Wrap Text
Operating Update March 2017 Quarter
Gold Fields Limited
Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa
Registration number 1968/004880/06
Share code: GFI
Issuer code: GOGOF
ISIN – ZAE 000018123
Media Release
Gold Fields Operating Update
March 2017 Quarter
JOHANNESBURG. 26 APRIL 2017:Gold Fields Limited (NYSE & JSE: GFI) is pleased to provide an operational update for the quarter ended
31 March 2017. Detailed financial and operational results are provided on a six-monthly basis i.e. at the end of June and December.
Key Statistics
UNITED STATES DOLLARS
Quarter
March December March
2017 2016 2016
Gold produced* oz (000) 497 566 515
Continuing operations 483 552 496
Discontinued operations 14 14 19
Tonnes milled/treated 000 8,665 8,606 8,589
Continuing operations 8,545 8,493 8,489
Discontinued operations 120 113 100
Revenue US$/oz 1,216 1,198 1,192
Continuing operations 1,216 1,197 1,192
Discontinued operations 1,218 1,223 1,193
Operating costs US$/tonne 42 45 40
Continuing operations 41 44 40
Discontinued operations 126 120 154
All-in sustaining costs US$/oz 1,016 911 961
Continuing operations 1,003 897 956
Discontinued operations 1,434 1,443 1,105
Total all-in cost US$/oz 1,114 941 986
Continuing operations 1,104 928 981
Discontinued operations 1,434 1,443 1,105
Net debt US$m 1,241 1,166 1,337
Continuing operations 1,241 1,166 1,337
Net debt to EBITDA ratio x 1.04 0.95 1.21
Cash flow from operating activities** US$ (35) 82 26
Continuing operations (30) 84 25
Discontinued operations (5) (2) 1
* 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 7 per cent of Group production.
STOCK DATA FOR THE 3 MONTHS ENDED 31 MARCH 2017
Number of shares in issue NYSE - (GFI)
- at end March 2017 820,606,945 Range - Quarter US$2.95 - US$3.67
- average for the quarter 820,606,945 Average Volume - Quarter 7,263,275 shares/day
Free Float 100 per cent JSE LIMITED - (GFI)
ADR Ratio 1:1 Range - Quarter ZAR38.03 - ZAR49.75
Bloomberg/Reuters GFISJ/GFLJ.J Average Volume - Quarter 3,300,042 shares/day
Statement by Nick Holland
Chief Executive Officer of Gold Fields
Q1 2017 OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Gold Fields had a slow start to 2017, with two fatalities at South Deep during the quarter and significant rain events which impacted
open pit operations in Australia. While we have made good progress on safety across the Group, these incidents are tragic reminders
that we still have more work to do. Our sincere condolences go out to the family, friends and colleagues of Mr Bekwayo and Mr Mehlwana.
Attributable equivalent gold production for the quarter was 3% lower YoY (12% lower QoQ) at 497koz. All-in sustaining costs (AISC) were
6% higher YoY (12% higher QoQ) at US$1,016/oz and all-in costs (AIC) were 13% higher YoY (18% higher QoQ) at US$1,114/oz. The average
US$ gold price achieved in the quarter was 2% higher YoY (2% higher QoQ) at US$1,216/oz. The average Australian dollar for the quarter
was 0.75 (4% weaker YoY and similar QoQ), while the average South African rand for the quarter was 13.27 (16% weaker YoY and 4%
stronger QoQ).
At South Deep production was negatively impacted by the two fatal accidents and three falls of ground in the higher grade section of
the mine which has resulted in a deferral of mining higher grade areas. Consequently, gold production was 1,424kg (45.8koz), down 28%
YoY (43% down QoQ). All-in costs (AIC) were 26% higher YoY (56% higher QoQ) at R777,497/kg (US$1,821/oz). The challenges during the
quarter impacted tramming activities at the mine, which resulted in a more severe impact on gold production than on gold broken. Gold
broken during the quarter was 1,784kg (57.4koz), 360kg higher than gold recovered, but around 300kg (9.6koz) lower than what it needed
to be to track guidance for the year. The build-up of excess broken stocks underground is expected to be recovered in the next two
quarters while access to the higher grade areas to recover the gold deferred is expected in the June quarter. In line with the recently
announced rebase plan, ground support standards are being strengthened, where required, to reduce the risks of falls of ground and the
resultant impact on operations. Despite the slow start, the full year guidance for South Deep remains unchanged.
Managed production in Ghana for Q1 2017 was 174.5koz, down 4% YoY (down 5% QoQ), with AIC of US$1,153/oz, up 12% YoY (up 17% QoQ), as
spending on the Damang reinvestment project commenced during the quarter. Gold equivalent production at Cerro Corona was 9% higher YoY
(16% lower QoQ) at 68.7koz, with AIC of US$626 per equivalent ounce, down 12% YoY (down 7% QoQ).
The Australian region produced 225.4koz for the quarter, flat YoY (down 6% QoQ), with AIC of A$1,335/oz (US$1,007/oz), up 6% YoY (up
10% QoQ). With Darlot in a sales process it is now considered a discontinuing operation. Consequently, production from continuing
operations for the quarter was 211.7koz at AIC of A$1,299 (US$979/oz).
Net cash flow and net debt
Due to the higher capital expenditure, driven by growth capital expenditure at Damang (US$20m), Gruyere (US$10m), Salares Norte
(US$12m) and South Deep (US$2m) the net cash flow from operating activities (net of tax) less net capital expenditure, environmental
payments and financing costs for the quarter was an outflow of US$35m, compared to an inflow of US$26m in Q1 2016. If we exclude the
growth capital expenditure of US$44m, then the net cash flow would have been an inflow of US$9m. As a result of the net outflow and the
final dividend payment, the net debt balance increased to US$1,241m during the quarter (31 December 2016: US$1,166m). Net debt to
EBITDA was 1.04x.
