
(23.2)
(115.3)
(49.1)
(27.0)
(7.9)
(31.3)
(392.9)
September 2015
(65.9)
(22.3)
(18.6)
(5.0)
(19.3)
(89.4)
(31.0)
(25.3)
(6.8)
(26.3)
(166.3)
Non-sustaining capital*
September 2016
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(27.1)
(million)
June 2016
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(27.4)
September 2015
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(20.2)
Total capital expenditure*
September 2016
(91.2)
(43.1)
(16.8)
(5.4)
(25.9)
(120.0)
(56.8)
(21.9)
(7.1)
(34.2)
(234.2)
(million)
June 2016
(85.9)
(36.6)
(20.2)
(5.9)
(23.2)
(115.3)
(49.1)
(27.0)
(7.9)
(31.3)
(420.3)
September 2015
(65.9)
(22.3)
(18.6)
(5.0)
(19.3)
(89.4)
(31.0)
(25.3)
(6.8)
(26.3)
(186.5)
Average exchange rates were US$1 = R14.15, US$1 = R14.99 and US$1 = R12.86 for the September 2016, June 2016 and September 2015 quarters, respectively. The Australian/US dollar
exchange rates were A$1 = US$0.76, A$1 = US$0.75 and A$1 = US$0.73 for the September 2016, June 2016 and September 2015 quarters, respectively.
background image
4
September 2016 Quarter Gold Fields Trading Statement and Operating Update
Review of Operations
Quarter ended 30 September 2016 compared with
quarter ended 30 June 2016
South Africa region
South Deep Project
Sept
2016
June
2016
Gold produced
000’oz
69.4
76.5
kg
2,160
2,378
Yield – underground reef
g/t
5.04
5.66
AISC
R/kg
586,712
615,697
US$/oz
1,289
1,268
AIC
R/kg
599,245
627,233
US$/oz
1,317
1,293
As previously mentioned, South Deep had a fatal accident during the
September quarter. Mr Vakele Thafeni was fatally injured in a
seismic related rock burst accident. Our sincere condolences go out
to the family, friends and colleagues of Mr Thafeni.
Gold production decreased by 9 per cent from 2,378 kilograms
(76,500 ounces) in the June quarter to 2,160 kilograms (69,400
ounces) in the September quarter mainly due to a 11 per cent
decrease in recovered head grade and the knock-on effect of the
fatal accident. Mining operations halted for 10 production shifts with
an estimated loss of 32,000 tonnes and 150 kilograms of gold (4,800
ounces).
Underground reef tonnes milled increased by 2 per cent from
419,000 tonnes in the June quarter to 427,000 tonnes in the
September quarter. Total tonnes milled decreased by 10 per cent
from 601,000 tonnes to 539,000 tonnes due to a decrease in surface
re-mining material milled. Re-mining of surface material was stopped
in August to allow for processing of backlog underground tonnes.
Total tonnes milled in the September quarter included 26,000 tonnes
of underground development waste mined and 86,000 tonnes of
surface tailings material compared with 24,000 tonnes of
underground development waste mined and 158,000 tonnes of
surface tailings material in the June quarter. Underground reef yield
decreased by 11 per cent from 5.66 grams per tonne to 5.04 grams
per tonne mainly due to increased volumes from typically lower
grade development activities and due to a reduction in volumes from
3 West section, which at grades averaging between 7.0 grams per
tonne and 8.0 grams per tonne, represents the highest grade section
of the mine. Mining rates in 3 West section were deliberately lowered
to mitigate the risk of seismic activity associated with a prominent
geological structure. In addition, the reef yield was negatively
impacted by a 3 per cent increase in contribution in footwall waste
development as a result of the acceleration in development to
increase longhole stope availability.
