Regulatory Filings • Oct 11, 2023
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| October 11, 2023 | Gold Fields Limited |
|---|---|
| Reg. 1968/004880/06 150 Helen Road, Sandown, Sandton, 2196 | |
| Via EDGAR | |
| Postnet Suite 252 | |
| United States Securities and Exchange Commission Division of Corporation Finance Office of Energy & | |
| Transportation 100 F Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20549 Attention: John Coleman and | |
| Craig Arakawa | Private Bag X30500 Houghton, 2041 South Africa Tel +27 11 562-9700 Fax +27 11 562-0000 www.goldfields.com |
Re: Gold Fields Limited
Form 20-F for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2022
Filed March 30, 2023
File No. 001-31318
Dear Messrs. Coleman and Arakawa:
I refer to your letter dated September 12, 2023 setting forth comments of the Staff of the Division of Corporation Finance of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Staff ) relating to the annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 (the 2022 Form 20-F ) of Gold Fields Limited (the Company and, together with its subsidiaries, Gold Fields or the Group ) (File Number 001-31318).
Gold Fields responses to the Staffs comments on the 2022 Form 20-F are set forth below. To facilitate the Staffs review, we have included in this letter the captions and numbered comments from the Staffs comment letter in italicized text and have provided our responses immediately following each numbered comment.
Form 20-F for Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2022 Filed March 30, 2023
Summary Disclosure of Mining Operations Pursuant to Item 1303 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act, page 30
Directors: YGH Suleman (Chair), M Preece ** (Interim Chief Executive Officer), PA Schmidt** (Chief Financial Officer), A Andani # , PJ Bacchus , MC Bitar @ , TP Goodlace, JE McGill^, SP Reid^, PG Sibiya, CAT Smit.
South African unless stated, ^Australian, British, @ Chilean, # Ghanaian, ** Executive Director
Company Secretary: Anré Weststrate
Response:
The Company respectfully acknowledges the Staffs comment. Beginning with the annual report on Form 20-F to be filed for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 (the 2023 Form 20-F ), the Company proposes to incorporate the ownership interest information contained under the subheading Strategic Investments on page IAR-84 of the 2022 Form 20-F as well as the location, size, stage, mine type, commodity and mineralisation style of each of its Non-Core Investments (as defined below), under the new heading Non-Core Investments in the section entitled Summary disclosure of mining operations pursuant to Item 1303 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act. The Company will also present maps displaying the location of all such investments in accordance with Item 1303(b)(1).
The Company confirms that this disclosure, including Gold Fields relevant shareholding and market value of such holdings, constitutes the information related to such investments as the Company considers material to an investors understanding of its mining operations in the aggregate pursuant to Item 1303(b)(2)(iii). For completeness, the Company respectfully submits the basis of its materiality assessment as follows:
Over the years, Gold Fields has acquired interests in the capital of several smaller mining and mineral exploration companies. As at December 31, 2022, Gold Fields held minority shareholdings in Galiano Gold Inc. ( Galiano Gold ), Rusoro Mining Ltd., Chakana Copper Corp., Magmatic Resources Limited, Lefroy Exploration Ltd., Lunnon Metals Ltd., Hamelin Gold Ltd., Torq Resources Inc., Tesoro Gold Limited and Far Southeast Gold Resources (together, the Non-Core Investments ).
The below table sets out Gold Fields interest in each of the Non-Core Investments, along with the respective market value, carrying value and percentage of total assets of each as at December 31, 2022.