UPDATE ON PROJECTS
Damang
The Damang Re-Investment Project commenced on 23 December 2016 with two major mining contractors operating in the Damang complex and
satellite pit areas. The majority of mining equipment is on site, with the remainder expected by the end of April. Total tonnes mined
for Q1 was 9.61Mt (plan 7.34Mt). The project is expected to deliver approximately 36Mt (plan 33Mt) in 2017 due to increased
productivities with the key focus on capital waste stripping. Construction of the 2.5m lift on the existing East Tailings Storage
Facility (ETSF) has been completed and commissioned with capacity of 2.2Mt till Q4 2017. The Far East Tailings Storage Facility
(FETSF) construction (a new storage capacity required in Q4 that will provide life of mine tailings capacity requirements) has
commenced. Expenditure for the quarter amounted to US$20m with the forecast for the year on budget at US$120m.
Gruyere
As previously reported, the Western Australian Department of Mines and Petroleum granted approval in February 2017 for the Project
Management Plan, Mining Proposal and Mine Closure Plan. Preferred tenderers for the major contracts including bulk earthworks, EPC
and power supply were confirmed during the quarter. The 288-room Gruyere Village Stage 1 was commissioned in March and earthworks for
the Gruyere Village Stage 2 site have also been completed. The complete 648-room Gruyere Village is expected to be ready for occupancy
by end of May 2017. Construction of the Anne Beadell borefield, which will support early construction activities and supply of potable
water to the camp, has commenced. Expenditure for the quarter amounted to A$14m (US$10m) with the forecast for the year on budget at
A$153m (US$112m).
FY17 GUIDANCE INTACT
Attributable equivalent gold production for 2017 is expected to be between 2.10 million ounces and 2.15 million ounces, with AISC of
between US$1,010 per ounce and US$1,030 per ounce. As previously guided, due to the increased project capital spend, AIC is expected
to be between US$1,170 per ounce to US$1,190 per ounce.
DIRECTOR APPOINTMENT
On 3 March 2017, Gold Fields announced the appointment of Dr Carmen Letton as an independent non-executive director to its Board of
directors with effect from 1 May 2017. Dr Letton is head of open pit mining for Anglo American. She has over 30 years’ experience in
leadership and technical roles, both in the Australian and the international mining environment.
APPOINTMENT OF EVP: SOUTH AFRICA
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Martin Preece as EVP: South Africa, effective 2 May 2017. Martin was previously the
Chief Operating Officer at De Beers Consolidated Mines and has spent more than 30 years in diamond mining at De Beers, with extensive
experience in massive mechanised underground mining. We believe that his experience will help drive South Deep to become an efficient,
sustainable mechanised mine.
N.J. Holland
Chief Executive Officer
26 April 2017
SALIENT FEATURE AND COST BENCHMARKS
Salient features and cost benchmarks for the quarters ended 31 March 2017, 31 December 2016 and 31 March 2016
UNITED STATES DOLLARS
South Africa West Africa South America
Total Region Region Region
Total Mine Ghana Peru
Mine Continuing South Cerro
Operations Operations Deep Total Tarkwa Damang Corona
OPERATING RESULTS
Ore milled/treated March 2017 8,665 8,545 443 4,632 3,459 1,172 1,706
(000 tonnes) December 2016 8,606 8,493 565 4,465 3,336 1,129 1,742
March 2016 8,589 8,489 543 4,536 3,497 1,039 1,751
Yield March 2017 1.8 1.8 3.2 1.2 1.2 1.0 1.3
(grams per tonne) December 2016 2.1 2.1 4.4 1.3 1.4 1.0 1.5
March 2016 1.9 1.9 3.6 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.1
Gold produced March 2017 514.4 500.7 45.8 174.5 138.7 35.8 68.7
(000 managed December 2016 584.4 570.4 80.9 182.8 145.9 36.9 81.5
equivalent ounces) March 2016 533.1 514.4 63.6 181.1 139.5 41.7 62.9
Gold sold March 2017 512.8 499.1 46.7 174.5 138.7 35.8 66.1
(000 managed December 2016 587.7 573.7 79.9 182.8 145.9 36.9 85.8
equivalent ounces) March 2016 531.7 513.0 63.6 181.1 139.5 41.7 61.6
Net operating costs* March 2017 (354.9) (340.0) (70.7) (107.3) (78.0) (29.3) (32.3)
(million) December 2016 (368.4) (353.9) (72.6) (117.4) (82.0) (35.3) (39.8)
March 2016 (331.0) (315.5) (58.5) (121.6) (78.0) (43.5) (32.8)
Operating costs March 2017 42 41 169 25 25 26 21
(dollar per tonne) December 2016 45 44 130 28 27 31 23
March 2016 40 40 108 29 25 42 18
Sustaining capital* March 2017 (138.0) (133.8) (11.4) (59.5) (49.7) (9.8) (5.2)
(million) December 2016 (155.9) (149.7) (14.7) (52.0) (40.6) (11.4) (15.5)
March 2016 (139.1) (135.1) (14.6) (48.5) (47.8) (0.6) (5.2)
Non-sustaining March 2017 (32.2) (32.2) (1.7) (20.3) - (20.3) -
capital* December 2016 (2.0) (2.0) (2.0) - - - -
(million) March 2016 (2.0) (2.0) (2.0) - - - -
Total capital March 2017 (170.2) (166.1) (13.1) (79.9) (49.7) (30.1) (5.2)