Development increased by 1 per cent from 1,786 metres in the June
quarter to 1,812 metres in the September quarter to promote
longhole stope availability. New mine capital development (phase
one, sub 95 level) decreased by 9 per cent from 224 metres in the
June quarter to 204 metres in the September quarter. This decrease
was due to over achievement in the June quarter, but in line with the
September quarter plan. Development in the current mine areas in
95 level and above increased by 3 per cent from 1,562 metres to
1,608 metres. Destress mining decreased by 35 per cent from 9,687
square metres in the June quarter to 6,340 square metres in the
September quarter. Low profile destress mining decreased by 83 per
cent from 3,605 square metres to 621 square metres due to two low
profile destress cuts reaching final limits and due to the strategic
decision to convert, earlier than anticipated, the remaining low profile
destress cut to the high profile method, in the September quarter, as
previously communicated. Hanging wall ripping activities in the
completed destress cuts to achieve required excavation heights,
increased by 50 per cent from 10,500 tonnes in the June quarter to
15,700 tonnes in the September quarter, in order to provide early
access to longhole stopes. One of the advantages of high profile
destress mining is that ripping activities will no longer be required.
High profile destress reduced by 6 per cent from 6,082 square
metres to 5,719 square metres mainly due to ground support
rehabilitation. This being mitigated by the roll out of large localised
pillars. The high profile and low profile methods contributed 90 per
cent and 10 per cent, respectively, to total destress mining in the
quarter. Longhole stoping achieved for the quarter was 192,000
tonnes which is a record for the mine.
The current mine (95 level and above) contributed 64 per cent of the
ore tonnes in the September quarter, while the new mine (below 95
level) contributed 36 per cent. The long-hole stoping method
accounted for 48 per cent of total ore tonnes mined in the
September quarter compared with 39 per cent in the June quarter.
Operating costs decreased by 1 per cent from R1,034 million
(US$69 million) to R1,022 million (US$72 million) mainly due to
lower bonuses paid in line with lower production, which was partially
offset by higher electricity expenditure due to the inclusion of two
months of winter tariff in the September quarter as opposed to one
month only in the June quarter.
Capital expenditure decreased by 44 per cent from R420 million
(US$28 million) in the June quarter to R234 million (US$17 million)
in the September quarter. The higher spending in the June quarter
related to purchase of fleet and mining accommodation for
employees.
Sustaining capital expenditure decreased by 47 per cent from R393
million (US$26 million) in the June quarter to R207 million (US$15
million) in the September quarter mainly due to additional fleet and
the purchase of mining accommodation for employees in the June
quarter. Non-sustaining capital expenditure was similar at R27
million (US$2 million).
All-in sustaining costs decreased by 5 per cent from R615,697 per
kilogram (US$1,268 per ounce) in the June quarter to R586,712 per
kilogram (US$1,289 per ounce) in the September quarter mainly due
to decreased operating costs and lower sustaining capital
expenditure, partially offset by decreased gold sold.
Total all-in cost decreased by 4 per cent from R627,233 per kilogram
(US$1,293 per ounce) in the June quarter to R599,245 per kilogram
(US$1,317 per ounce) in the September quarter due to the same
reasons as for all-in-sustaining costs.
background image
September 2016 Quarter Gold Fields Trading Statement and Operating Update
5
West Africa region
GHANA
Tarkwa
Sept
2016
June
2016
Gold produced
000’oz
148.6
134.1
Yield
g/t
1.33
1.26
AISC and AIC
US$/oz
950
991
Gold production increased by 11 per cent from 134,100 ounces in
the June quarter to 148,600 ounces in the September quarter due to
higher plant throughput and yield.
Total tonnes mined, including capital stripping, decreased by 2 per
cent from 26.0 million tonnes in the June quarter to 25.3 million
tonnes in the September quarter. Ore tonnes mined increased by 6
per cent from 3.4 million tonnes to 3.6 million tonnes. Operational
waste tonnes mined increased by 33 per cent from 8.4 million tonnes
to 11.2 million tonnes while capital waste tonnes mined decreased
by 26 per cent from 14.2 million tonnes to 10.5 million tonnes. Grade
mined increased from 1.37 grams per tonne to 1.41 grams per
tonne. The strip ratio decreased from 7.0 to 6.5.
The CIL plant throughput increased by 5 per cent from 3.30 million
tonnes in the June quarter to 3.48 million tonnes in the September
quarter due to more effective plant utilisation. Realised yield
increased by 6 per cent from 1.26 grams per tonne to 1.33 grams
per tonne due to higher feed grades processed in line with the
mining plan.
Net operating costs, including gold-in-process movements,
increased by 14 per cent from US$78 million to US$89 million due to
higher ore tonnes mined and higher plant throughput.
Capital expenditure decreased by 14 per cent from US$43 million to
US$37 million due to lower expenditure on deferred stripping as a
result of lower capital tonnes mined.