| Investment | As at December 31, 2022 — Capital stake | Market value of shareholding | Carrying value of shareholding | Carrying value as percentage of total assets | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (U.S.$ millions) | (U.S.$ millions) | |||||
| Galiano Mining (1) | 9.8 % | 11.7 | 11.7 | 0.16 % | ||
| Rusoro Mining | 24.8 % | 5.2 | 0.0 | 0.00 % | ||
| Chakana Copper | 17.9 % | 2.0 | 2.0 | 0.03 % | ||
| Magmatic Resources | 6.5 % | 1.2 | 1.2 | 0.02 % | ||
| Lefroy Exploration | 13.6 % | 3.8 | 3.8 | 0.05 % | ||
| Lunnon Metals | 24.0 % | 40.6 | 12.4 | 0.17 % | ||
| Hamelin Gold | 10.0 % | 1.1 | 1.1 | 0.01 % | ||
| Torq Resources | 15.0 % | 8.4 | 8.4 | 0.11 % | ||
| Tesoro Gold | 14.9 % | 4.6 | 4.6 | 0.06 % | ||
| Far Southeast Gold Resources | 40.0 % | 0.0 | (2) | 0.0 | (2) | 0.00 % |
| Others (3) | | 1.6 | 1.6 | 0.02 % | ||
| Total | 80.2 | 46.8 | 0.64 % |
Notes:
(1) As at December 31, 2022, Gold Fields held a 9.8% stake in Galiano Gold. The market value of this capital investment was U.S.$11.7 million, of which Gold Fields recognised a carrying value of U.S.$11.7 million (0.16% of total assets) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022. In addition to this capital shareholding, Gold Fields has a joint venture with Galiano Gold pursuant to which Gold Fields, through a subsidiary, holds a 45% interest in Asanko Gold Ghana Limited ( Asanko ), Galiano Golds sole mining property. Gold Fields has provided the summary disclosure required under Item 1303(b)(1) in respect of its interest in Asanko in the 2022 Form 20-F.
(2) As at December 31, 2022, Gold Fields held a 40% stake in Far Southeast Gold Resources, which manages the Far Southeast project in the Philippines. Gold Fields has determined that there is currently no reasonable prospect of economic extraction from the project and that the market value and the carrying value of its investment in the project was nil for the year ended December 31, 2022.
(3) Represents de minimis investments in AngloGold Ashanti Limited, RareX Limited, Australian Gold and Copper Limited, Orsu Metals Corp., Vizsla Copper Corp. and Amarc Resources Ltd.
Based on the above analysis, and in light of the principles-based disclosure contemplated by Item 1303(b)(2)(iii), the Company will disclose the location, size, stage, mine type, commodity and mineralisation style of each Non-Core Investment in tabular format in the 2023 Form 20-F as well as the type, amount and value of its interests in such Non-Core Investments. Except with respect to Asanko, in respect of which Gold Fields will continue to provide the summary information set out in Item 1303(b), the Non-Core Investments have only a de minimis impact on the Companys financial results and are not material from a strategic, operational or reputational perspective or in any other respect. The Company has therefore determined that there is no substantial likelihood that a reasonable investor would attach importance to additional information on the mining properties of its Non-Core Investments in determining whether to invest in Gold Fields securities.
In Appendix A, the Company has produced the information to be presented under the heading Non-Core Investments in the 2023 Form 20-F and future Form 20-F filings thereafter.
Exhibits
Response :
The Company acknowledges the Staffs comment. The Company confirms that the reference to the Cerro Corona Copper and Gold Mine mining and processing schedule in Section 12.2 on page 95 of the Cerro Corona Copper and Gold Mine technical report summary dated December 31, 2022 ( 2022 Cerro Corona Technical Report Summary ) was a typological error and should instead reference the processing schedule in section 14.2. Further, Table 19.1.1 on page 96 of the 2022 Cerro Corona Technical Report Summary also contained minor errors of a non-material nature, arising from a minor variation when depletion was applied in the calculation of metal content as between the techno-economic and reserve models. The Company submits that as a result, tables 1.4.1, 1.5.1, 11.2.1, 14.2.1, 18.2.1, 19.1.2, 19.3.1, 19.3.2, 19.3.3, 19.3.4, 19.3.5., 19.3.6 and 19.3.7 as well as text in Sections 1.8 and 19.1 of the 2022 Cerro Corona Technical Report Summary included similar minor errors related to the application of the depletion and calculation of metal content. The Company will file an updated technical report summary for Cerro Corona for the year ending December 31, 2023 as exhibit 96.8 to the 2023 Form 20-F (the 2023 Cerro Corona Technical Report Summary ) to correct these non-material errors in the 2022 Cerro Corona Technical Report Summary.