expenditure* December 2016 (157.9) (151.7) (16.7) (52.0) (40.6) (11.4) (15.5)
(million) March 2016 (141.1) (137.1) (16.6) (48.5) (47.8) (0.6) (5.2)
All-in-sustaining March 2017 1,009 997 1,784 1,037 1,010 1,142 118
costs December 2016 914 899 1,097 989 906 1,317 303
(dollar per ounce) March 2016 949 943 1,183 1,028 994 1,139 386
Total all-in-cost March 2017 1,076 1,065 1,821 1,153 1,010 1,709 118
(dollar per ounce) December 2016 917 902 1,122 989 906 1,317 303
March 2016 953 946 1,215 1,028 994 1,139 386
SOUTH UNITED
AFRICAN STATES AUSTRALIAN
UNITED STATES DOLLARS AUSTRALIAN DOLLARS RAND DOLLARS DOLLARS
Australia Australia South Africa Australia Australia
Region Region Region Region Region
Continuing Continuing Discontinued Discontinued
Agnew/ Granny Agnew/ Granny South
Total St Ives Lawlers Smith Total St Ives Lawlers Smith Deep Darlot Darlot
OPERATING RESULTS
Ore milled/treated March 2017 1,764 995 308 461 1,764 995 308 461 443 120 120
(000 tonnes) December 2016 1,721 1,094 298 329 1,721 1,094 298 329 565 113 113
March 2016 1,659 997 284 378 1,659 997 284 378 543 100 100
Yield March 2017 3.7 2.6 5.9 4.9 3.7 2.6 5.9 4.9 3.2 3.6 3.6
(grams per tonne) December 2016 4.1 2.7 6.5 6.4 4.1 2.7 6.5 6.4 4.4 3.8 3.8
March 2016 3.9 2.7 5.7 5.6 3.9 2.7 5.7 5.6 3.6 5.8 5.8
Gold produced March 2017 211.7 81.6 58.3 71.9 211.7 81.6 58.3 71.9 1,424 13.7 13.7
(000 managed December 2016 225.2 95.6 62.2 67.4 225.2 95.6 62.2 67.4 2,516 14.0 14.0
equivalent ounces) March 2016 206.7 87.0 52.1 67.5 206.7 87.0 52.1 67.5 1,978 18.7 18.7
Gold sold March 2017 211.7 81.6 58.3 71.9 211.7 81.6 58.3 71.9 1,454 13.7 13.7
(000 managed December 2016 225.2 95.6 62.2 67.4 225.2 95.6 62.2 67.4 2,485 14.0 14.0
equivalent ounces) March 2016 206.7 87.0 52.1 67.5 206.7 87.0 52.1 67.5 1,978 18.7 18.7
Net operating March 2017 (129.6) (48.6) (39.1) (41.9) (171.9) (64.5) (51.8) (55.6) (939.4) (14.9) (19.8)
costs* December 2016 (124.1) (56.2) (36.1) (31.8) (165.8) (75.3) (48.2) (42.2) (1,012.1) (14.5) (19.1)
(million) March 2016 (102.6) (35.1) (34.6) (32.9) (142.5) (48.8) (48.0) (45.6) (924.3) (15.5) (21.4)
Operating costs March 2017 70 47 125 83 93 62 165 109 2,245 126 168
(dollar per tonne) December 2016 77 51 135 111 103 69 180 148 1,797 120 159
March 2016 66 43 119 86 91 59 164 120 1,702 155 215
Sustaining capital* March 2017 (57.7) (26.1) (14.0) (17.5) (76.5) (34.7) (18.6) (23.2) (150.9) (4.2) (5.5)
(million) December 2016 (67.6) (27.6) (13.4) (26.7) (89.6) (36.5) (17.7) (35.5) (199.7) (6.2) (8.2)
March 2016 (66.8) (32.7) (19.6) (14.5) (92.7) (45.4) (27.2) (20.1) (230.1) (4.0) (5.6)
Non-sustaining capital* March 2017 (10.2)# - - - (13.6)# - - - (22.7) - -
(million) December 2016 - - - - - - - - (28.3) - -
March 2016 - - - - - - - - (31.9) - -
Total capital March 2017 (67.9) (26.1) (14.0) (17.5) (90.1) (34.7) (18.6) (23.2) (173.6) (4.2) (5.5)
expenditure* December 2016 (67.6) (27.6) (13.4) (26.7) (89.6) (36.5) (17.7) (35.5) (228.0) (6.2) (8.2)
(million) March 2016 (66.9) (32.7) (19.6) (14.5) (92.6) (45.4) (27.2) (20.1) (262.0) (4.0) (5.6)
All-in-sustaining March 2017 931 966 957 871 1,234 1,280 1,268 1,153 761,867 1,434 1,899
costs (dollar per December 2016 878 914 815 885 1,165 1,213 1,081 1,175 488,534 1,443 1,921
ounce) March 2016 886 852 1,106 759 1,229 1,182 1,536 1,054 600,563 1,105 1,534
Total all-in-cost March 2017 979 966 957 871 1,299 1,280 1,268 1,153 777,497 1,434 1,899
(dollar per ounce) December 2016 878 914 815 885 1,165 1,213 1,081 1,175 499,954 1,443 1,921
March 2016 886 852 1,106 759 1,229 1,182 1,536 1,054 616,706 1,105 1,534
Average exchange rates were US$1 = R13.27, US$1 = R13.87 and US$1 = R15.79 for the March 2017, December 2016 and March 2016 quarters respectively.
The Australian/US dollar exchange rates were A$1 = US$0.75, A$1 = US$0.75 and A$1 = US$0.72 for the March 2017, December 2016 and March 2016 quarters
respectively.
Figures may not add as they are rounded independently.
* In local currency.
# Relates to non-sustaining capital expenditure for Gruyere Project.
Review of Operations
Quarter ended 31 March 2017 compared with quarter ended
31 December 2016
CONTINUING OPERATIONS
South Africa region
South Deep Project
March 2017 Dec 2016
Gold produced 000’oz 45.8 80.9
kg 1,424 2,516
Gold sold 000’oz 46.7 79.9
kg 1,454 2,485
Yield-underground reef g/t 5.16 5.51
AISC R/kg 761,867 488,534
US$/oz 1,784 1,097
AIC R/kg 777,497 499,954
US$/oz 1,821 1,122
South Deep regrettably had two fatal accidents during the March quarter. Mr Bekwayo, a dump truck operator and Mr Mehlwana, a
locomotive operator lost their lives in tramming related incidents. The fatal accident on 1 January 2017 affected access to mining
areas and hauling ability. Loss of access to both tips in the high grade 3 West section and the main workshop on 93 level, restricted
hauling activities until 11 March. The fatal accident on 16 February 2017 affected rail bound tramming on 95 level for 6 days.