All-in sustaining costs and total all-in cost decreased by 4 per cent
from US$991 per ounce in the June quarter to US$950 per ounce in
the September quarter due to increased gold sold and lower capital
expenditure, partially offset by higher net operating costs.
Damang
Sept
2016
June
2016
Gold produced
000’oz
38.9
30.2
Yield
g/t
1.07
0.97
AISC and AIC
US$/oz
1,182
1,427
Gold production increased by 29 per cent from 30,200 ounces in the
June quarter to 38,900 ounces in the September quarter mainly due
to higher tonnes processed and higher yield.
Total tonnes mined, including capital stripping, decreased by 9 per
cent from 5.3 million tonnes in the June quarter to 4.8 million tonnes
in the September quarter due to lower equipment availability, related
to the age of the equipment.
Ore tonnes mined were similar at 0.6 million. Total waste tonnes
mined decreased by 11 per cent from 4.7 million tonnes in the June
quarter to 4.2 million tonnes in the September quarter. Head grade
mined decreased by 12 per cent from 1.37 grams per tonne to 1.20
grams per tonne. The strip ratio decreased from 8.1 to 7.1.
Yield increased by 10 per cent from 0.97 grams per tonne to 1.07
grams per tonne due to a 2 per cent increase in plant recovery from
90 per cent to 92 per cent and due to higher grade realised from
stockpile ore processed as current mining volumes are not sufficient
to fill the plant. For the September quarter, 0.41 million tonnes of
fresh ore and oxides were milled at an average grade of 1.21 grams
per tonne and 0.72 million tonnes of stockpiles were milled at an
average grade of 1.18 grams per tonne. This compared with 0.48
million tonnes of fresh ore and oxides milled at an average grade of
1.28 grams per tonne and 0.49 million tonnes of stockpiles milled at
an average grade of 0.79 gram per tonne for the June quarter.
As a consequence, tonnes processed increased by 16 per cent from
0.97 million tonnes in the June quarter to 1.13 million tonnes in the
September quarter.
Net operating costs, including gold-in-process movements,
decreased by 10 per cent from US$30 million to US$27 million
mainly due to a gold-in-process credit to cost of US$2 million in the
September quarter compared with a charge to cost of US$1 million
in the June quarter.
Capital expenditure increased by 60 per cent from US$10 million to
US$16 million with the majority spent on capital waste stripping,
engineering projects and Rex infill drilling.
All-in sustaining costs and total all-in cost decreased by 17 per cent
from US$1,427 per ounce in the June quarter to US$1,182 per
ounce in the September quarter mainly due to higher gold sold and
lower net operating costs, partially offset by higher capital
expenditure.
South America region
PERU
Cerro Corona
Sept
2016
June
2016
Gold produced
000’oz
35.1
35.7
Copper produced
tonnes
7,293
7,642
Total equivalent gold produced
000’eq oz
61.2
64.6
Total equivalent gold sold
000’eq oz
62.9
58.6
Yield        – gold
g/t
0.67
0.65
– copper
per cent
0.44
0.45
– combined
eq g/t
1.11
1.13
AISC and AIC
US$/oz
765
599
AISC and AIC
US$/eq oz
945
750
Gold price*
US$/oz
1,334
1,252
Copper price*
US$/t
4,768
4,742
* Average daily spot price for the period used to calculate total equivalent gold ounces
produced.
Gold production decreased by 2 per cent from 35,700 ounces in the
June quarter to 35,100 ounces in the September quarter. Copper
production decreased by 5 per cent from 7,642 tonnes to 7,293
tonnes. Equivalent gold production decreased by 5 per cent from
64,600 ounces to 61,200 ounces. The decrease in gold and copper
production was mainly due to lower ore milled as a result of
scheduled maintenance at the plant during the September quarter.
Gold head grade increased from 0.98 grams per tonne to 1.00
background image
6
September 2016 Quarter Gold Fields Trading Statement and Operating Update
grams per tonne and copper head grade was similar at 0.51 per
cent. Gold recoveries increased from 66.3 per cent to 66.5 per cent
and copper recoveries decreased from 88.0 per cent to 86.0 per
cent. As a result, gold yield increased by 3 per cent from 0.65 grams
per tonne to 0.67 grams per tonne and copper yield decreased 2 per
cent from 0.45 per cent to 0.44 per cent.