In Appendix B, the Company has reproduced Tables 1.4.1, 1.5.1, 11.2.1, 14.2.1, 18.2.1, 19.1.1, 19.1.2, 19.3.1, 19.3.2, 19.3.3, 19.3.4, 19.3.5., 19.3.6 and 19.3.7 and the text in Sections 1.8 and 19.1 of the 2022 Cerro Corona Technical Report Summary with the proposed indicative revisions to be included in the 2023 Cerro Corona Technical Report Summary. Tables 19.1.1 and 19.1.2 contain minor and immaterial indicative adjustments to align the usage of certain units of measurements and the rounding of financial figures.
If you have any questions or further comments, please contact me at 011 27 11 562 9796 or [email protected].
Sincerely,
/s/ Paul Schmidt
Paul Schmidt
Chief Financial Officer
Gold Fields Limited
cc: Kelly Carter, Gold Fields Limited Julian Verbeek, Gold Fields Limited Mike Bienenfeld, Linklaters LLP
Appendix A
Illustration of proposed changes to the Form 20-F for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023
Proposed disclosure under new heading Non-Core Investments in section entitled Summary disclosure of mining operations pursuant to Item 1303 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act
Non-Core Investments
Over the years, Gold Fields has acquired strategic interests in several smaller mining companies, including in Australia, Chile, Ghana and Peru. As at December 31, 2022, Gold Fields held minority shareholdings in Galiano Gold Inc., Rusoro Mining Ltd., Chakana Copper Corp., Magmatic Resources Limited, Lefroy Exploration Ltd., Lunnon Metals Ltd., Hamelin Gold Ltd., Torq Resources Inc., Tesoro Gold Limited and Far Southeast Gold Resources (together, the Non-Core Investments ).
The following graphic sets out the geographical distribution of the Non-Core Investments with the exception of Galiano Gold, the location of which is disclosed under Summary Disclosure of Mining Operations Pursuant to Item 1303 of Regulation S under the Securities ActOverview .
Rusoro Mining
Chakana Copper, Torq Resources and Tesoro Gold
Magmatic Resources
Lefroy Exploration Resources, Hamelin Gold and Lunnon Metals
Far Southeast
The following table sets out an overview of the Non-Core Investments.
| Primary Project | Commodity | Location | Ownership Type | Size (hectares) | Stage | Mine Type and Mineralisation Styles | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galiano | Asanko | Gold | Ghana | Shareholding in listed company and Joint Venture | 21,214 | Production | Open pits, Orogenic |
| Rusoro Mining | El Callao | Gold | USA | Shareholding in listed company | Claim to a nationalised project | ||
| Chakana Copper | Soledad | Gold, Copper | Peru | Shareholding in listed company | 4,203 | Exploration | Porphyry |
| Torq Resources | Andrea | Copper | Chile | Shareholding in listed company | 1,200 | Exploration | Target open pit, Porphyry and Epithermal |
| Margarita | Gold, Copper | Chile | 1,445 | Exploration | Target open pit, IOCG and Porphyry | ||
| Santa Cecilia | Gold, Copper | Chile | 3,239 | Exploration | Porphyry and Epithermal | ||
| Tesoro Gold | El Zorro | Gold | Chile | Shareholding in listed company | 72,249 | Exploration | Target open pit, Intrusion Related Gold |
| Magmatic Resources | Myall | Copper, Gold | Australia | Shareholding in listed company | 24,370 | Exploration | Target open pit and underground, Porphyry |
| Parkes | Gold | Australia | 15,100 | Exploration | Target open pit and underground, Orogenic | ||
| Wellington North | Copper, Gold | Australia | 17,680 | Exploration | Target open pit and underground, Porphyry | ||
| Lefroy Exploration | Lefroy Gold | Gold | Australia | Shareholding in listed company and Joint Venture | 64,500 | Exploration | Orogenic Gold |
| Hamelin Gold | West Tanami | Gold | Australia | Shareholding in listed company | 248,900 | Exploration | Orogenic Gold |
| Lunnon Metals | Foster, Fisher | Nickel | Australia | Shareholding in listed company | 4,700 | Exploration | Target underground, Nickel sulphide |
| Far Southeast Gold Resources | Far Southeast | Gold, Copper | Philippines | Joint Venture | 387 | Development | Porphyry |
As at December 31, 2022, the total market value of the Non-Core Investments was U.S.$80.2 million. (1) The following table sets out the value and Gold Fields interest of each Non-Core Investment.