Gold production decreased by 43 per cent from 2,516 kilograms (80,900 ounces) in the December quarter to 1,424 kilograms (45,800
ounces) in the March quarter mainly due to a decrease in tonnes mined and in head grade. Approximately 300 kilograms (9,600 ounces)
were lost as a result of the fatal accidents. Another approximately 350 kilograms (11,300 ounces) were lost due to falls of ground.
Over and above these factors the March quarter is characterised by the extended Christmas break, which is typical of South African
based mines.
Three incidents of falls of ground occurred in the thinner more proximal part of the ore body. The first one was due to risks posed by
the secondary extraction of drifts. The second one was due to proximity to the lavas in the hanging wall. The third one was due to set
collapses caused by an equipment collision. The net effect of these events was that certain high grade areas were rendered temporarily
unavailable. In addition, the planned rehabilitation of reef ore-passes due to scaling, reduced ore-pass availability during the
quarter.
The fatal accidents, falls of ground and the extended Christmas break impacted destress mining, longhole stoping and development.
Total underground tonnes mined decreased by 26 per cent from 495,400 tonnes in the December quarter to 365,200 tonnes in the March
quarter. The average grade mined decreased by 7 per cent from 5.23 grams per tonne to 4.89 grams per tonne due to the temporary loss of
high grade areas.
Gold broken during the quarter amounted to 1,784 kilograms (57,400 ounces), 360 kilograms (11,600 ounces) higher than gold recovered.
The build-up of excess broken stocks underground, is expected to be recovered in the next two quarters while access to the higher grade
areas to recover the gold deferred is expected in the June quarter.
Destress mining decreased by 28 per cent from 6,148 square metres in the December quarter to 4,402 square metres in the March quarter
due to the same reasons above as well as a temporary slowing down of destress mining as a precautionary measure as a result of
intersections of geological features.
Longhole stoping decreased by 32 per cent from 252,000 tonnes to 171,000 tonnes due to the same reasons as above. The current mine (95
level and above) contributed 64 per cent of the ore tonnes in the March quarter, compared with 63 per cent in the December quarter.
The longhole stoping method accounted for 47 per cent of total tonnes mined in the March quarter compared with 51 per cent in the
December quarter.
Development decreased by 25 per cent from 2,043 metres in the December quarter to 1,526 metres in the March quarter due to same reasons
as above. New mine capital development (phase one, sub 95 level) decreased by 7 per cent from 210 metres in the December quarter to 195
metres in the March quarter. Development in the current mine areas decreased by 27 per cent from 1,833 metres to 1,331 metres.
Remedial action in the form of increased ore-body definition-drilling will be implemented to enhance information on geotechnical
structures, together with a revised support strategy and mining sequence to facilitate improved extraction and increase the ability to
prevent falls of ground.
Underground reef tonnes milled decreased by 40 per cent from 455,000 tonnes in the December quarter to 274,000 tonnes in the March
quarter. Total tonnes milled decreased by 22 per cent from 565,000 tonnes to 443,000 tonnes due to a decrease in underground material
milled. Total tonnes milled in the March quarter included 34,000 tonnes of underground development waste mined and 135,000 tonnes of
surface tailings material. This compared with 35,000 tonnes of underground development waste mined and 75,000 tonnes of surface
tailings material in the December quarter. Underground reef yield decreased by 6 per cent from 5.51 grams per tonne to 5.16 grams per
tonne.
Net operating costs decreased by 7 per cent from R1,012 million (US$73 million) to R939 million (US$71 million) mainly due to lower
production. A gold-in-process credit of R55 million (US$4 million) in the March quarter compared with R11 million (US$1 million) in
the December quarter.
Capital expenditure decreased by 24 per cent from R228 million (US$17 million) in the December quarter to R174 million (US$13 million)
in the March quarter.
Sustaining capital expenditure decreased by 25 per cent from R200 million (US$15 million) in the quarter to R151 million (US$11
million) in the March quarter. Non-sustaining capital expenditure decreased by 18 per cent from R28 million (US$2 million) to R23
million (US$2 million). The lower sustaining and non-sustaining capital expenditure were mainly due to a slow start after the December
break.
All-in sustaining costs increased by 56 per cent from R488,534 per kilogram (US$1,097 per ounce) in the December quarter to R761,867
per kilogram (US$1,784 per ounce) in the March quarter mainly due to decreased gold sold, partially offset by lower net operating costs
and lower sustaining capital expenditure.
Total all-in cost increased by 56 per cent from R499,954 per kilogram (US$1,122 per ounce) in the December quarter to R777,497 per
kilogram (US$1,821 per ounce) in the March quarter due to the same reasons as for all-in-sustaining costs, partially offset by lower
non-sustaining capital expenditure.
West Africa region
GHANA
Tarkwa
March 2017 Dec 2016
Gold produced 000’oz 138.7 145.9
Yield g/t 1.24 1.36
AISC and AIC US$/oz 1,010 906
Gold production decreased by 5 per cent from 145,900 ounces in the December quarter to 138,700 ounces in the March quarter due to lower yield.
Total tonnes mined, including capital stripping, increased by 8 per cent from 24.5 million tonnes in the December quarter to 26.4 million tonnes in the March quarter.
Ore tonnes mined decreased by 10 per cent from 4.2 million tonnes to 3.8 million tonnes due to more focus on waste stripping to expose ore to be mined in future
quarters. Operational waste tonnes mined increased by 22 per cent from 7.9 million tonnes to 9.6 million tonnes while capital waste tonnes mined increased by 5 per cent
from 12.4 million tonnes to 13.0 million tonnes. Grade mined decreased marginally from 1.35 grams per tonne to 1.34 grams per tonne. The strip ratio increased from 5.3
to 6.0.