In the September quarter, concentrate with a payable content of
36,200 ounces of gold was sold at an average price of US$1,334 per
ounce and 7,479 tonnes of copper was sold at an average price of
US$3,974 per tonne, net of treatment and refining charges. This
compared with 32,900 ounces of gold that was sold at an average
price of US$1,252 per ounce and 6,895 tonnes of copper that was
sold at an average price of US$4,028 per tonne, net of treatment
and refining charges, in the June quarter.
Total tonnes mined decreased by 1 per cent from 3.65 million tonnes
in the June quarter to 3.60 million tonnes in the September quarter
mainly due to lower waste mined in line with the mining sequence.
Ore mined decreased by 1 per cent from 1.80 million tonnes to 1.78
million tonnes. Operational waste tonnes mined decreased by 2 per
cent from 1.85 million tonnes to 1.82 million tonnes.
Ore processed decreased by 4 per cent from 1.78 million tonnes in
the June quarter to 1.71 million tonnes in the September quarter
mainly due to lower throughput (829 tonnes per hour in the
September quarter vs 835 tonnes per hour in June quarter) due to
increased ore hardness and lower plant availability (93 per cent in
September quarter vs 96 per cent in June quarter) due to
maintenance activities.
Net operating costs, including gold-in-process movements,
increased by 27 per cent from US$30 million to US$38 million mainly
due to a US$3 million gold-in-process charge to cost in the
September quarter compared with a US$7 million credit to cost in
the June quarter, both related to shipment schedules of concentrate
stock.
Capital expenditure increased by 88 per cent from US$8 million to
US$15 million due to more construction activities at the tailings dam
and waste storage facilities as a result of the dry season.
All-in sustaining costs and total all-in cost per gold ounce increased
by 28 per cent from US$599 per ounce in the June quarter to
US$765 per ounce in the September quarter mainly due to higher
net operating costs and higher capital expenditure, partially offset by
higher gold sold and higher copper by-product credits. All-in
sustaining costs and total all-in costs per equivalent ounce increased
by 26 per cent from US$750 per equivalent ounce to US$945 per
equivalent ounce due to the same reasons as above.
Australia region
St Ives
Sept
2016
June
2016
Gold produced
000’oz
91.5
88.8
Yield – underground
g/t
4.50
5.79
– surface
g/t
2.47
2.42
– combined
g/t
2.83
2.91
AISC and AIC
A$/oz
1,383
1,311
US$/oz
1,050
976
Gold production increased by 3 per cent from 88,800 ounces in the
June quarter to 91,500 ounces in the September quarter.
At the underground operations, ore tonnes mined increased by 4 per
cent from 151,000 tonnes in the June quarter to 157,000 tonnes in
the September quarter. Head grade decreased by 13 per cent from
5.52 grams per tonne to 4.78 grams per tonne due to scheduling
delays in high grade areas which related to rehabilitation required
after seismic activity during the September quarter.
At the open pit operations, ore tonnes mined decreased by 7 per
cent from 1,035,000 tonnes in the June quarter to 962,000 tonnes in
the September quarter. Grade mined increased by 11 per cent from
2.29 grams per tonne to 2.54 grams per tonne. The decreased
tonnes and higher grade were due to the completion of the low
grade A5 open pit during the September quarter. Mining at A5 was
undertaken to supplement production while the higher grade
Neptune pit was being stripped.
Operational waste tonnes mined decreased by 29 per cent from 3.1
million tonnes in the June quarter to 2.2 million tonnes in the
September quarter. Capital waste tonnes mined increased by 10 per
cent from 7.0 million tonnes to 7.7 million tonnes. Total material
movements at the open pits decreased by 1 per cent from 11.1
million tonnes to 10.9 million tonnes. The strip ratio increased from
9.6 to 10.3 due to the closure of the A5 pit.
Throughput at the Lefroy mill increased by 6 per cent from 950,000
tonnes in the June quarter to 1,005,000 tonnes in the September
quarter. The mill was closed for the last week of the June quarter
and first week of the September quarter for the installation of a new
electrical control block for the Sag mill. The installation of a new
electrical control block was successfully completed in July, one week
ahead of schedule. This contributed to the increased ore feed. Yield
decreased by 3 per cent from 2.91 grams per tonne to 2.83 grams
per tonne due to reduced underground grade mined.
