Gold Fields has encountered significant production challenges in the first quarter of the year, leading to a substantial 18% decline in production year-on-year and a 22% drop from the previous quarter. The company reported producing 464,000 ounces of gold, heavily influenced by fatal incidents at its South Deep mine in South Africa and the St Ives mine in Australia, along with adverse weather conditions affecting several key operations.
The tragic fatalities prompted Gold Fields to launch an independent safety review, spearheaded by DSS+, with the aim to overhaul its safety culture, processes, systems, and practices. This review, started in February, is expected to conclude by the end of June.
Operational hurdles were particularly pronounced at the South Deep mine, which saw a 34% reduction in output to just over 56,000 ounces. The mine grappled with operational momentum setbacks initially caused by the fatal incident, compounded by logistical challenges in mining operations such as increased backfill rehandling and slower drilling through crushed ground.
Gold Fields also reported lower production at its Gruyere and St Ives mines, attributed to significant rainfall and operational inefficiencies, respectively. Gruyere’s production dropped by 22% year-on-year, while St Ives saw a 26% decrease due to reduced ore mining and lower ore grades. 