The CIL plant throughput increased by 6 per cent from 3.3 million tonnes in the December quarter to 3.5 million tonnes in the March quarter due to higher plant
utilisation and improved milling rate. Realised yield decreased by 9 per cent from 1.36 grams per tonne to 1.24 grams per tonne due to lower grades mined and an
increase in gold-in-process.
Net operating costs, including gold-in-process movements, decreased by 5 per cent from US$82 million to US$78 million mainly due to a decrease in power costs and fuel
price. The lower power costs were as a result of partially moving off the transmission grid to Genser (an independent power producer).
Capital expenditure increased by 22 per cent from US$41 million to US$50 million due to mining fleet replacements and component replacements in the March quarter.
All-in sustaining costs and total all-in cost increased by 11 per cent from US$906 per ounce in the December quarter to US$1,010 per ounce in the March quarter due to
higher capital expenditure and lower gold sold, partially offset by lower net operating cost.
Damang
March 2017 Dec 2016
Gold produced 000’oz 35.8 36.9
Yield g/t 0.95 1.02
AISC US$/oz 1,142 1,317
AIC US$/oz 1,709 1,317
Gold production decreased by 3 per cent from 36,900 ounces in the December quarter to 35,800 ounces in the March quarter mainly due to
lower head grade processed.
Total tonnes mined, including capital stripping, increased by 129 per cent from 4.2 million tonnes in the December quarter to 9.6
million tonnes in the March quarter due to accelerated waste mining from Amoanda and Damang Pit Cutback (DPCB) with the commencement of
the Damang Re-investment Project. Ore tonnes mined decreased by 9 per cent from 0.82 million tonnes in the December quarter to 0.74
million tonnes in the March quarter. Total waste tonnes mined increased by 162 per cent from 3.4 million tonnes to 8.9 million tonnes.
Capital waste tonnes (included in total waste tonnes) increased by 689 per cent from 0.9 million tonnes to 7.1 million tonnes.
Operational waste tonnes decreased by 32 per cent from 2.5 million tonnes to 1.8 million tonnes. Head grade mined decreased by 7 per
cent from 1.22 grams per tonne to 1.13 grams per tonne. The higher grade in the December quarter was due to around 0.17 million tonnes
at 1.41 grams per tonne mined from Juno 3 and 0.16 million tonnes at 1.20 grams per tonne from Abosso tails. This compared with no Juno
3 material and 0.37 million tonnes of Abosso tails material at 1.05 grams per tonne in the March quarter. The strip ratio increased
from 4.2 to 11.8.
Abosso tailings is a decommissioned tailings storage facility at Damang. The tailings dam has been drilled, assayed, modelled and
optimised. The economic portion of the tailings dam is being mined to supplement plant feed from the pits and other surface stockpiles.
At the end of the March quarter the remaining ore tonnes at Abosso tailings amounted to 0.34 million tonnes at 0.89 grams per tonne and
the balance on the main stockpile amounted to 0.69 million tonnes at 0.67 grams per tonne.
Tonnes processed increased by 4 per cent from 1.13 million tonnes in the December quarter to 1.17 million tonnes in the March quarter.
Yield decreased by 7 per cent from 1.02 grams per tonne to 0.95 grams per tonne due to lower grade feed. The lower grade feed was
largely driven by treating lower grade material from the stockpiles. In addition, the ex-pit grade feed was lower than in the December
quarter. In the March quarter tonnes milled were sourced as follows: 0.32 million tonnes at 1.27 grams per tonne from the pits, 0.23
million tonnes at 1.08 grams per tonne from Abosso tailings and 0.62 million tonnes at 0.69 grams per tonne from stockpiles.
Net operating costs, including gold-in-process movements, decreased by 17 per cent from US$35 million to US$29 million. This was mainly
due to a decrease in operating tonnes mined, a decrease in power costs as a result of totally moving off the transmission grid to
Genser and a US$2 million gold-in-process credit to cost in the March quarter compared with a US$1 million charge to cost in the
December quarter.
Sustaining capital expenditure decreased by 173 per cent from US$11 million to US$9 million. Non-sustaining capital expenditure
increased from US$nil to US$20 million mainly due to 7.1 million tonnes of capital waste stripped in the March quarter compared with
0.9 million tonnes stripped in the December quarter.
All-in sustaining costs decreased by 13 per cent from US$1,317 per ounce in the December quarter to US$1,142 per ounce in the March
quarter mainly due to lower net operating cost and lower sustaining capital expenditure, partially offset by lower gold sold. All-in
costs increased by 30 per cent from US$1,317 per ounce in the December quarter to US$1,709 per ounce in the March quarter due to the
same reasons as for all-in-sustaining costs as well as non-sustaining (growth) capital expenditure of US$20 million. There was no
growth capital in the December quarter.
South America region
PERU
Cerro Corona
March 2017 Dec 2016
Gold produced 000’oz 33.8 44.6
Copper produced tonnes 7,267 8,681
Total equivalent gold produced 000’eq oz 68.7 81.5
Total equivalent gold sold 000’eq oz 66.1 85.8
Yield - gold g/t 0.64 0.83
- copper per cent 0.44 0.52
- combined eq g/t 1.25 1.46
AISC and AIC US$/oz 118 303
AISC and AIC US$/eq oz 626 676
Gold price* US$/oz 1,211 1,235
Copper price* US$/t 5,803 5,227
* Average daily spot price for the period used to calculate total equivalent gold ounces produced.