Net operating costs, including gold-in-process movements,
increased by 3 per cent from A$59 million (US$44 million) to A$61
million (US$46 million) mainly due to a A$1 million (US$1 million)
gold-in-process charge to cost in the September quarter compared
with a A$6 million (US$5 million) credit to cost in the June quarter.
This was partially offset by reduced mining costs in the open pits
with activity moving towards pre-strip.
Capital expenditure increased by 16 per cent from A$49 million
(US$37 million) to A$57 million (US$43 million) mainly due to
increased expenditure on pre-stripping at the open pits, mainly at
Neptune.
All-in sustaining costs and total all-in cost increased by 5 per cent
from A$1,311 per ounce (US$976 per ounce) in the June quarter to
A$1,383 per ounce (US$1,050 per ounce) in the September quarter
due to higher net operating costs and capital expenditure, partially
offset by increased gold sold.
Agnew/Lawlers
Sept
2016
June
2016
Gold produced
000’oz
57.8
57.2
Yield g/t
5.78
6.30
AISC and AIC
A$/oz
1,246
1,383
US$/oz
955
1,034
background image
September 2016 Quarter Gold Fields Trading Statement and Operating Update
7
Gold production increased by 1 per cent from 57,200 ounces in the
June quarter to 57,800 ounces in the September quarter.
Ore mined from underground increased by 16 per cent from 279,000
tonnes in the June quarter to 325,000 tonnes in the September
quarter due to the availability of additional ore development
headings with the completion of key development rehabilitation
activities. Head grade mined decreased from 6.42 grams per tonne
to 6.25 grams per tonne.
Tonnes processed increased by 11 per cent from 282,000 tonnes in
the June quarter to 312,000 tonnes in the September quarter. The
combined yield decreased by 8 per cent from 6.30 grams per tonne
to 5.78 grams per tonne due to a gold-in-circuit build-up of 1,800
ounces during the September quarter compared with a drawdown of
2,600 ounces in the June quarter.
Net operating costs, including gold-in-process movements,
decreased by 4 per cent from A$47 million (US$35 million) to A$45
million (US$34 million) mainly due to a A$5 million (US$4 million)
gold-in-circuit credit to cost in the September quarter compared with
a A$2 million (US$2 million) charge to cost in the June quarter.
Capital expenditure decreased by 19 per cent from A$27 million
(US$20 million) to A$22 million (US$17 million) mainly due to less
capital development at Waroonga with the completion of the
Waroonga North exploration drive.
All-in sustaining costs and total all-in cost decreased by 10 per cent
from A$1,383 per ounce (US$1,034 per ounce) in the June quarter
to A$1,246 per ounce (US$955 per ounce) in the September quarter
due to increased gold sold, lower net operating costs and lower
capital expenditure.
Darlot
Sept
2016
June
2016
Gold produced
000’oz
15.3
18.5
Yield g/t
4.27
4.42
AISC and AIC
A$/oz
1,688
1,574
US$/oz
1,286
1,167
Gold production decreased by 17 per cent from 18,500 ounces in the
June quarter to 15,300 ounces in the September quarter due to
lower underground grades mined.
Ore mined from underground increased by 5 per cent from 104,500
tonnes to 109,300 tonnes. Head grade mined decreased from 5.78
grams per tonne in the June quarter to 4.32 grams per tonne in the
September quarter. The reduced grade was due to the depletion of
the high grade zone within Lords South Lower and commencement
of mining the lower grade bulk Felsic’s area of Lords South Lower.
No surface oxides were treated during the September quarter while
the June quarter included 20,000 tonnes at 0.87 grams per tonne
sourced from a surface oxide trial contributing approximately 500
ounces to production.
Tonnes processed decreased by 15 per cent from 130,000 tonnes in
the June quarter to 111,000 tonnes in the September quarter. This
decrease was due to processing 20,000 tonnes from the surface
oxide trial in the June quarter as mentioned above. The yield
decreased by 3 per cent from 4.42 grams per tonne to 4.27 grams
per tonne mainly due to lower grade ore mined.
Net operating costs, including gold-in-process movements,
decreased by 15 per cent from A$20 million (US$15 million) to A$17
million (US$13 million) mainly due to a decrease in mining costs with
a greater portion of mining costs allocated to capital on increased
development toward the Oval ore body.