Gold production decreased by 24 per cent from 44,600 ounces in the December quarter to 33,800 ounces in the March quarter. Copper
production decreased by 16 per cent from 8,681 tonnes to 7,267 tonnes. Equivalent gold production decreased by 16 per cent from 81,500
ounces to 68,700 ounces. The decrease in gold and copper production was mainly due to lower gold and copper head grades mined in line
with the mining sequence. Gold head grade decreased by 26 per cent from 1.21 grams per tonne to 0.90 grams per tonne and copper head
grade decreased by 17 per cent from 0.60 per cent to 0.50 per cent. Gold and copper head grades for the year are expected to be around
1.04 grams per tonne to 1.06 grams per tonne and 0.47 per cent to 0.49 per cent, respectively. Gold recoveries increased from 68.7 per
cent to 71.0 per cent mainly due to lower presence of fine porous pyrite in ore treated during the March quarter. Copper recoveries
increased from 86.5 per cent to 87.9 per cent. Gold yield decreased by 23 per cent from 0.83 grams per tonne to 0.64 grams per tonne
and copper yield decreased by 15 per cent from 0.52 per cent to 0.44 per cent.
In the March quarter, concentrate with a payable content of 33,900 ounces of gold was sold at an average price of US$1,221 per ounce
and 6,691 tonnes of copper was sold at an average price of US$5,254 per tonne, net of treatment and refining charges. This compared
with 46,000 ounces of gold that was sold at an average price of US$1,208 per ounce and 8,549 tonnes of copper that was sold at an
average price of US$4,626 per tonne, net of treatment and refining charges, in the December quarter.
Total tonnes mined decreased by 4 per cent from 3.29 million tonnes in the December quarter to 3.16 million tonnes in the March quarter
mainly due to lower waste mined in line with the mining sequence. Ore mined increased by 1 per cent from 1.73 million tonnes to 1.74
million tonnes. Operational waste tonnes mined decreased by 9 per cent from 1.56 million tonnes to 1.42 million tonnes also in line
with the mining sequence.
Ore processed decreased by 2 per cent from 1.74 million tonnes in the December quarter to 1.71 million tonnes in the March quarter
mainly due to lower throughput (815 tonnes per hour in the March quarter versus 833 tonnes per hour in the December quarter) as a
result of the rainy season and lower plant availability due to maintenance activities (95 per cent availability in the March quarter
versus 97 per cent availability in the December quarter).
Net operating costs, including gold-in-process movements, decreased by 20 per cent from US$40 million to US$32 million mainly due to
restructuring and a US$3 million gold-in-process credit to cost in the March quarter compared with US$1 million in the December
quarter.
Capital expenditure decreased by 69 per cent from US$16 million to US$5 million due to lower construction activities at the tailings
dam and waste storage facilities due to the rainy season.
All-in sustaining costs and total all-in cost per gold ounce decreased by 61 per cent from US$303 per ounce in the December quarter to
US$118 per ounce in the March quarter mainly due to lower net operating costs and lower capital expenditure, partially offset by lower
gold sold and lower copper by-product credits. All-in sustaining costs and total all-in costs per equivalent ounce decreased by 7 per
cent from US$676 per equivalent ounce to US$626 per equivalent ounce due to the same reasons as above.
Australia region
St Ives
March 2017 Dec 2016
Gold produced 000’oz 81.6 95.6
Yield - underground g/t 4.76 4.56
- surface g/t 2.19 2.47
- combined g/t 2.55 2.72
AISC and AIC A$/oz 1,280 1,213
US$/oz 966 914
Gold production decreased by 15 per cent from 95,600 ounces in the December quarter to 81,600 ounces in the March quarter.
At the underground operations, ore tonnes mined were similar at 142,000 tonnes. Head grade increased by 5 per cent from 4.65 grams per
tonne to 4.87 grams per tonne due to scheduling.
At the open pit operations, ore tonnes mined decreased by 6 per cent from 831,000 tonnes in the December quarter to 785,000 tonnes in
the March quarter with ore mined from Stage 3 and 5 of the Invincible pit and Stage 2 of Neptune pit. Eighteen days of production were
lost due to inclement weather and resultant wet conditions in the Neptune pit. This largely accounted for the reduction in ore tonnes
mined. Grade mined decreased by 4 per cent from 2.74 grams per tonne to 2.63 grams per tonne due to lower tonnages from the Invincible
pit and higher tonnages from the lower grade Neptune pit.
Operational waste tonnes mined decreased by 60 per cent from 5.2 million tonnes in the December quarter to 2.1 million tonnes in the
March quarter and capital waste tonnes mined increased by 50 per cent from 4.2 million tonnes to 6.3 million tonnes reflecting a change
from the removal of primarily operating waste to the stripping of Stage 6 of the Invincible pit. Total material movements at the open
pits decreased by 10 per cent from 10.2 million tonnes to 9.2 million tonnes due to inclement weather. The strip ratio decreased from
11.3 to 10.7.
Throughput at the Lefroy mill decreased by 9 per cent from 1,094,000 tonnes in the December quarter to 995,000 tonnes in the March
quarter due to a scheduled maintenance shutdown and the impact of increased volumes of softer Neptune ore which is processed at a
slower rate than the harder ore. Yield decreased by 6 per cent from 2.72 grams per tonne to 2.55 grams per tonne due to lower grade
ore mined in the open pits.
Net operating costs, including gold-in-process movements, decreased by 13 per cent from A$75 million (US$56 million) to A$65 million
(US$49 million) due to decreased operational waste mining in the open pits.
Capital expenditure decreased by 5 per cent from A$37 million (US$28 million) to A$35 million (US$26 million) due to decreased
expenditure on mine infrastructure, partially offset by increased pre-stripping cost at Invincible and Neptune pits.
All-in sustaining costs and total all-in cost increased by 6 per cent from A$1,213 per ounce (US$914 per ounce) in the December quarter
to A$1,280 per ounce (US$966 per ounce) in the March quarter due to decreased gold sold, partially offset by lower net operating costs
and capital expenditure.
Agnew/Lawlers
March 2017 Dec 2016
Gold produced 000’oz 58.3 62.2
Yield g/t 5.89 6.49
AISC and AIC A$/oz 1,268 1,081
US$/oz 957 815
Gold production decreased by 6 per cent from 62,200 ounces in the December quarter to 58,300 ounces in the March quarter due to lower
grade ore milled.
Ore mined from underground decreased by 14 per cent from 352,000 tonnes in the December quarter to 301,000 tonnes in the March quarter
mainly due to the completion of the Genesis 500 stoping area during the December quarter. Head grade mined increased by 2 per cent from
6.20 grams per tonne to 6.31 grams per tonnes.
Tonnes processed increased by 3 per cent from 298,000 tonnes in the December quarter to 308,000 tonnes in the March quarter with some
ore stockpiled in the December quarter processed during the March quarter. The combined yield decreased by 9 per cent from 6.49 grams
per tonne to 5.89 grams per tonne due to the preferential treatment of high grade ore in the December quarter and drawdown of low grade
ore stockpiles in the March quarter.
Net operating costs, including gold-in-process movements, increased by 8 per cent from A$48 million (US$36 million) in the December
quarter to A$52 million (US$39 million) in the March quarter mainly due to a A$1 million (US$1 million) gold-in-circuit charge to cost
in the March quarter compared with a A$6 million (US$4 million) credit to cost in the December quarter, partially offset by a reduction
in mining costs.
Capital expenditure increased by 6 per cent from A$18 million (US$13 million) to A$19 million (US$14 million) mainly due to costs
incurred on the establishment of an in-pit tailings facility at the Songvang pit.
All-in sustaining costs and total all-in cost increased by 17 per cent from A$1,081 per ounce (US$815 per ounce) in the December
quarter to A$1,268 per ounce (US$957 per ounce) in the March quarter due to decreased gold sold, higher capital expenditure and higher
net operating costs.
Granny Smith
March 2017 Dec 2016
Gold produced 000’oz 71.9 67.4
Yield g/t 4.85 6.37
AISC and AIC A$/oz 1,153 1,175
US$/oz 871 885
Gold production increased by 7 per cent from 67,400 ounces in the December quarter to 71,900 ounces in the March quarter mainly due to
increased tonnes processed.
Ore mined from underground increased by 11 per cent from 374,000 tonnes in the December quarter to 415,000 tonnes due to increased
stope availability in the March quarter. Head grade mined decreased by 28 per cent from 6.84 grams per tonne in the December quarter
to 4.94 grams per tonne in the March quarter with the majority of ore mined from low grade stopes in Zones 90 and 100, in line with the
mine schedule, as opposed to mining the higher grade areas in Zone 90 in the December quarter. Grade mined for the year is expected to
be between 5.50 grams per tonne and 5.65 grams per tonne.
Tonnes processed increased by 40 per cent from 329,000 tonnes in the December quarter to 461,000 tonnes in the March quarter due to
increased ore mined from underground, supplemented with stockpiled ore from the December quarter. The yield decreased by 24 per cent
from 6.37 grams per tonne to 4.85 grams per tonne reflecting the lower grades mined and lower grades from stockpiles.
Net operating costs, including gold-in-process movements, increased by 33 per cent from A$42 million (US$32 million) in the December
quarter to A$56 million (US$42 million) in the March quarter mainly due to increased ore tonnes mined and processed. In addition, a
A$5 million (US$4 million) gold-in-process charge to cost in the March quarter compared with a A$7 million (US$5 million) credit to
cost in the December quarter.
Capital expenditure decreased by 36 per cent from A$36 million (US$27 million) in the December quarter to A$23 million (US$18 million)
in the March quarter mainly due to higher expenditure related to the purchase of fleet and underground infrastructure in the December
quarter.
All-in sustaining costs and total all-in cost decreased by 2 per cent from A$1,175 per ounce (US$885 per ounce) in the December quarter
to A$1,153 per ounce (US$871 per ounce) in the March quarter due to the higher gold sold and lower capital expenditure, partially
offset by higher net operating costs.
DISCONTINUED OPERATION
Australia region
Darlot
March 2017 Dec 2016
Gold produced 000’oz 13.7 14.0
Yield g/t 3.55 3.87
AISC and AIC A$/oz 1,899 1,921
US$/oz 1,434 1,443
Gold production decreased by 2 per cent from 14,000 ounces in the December quarter to 13,700 ounces in the March quarter due to lower
grade of ore mined.
Ore mined from underground increased by 11 per cent from 106,500 tonnes in the December quarter to 118,400 tonnes in the March quarter
due to increased ore from the Metske stopes. The Metske stopes are historical bulk low grade ore sources in the upper part of the mine.
Head grade mined was similar at 3.95 grams per tonne.
Tonnes processed increased by 6 per cent from 113,000 tonnes in the December quarter 120,000 tonnes in the March quarter due to
increased ore mined. The yield decreased by 8 per cent from 3.87 grams per tonne to 3.55 grams per tonne due to the processing of
lower grade ore stockpiles in the March quarter.
Net operating costs, including gold-in-process movements, increased by 5 per cent from A$19 million (US$15 million) to A$20 million
(US$15 million) mainly due to increased ore production in the March quarter.
Capital expenditure decreased by 25 per cent from A$8 million (US$6 million) to A$6 million (US$4 million) mainly due to a reduction in
exploration costs and lower development and infrastructure associated with the Oval ore body. Production delivery from the new Oval
ore body started late in 2016 and will provide the primary ore feed in 2017 from a number of recently established levels. Final
decline development is expected to be completed during the June quarter after which capital expenditure is anticipated to reduce even
further.
All-in sustaining costs and total all-in cost decreased by 1 per cent from A$1,921 per ounce (US$1,443 per ounce) in the December
quarter to A$1,899 per ounce (US$1,434 per ounce) in the March quarter due to lower capital expenditure, partially offset by lower gold
sold and higher net operating costs.