Capital expenditure decreased by 13 per cent from A$8 million
(US$6 million) to A$7 million (US$5 million). Capital was mainly
incurred on exploration and development to the Oval ore body. The
Oval ore body is a recent discovery which is expected to provide the
primary ore feed in 2017.
All-in sustaining costs and total all-in cost increased by 7 per cent
from A$1,574 per ounce (US$1,167 per ounce) in the June quarter
to A$1,688 per ounce (US$1,286 per ounce) in the September
quarter due to lower gold sold, partially offset by lower net operating
costs and lower capital expenditure.
Granny Smith
Sept
2016
June
2016
Gold produced
000’oz
72.8
76.2
Yield
g/t
6.03
6.51
AISC and AIC
A$/oz
1,167
1,081
US$/oz
885
805
Gold production decreased by 4 per cent from 76,200 ounces in the
June quarter to 72,800 ounces in the September quarter mainly due
to a reduction in grade mined.
Ore mined from underground decreased by 1 per cent from 385,000
tonnes to 381,000 tonnes. Head grade mined decreased from 7.04
grams per tonne in the June quarter to 6.56 grams per tonne in the
September quarter due to a reduction in mined grade from Zone 90.
Tonnes processed increased by 4 per cent from 363,000 tonnes in
the June quarter to 376,000 tonnes in the September quarter. The
yield decreased by 7 per cent from 6.51 grams per tonne to 6.03
grams per tonne reflecting the lower grades mined.
Net operating costs, including gold-in-process movements, were
similar at A$46 million (US$35 million). The lower operating cost,
due to lower mining and processing costs, including the effect of
lower power costs as a result of the commissioning of the new gas
power station, was partially offset by a lower gold-in-process credit
to cost in the September quarter.
Capital expenditure increased by 10 per cent from A$31 million
(US$23 million) in the June quarter to A$34 million (US$26 million) in
the September quarter. The higher expenditure related to the
purchase of a new production drill and loader during the September
quarter, as well as increased capital development and exploration
activity.
All-in sustaining costs and total all-in cost increased by 8 per cent
from A$1,081 per ounce (US$805 per ounce) in the June quarter to
A$1,167 per ounce (US$885 per ounce) in the September quarter
mainly due to decreased gold sold and higher capital expenditure.
background image
8
September 2016 Quarter Gold Fields Trading Statement and Operating Update
Underground and surface
UNITED STATES DOLLARS,
IMPERIAL OUNCES WITH
METRIC TONNES AND GRADE
Total Mine
Operations
South
Africa
Region
West Africa Region
South
America
Region
Australia Region
Ghana
Peru
Australia
South
Deep
Total
Tarkwa
Damang
Cerro
Corona
Total
St Ives
Agnew/
Lawlers
Darlot
Granny
Smith
Ore milled/treated (000 tonnes)
– underground
September 2016
1,404
427
-
-
-
-
977
178
312
111
376
ore
June 2016
1,313
419
-
-
-
-
894
139
282
110
363
September 2015
1,390
335
-
-
-
-
1,055
276
294
125
360
– underground
September 2016
26
26
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
waste
June 2016
24
24
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
September 2015
19
19
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
– surface ore
September 2016
7,226
86
4,604
3,475
1,129
1,709
827
827
-
-
-
June 2016
7,035
158
4,271
3,300
971
1,775
831
811
-
20
-
September 2015
6,887
34
4,538
3,415
1,123
1,753
562
561
-
-
1
– total milled
September 2016
8,656
539
4,604
3,475
1,129
1,709
1,804
1,005
312
111
376
June 2016
8,372
601
4,271
3,300
971
1,775
1,725
950
282
130
363
September 2015
8,295
387
4,538
3,415
1,123
1,753
1,617
837
294
125
361
Yield (grams per tonne)
– underground
September 2016
5.2
5.0
-
-
-
-
5.5
4.5
5.8
4.3
6.0
ore
June 2016
5.9
5.7
-
-
-
-
6.2
5.8
6.3
5.0
6.5
September 2015
5.7
5.1
-
-
-
-
6.0
4.4
6.1
6.3
7.1
– underground
September 2016
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