Underground and surface
South West South
Africa Africa America Australia
Region Region Region Region
UNITED STATES DOLLARS, Total Mine Ghana Peru Continuing Discontinued
IMPERIAL OUNCES WITH Mine Continuing South Cerro St Agnew/ Granny
METRIC TONNES AND GRADE Operations Operations Deep Total Tarkwa Damang Corona Total Ives# Lawlers Smith Darlot
ORE MILLED/TREATED
(000 TONNES)
- underground
ore March 2017 1,304 1,184 274 - - - - 910 141 308 461 120
December 2016 1,323 1,210 455 - - - - 755 128 298 329 113
March 2016 1,271 1,177 332 - - - - 845 183 284 378 94
- underground
waste March 2017 34 34 34 - - - - - - - - -
December 2016 35 35 35 - - - - - - - - -
March 2016 23 23 23 - - - - - - - - -
- surface
ore March 2017 7,327 7,327 135 4,632 3,459 1,172 1,706 854 854 - - -
December 2016 7,248 7,248 75 4,465 3,336 1,129 1,742 966 966 - - -
March 2016 7,295 7,289 188 4,536 3,497 1,039 1,751 814 814 - - 6
- total
milled March 2017 8,665 8,545 443 4,632 3,459 1,172 1,706 1,764 995 308 461 120
December 2016 8,606 8,493 565 4,465 3,336 1,129 1,742 1,721 1,094 298 329 113
March 2016 8,589 8,489 543 4,536 3,497 1,039 1,751 1,659 997 284 378 100
YIELD
(GRAMS PER TONNE)
- underground
ore March 2017 4.9 5.0 5.2 - - - - 5.2 4.8 5.9 4.9 3.6
December 2016 5.6 5.7 5.5 - - - - 6.1 4.6 6.5 6.4 3.9
March 2016 5.4 5.4 5.9 - - - - 5.3 4.3 5.7 5.6 6.0
- underground
waste March 2017 - - - - - - - - - - - -
December 2016 - - - - - - - - - - - -
March 2016 - - - - - - - - - - - -
- surface
ore March 2017 1.3 1.3 0.1 1.2 1.2 1.0 1.3 2.2 2.2 - - -
December 2016 1.5 1.5 0.1 1.3 1.4 1.0 1.5 2.5 2.5 - - -
March 2016 1.3 1.3 0.1 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.1 2.5 2.5 - - 3.3
- combined March 2017 1.8 1.8 3.2 1.2 1.2 1.0 1.3 3.7 2.6 5.9 4.9 3.6
December 2016 2.1 2.1 4.4 1.3 1.4 1.0 1.5 4.1 2.7 6.5 6.4 3.9
March 2016 1.9 1.9 3.6 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.1 3.9 2.7 5.7 5.6 5.8
GOLD PRODUCED
(000 OUNCES)
- underground
ore March 2017 210.7 197.0 45.3 - - - - 151.7 21.6 58.3 71.9 13.7
December 2016 243.1 229.1 80.8 - - - - 148.4 18.8 62.2 67.4 14.0
March 2016 226.1 208.0 63.1 - - - - 144.8 25.2 52.1 67.5 18.1
- underground
waste March 2017 - - - - - - - - - - - -
December 2016 - - - - - - - - - - - -
March 2016 - - - - - - - - - - - -
- surface
ore March 2017 303.7 303.7 0.5 174.5 138.7 35.8 68.7 60.0 60.0 - - -
December 2016 341.3 341.3 0.1 182.8 145.9 36.9 81.5 76.9 76.9 - - -
March 2016 307.0 306.4 0.5 181.1 139.5 41.7 62.9 61.8 61.8 - - 0.6
- total March 2017 514.4 500.7 45.8 174.5 138.7 35.8 68.7 211.7 81.6 58.3 71.9 13.7
December 2016 584.4 570.4 80.9 182.8 145.9 36.9 81.5 225.2 95.6 62.2 67.4 14.0
March 2016 533.1 514.4 63.6 181.1 139.5 41.7 62.9 206.7 87.0 52.1 67.5 18.7
OPERATING COSTS
(DOLLAR PER TONNE)
- underground March 2017 137 138 242 - - - - 98 88 125 83 126
December 2016 139 141 149 - - - - 129 158 135 111 120
March 2016 120 116 165 - - - - 93 91 119 86 159
- surface March 2017 25 25 3 25 25 26 21 40 40 - - -
December 2016 28 28 3 28 27 31 23 37 37 - - -
March 2016 27 28 - 29 25 42 18 37 37 - - 84
- total March 2017 42 41 169 25 25 26 21 70 47 125 83 126
December 2016 45 44 130 28 27 31 23 77 51 135 111 120
March 2016 40 40 108 29 25 42 18 66 43 119 86 155
# St Ives rinsed nil ounces from inventory at the heap leach operations in the March quarter compared with 300 ounces and 400 ounces
in the December 2016 quarter and March 2016, respectively.
Administration and corporate information
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
Sponsor
J.P. Morgan Equities South Africa (Pty) Ltd
Gold Fields Limited
Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa
Registration number 1968/004880/06
Share code: GFI
Issuer code: GOGOF
ISIN - ZAE 000018123
Investor enquiries
Avishkar Nagaser
Tel: +27 11 562 9775
Mobile: +27 82 312 8692
e-mail: avishkar.nagaser@goldfields.com
Thomas Mengel
Tel: +27 11 562 9849
Mobile: +27 72 493 5170
e-mail: thomas.mengel@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
15 Biermann Avenue
Rosebank Towers
Johannesburg
2196
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 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.
e-mail:ssd@capita.co.uk
Website
WWW.GOLDFIELDS.COM
Listings
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CA Carolus+ (Chair) RP Menell+ (Deputy Chair) NJ Holland* (Chief Executive Officer) PA Schmidt## (Chief Financial Officer)
A Andani#+ PJ Bacchus+ TP Goodlace+ DMJ Ncube+ SP Reid^+ YGH Suleman+ GM Wilson+
^Australian *British #Ghanaian
+Independent Director ## Non-independent Director
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