waste
June 2016
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
September 2015
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
– surface ore
September 2016
1.3
0.1
1.3
1.3
1.1
1.1
2.5
2.5
-
-
-
June 2016
1.3
0.1
1.2
1.3
1.0
1.1
2.4
2.4
-
1.0
-
September 2015
1.4
0.2
1.3
1.4
1.2
1.4
2.4
2.5
-
-
-
– combined
September 2016
2.0
4.0
1.3
1.3
1.1
1.1
4.1
2.8
5.8
4.3
6.0
June 2016
2.0
4.0
1.2
1.3
1.0
1.1
4.3
2.9
6.3
4.4
6.5
September 2015
2.1
4.4
1.3
1.4
1.2
1.4
4.7
3.1
6.1
6.3
7.1
Gold produced (000 ounces)
– underground
September 2016
240.7
69.2
-
-
-
-
171.5
25.7
57.8
15.3
72.8
ore
June 2016
253.0
76.1
-
-
-
-
177.0
25.8
57.2
17.8
76.2
September 2015
259.0
54.7
-
-
-
-
204.3
39.4
57.5
25.4
82.1
– underground
September 2016
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
waste
June 2016
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
September 2015
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
– surface ore
September 2016
314.7
0.2
187.5
148.6
38.9
61.2
65.8
65.8
-
-
-
June 2016
292.9
0.4
164.4
134.1
30.3
64.6
63.6
63.0
-
0.6
-
September 2015
317.5
0.3
193.8
149.4
44.4
79.2
44.3
44.3
-
-
-
– total
September 2016
555.4
69.4
187.5
148.6
38.9
61.2
237.3
91.5
57.8
15.3
72.8
June 2016
546.0
76.5
164.4
134.1
30.3
64.6
240.6
88.8
57.2
18.5
76.2
September 2015
576.5
54.9
193.8
149.4
44.4
79.2
248.6
83.6
57.5
25.4
82.1
Operating costs (dollar per tonne)
– underground
September 2016
128
157
-
-
-
-
111
120
122
119
95
June 2016
128
155
-
-
-
-
110
103
119
137
99
September 2015
124
178
-
-
-
-
104
91
120
128
97
– surface
September 2016
25
2
26
26
26
21
29
29
-
-
-
June 2016
26
-
26
24
30
21
42
43
-
30
-
September 2015
29
3
30
25
43
21
46
43
-
-
-
– total
September 2016
41
133
26
26
26
21
73
45
122
119
95
June 2016
42
114
26
24
30
21
78
52
119
116
99
September 2015
45
162
30
25
43
21
84
59
120
128
97
background image
Corporate Secretary
Lucy Mokoka
Tel: +27 11 562 9719
Fax: +27 11 562 9829
e-mail: lucy.mokoka@goldfields.com
Registered office
JOHANNESBURG
Gold Fields Limited
150 Helen Road
Sandown
Sandton
2196
Postnet Suite 252
Private Bag X30500
Houghton
2041
Tel: +27 11 562 9700
Fax: +27 11 562 9829
Office of the United Kingdom secretaries
LONDON
St James’s Corporate Services Limited
Suite 31, Second Floor
107 Cheapside
London
EC2V 6DN
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7796 8644
Fax: +44 20 7796 8645
e-mail: general@corpserv.co.uk
American depository receipts transfer agent
Shareholder Correspondence should be mailed to:
BNY Mellon Shareowner Services
P.O. Box 30170
College Station, TX 77842-3170
Overnight Correspondence should be sent to:
BNY Mellon Shareowner Services
211 Quality Circle, Suite 210
College Station, TX 77845
e-mail: shrrelations@cpushareownerservices.com
Phone Numbers
Tel: 888 269 2377 Domestic
Tel: 201 680 6825 Foreign
Gold Fields Limited
Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa
Registration number 1968/004880/06
Share code: GFI
Issuer code: GOGOF
ISIN – ZAE 000018123
Listings
JSE / NYSE / GFI
SWX: GOLI
Investor enquiries
Avishkar Nagaser
Tel: +27 11 562 9775
Mobile: +27 82 312 8692
e-mail: avishkar.nagaser@goldfields.com
Media enquiries
Sven Lunsche
Tel: +27 11 562 9763
Mobile: +27 83 260 9279
e-mail: sven.lunsche@goldfields.com
Transfer secretaries
SOUTH AFRICA
Computershare Investor Services (Proprietary) Limited
Ground Floor
70 Marshall Street
Johannesburg
2001
P O Box 61051
Marshalltown
2107
Tel: +27 11 370 5000
Fax: +27 11 688 5248
UNITED KINGDOM
Capita Asset Services
The Registry
34 Beckenham Road
Beckenham
Kent BR3 4TU
England
Tel: 0871 664 0300 [calls cost 10p a minute plus network extras, lines are open
8:30am – 5:00pm Mon-Fri] or [from overseas]
Overseas: +44 20 8639 5000
Fax: +44 20 8658 3430
e-mail: ssd@capitaregistrars.com
Calls cost 12p per minute plus your phone company's access charge.
If you are outside the United Kingdom, please call +44 371 664 0300.
Calls outside the United Kingdom will be charged at the applicable international
rate.
The helpline is open between 9:00am – 5:30pm. Monday to Friday excluding
public holidays in England and Wales.
Sponsor
J.P. Morgan Equities South Africa (Pty) Ltd
Directors
CA Carolus° (Chair) RP Menell° (Deputy Chair)
NJ Holland* (Chief Executive Officer) PA Schmidt (Chief Financial Officer)
A Andani
#
° K Ansah
#
° PJ Bacchus° TP Goodlace° AR Hill °
DMJ Ncube° SP Reidˆ° YGH Suleman° GM Wilson°
* British
#
Ghanaian Canadian ˆ Australian
° Independent Director Non-independent Director
Website
www.goldfields.com
Forward looking statements
This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, with respect to Gold Fields’ financial condition, results of operations, business strategies, operating efficiencies, competitive position,
growth opportunities for existing services, plans and objectives of management, markets for stock and other matters. These forward-looking statements, including, among others, those relating to
the future business prospects, revenues and income of Gold Fields, wherever they may occur in this report and the exhibits to the report, are necessarily estimates reflecting the best judgment of
the senior management of Gold Fields and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements.
As a consequence, these forward-looking statements should be considered in light of various important factors, including those set forth in this report. Important factors that could cause actual
results to differ materially from estimates or projections contained in the forward-looking statements include, without limitation:
• overall economic and business conditions in South Africa, Ghana, Australia, Peru and elsewhere;
• changes in assumptions underlying Gold Fields’ mineral reserve estimates;
• the ability to achieve anticipated efficiencies and other cost savings in connection with past and future acquisitions;
• the ability to achieve anticipated cost savings at existing operations;
• the success of the Group’s business strategy, development activities and other initiatives;
• the ability of the Group to comply with requirements that it operate in a sustainable manner and provide benefits to affected communities;
• decreases in the market price of gold or copper;
• the occurrence of hazards associated with underground and surface gold mining or contagious diseases at Gold Field’s operations;
• the occurrence of work stoppages related to health and safety incidents;
• loss of senior management or inability to hire or retain employees;
• fluctuations in exchange rates, currency devaluations and other macroeconomic monetary policies;
• the occurrence of labour disruptions and industrial actions;
• power cost increases as well as power stoppages, fluctuations and usage constraints;
• supply chain shortages and increases in the prices of production imports;
• the ability to manage and maintain access to current and future sources of liquidity, capital and credit, including the terms and conditions of Gold Fields’ facilities and Gold Fields’ overall cost of
funding;
• the adequacy of the Group’s insurance coverage;
• the manner, amount and timing of capital expenditures made by Gold Fields on both existing and new mines, mining projects, exploration project or other initiatives;
• changes in relevant government regulations, particularly labour, environmental, tax, royalty, health and safety, water, regulations and potential new legislation affecting mining and mineral
rights;
• fraud, bribery or corruption at Gold Field’s operations that leads to censure, penalties or negative reputational impacts; and
• political instability in South Africa, Ghana, Peru or regionally in Africa or South America.
Administration and corporate information
background image
10
September 2016 Quarter Gold Fields Trading Statement and Operating Update
Gold Fields undertakes no obligation to update publicly or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this report or to reflect the
occurrence of unanticipated events.
background image
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorised.
GOLD FIELDS LIMITED
Dated: 24 October 2016
By:
/s/ Nicholas J. Holland
Name:
Nicholas J. Holland
Title:
Chief Executive Officer