| Investment | Interest (1) | Market Value of Shareholding (1) |
|---|---|---|
| (%) | (U.S.$ millions) | |
| Galiano Mining | 9.8% | 11.7 |
| Rusoro Mining | 24.8% | 5.2 |
| Chakana Copper | 17.9% | 2.0 |
| Magmatic Resources | 6.5% | 1.2 |
| Lefroy Exploration | 13.6% | 3.8 |
| Lunnon Metals | 24.0% | 40.6 |
| Investment | Interest (1) | Market Value of Shareholding (1) |
|---|---|---|
| (%) | (U.S.$ millions) | |
| Hamelin Gold | 10.0% | 1.1 |
| Torq Resources | 15.0% | 8.4 |
| Tesoro Gold | 14.9% | 4.6 |
| Far Southeast Gold Resources | 40.0% | N/A |
| Others (2) | | 1.6 |
| Total | | 80.2 |
Notes:
(1) Market value and interest of investments to be updated as at December 31, 2023.
(2) Represents de minimis investments in AngloGold Ashanti Limited, RareX Limited, Australian Gold and Copper Limited, Orsu Metals Corp., Vizsla Copper Corp. and Amarc Resources Ltd.
Appendix B
Proposed amendments to Exhibit 98.6 Cerro Corona Technical Report Summary
Proposed amendments to Table 1.4.1 (page 10 of 2022 Cerro Corona Technical Report Summary)
Proposed additions in yellow and proposed deletions are shaded in orange.
Table 1.4.1: Cerro Corona summary of attributable gold and copper Mineral resources at the end of the fiscal year ended 31 December 2022 based on a gold price of $1,600/oz and copper price of $3.60/lb
| | Resources (exclusive of
Mineral reserves) — Amount/ | Grade | Amount | Grade | Amount | NSR Cutoff | Metallurgical recovery | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | (kt) | Au/ (g/t) | Au/ (koz) | Cu/ (%) | Cu/ (Mlbs) | ($/t) | Au/ (%) | Cu/ (%) |
| Open pit Mineral resources | | | | | | | | |
| OP measured Mineral resources | 33,250 | 0.51 | 547 | 0.34 | 249 | 16.4 | 66.7 75.9 | 85.9 88.5 |
| OP indicated Mineral resources | 7,265 | 0.48 | 113 | 0.31 | 50 | 16.4 | 66.7 76.1 | 85.9 88.2 |
| OP measured + indicated Mineral resources | 40,515 | 0.51 | 660 | 0.34 | 300 | 16.4 | 66.7 75.9-76.1 | 85.9 88.2-88.5 |
| OP inferred Mineral resources | 145 | 0.38 | 2 | 0.33 | 1 | 16.4 | 66.7 76.0 | 85.9 88.4 |
| Stockpile Mineral resources | | | | | | | | |
| SP measured Mineral resources oxides | | | | | | | | |
| SP measured Mineral resources sulphide | | | | | | | | |
| SP indicated Mineral resources | | | | | | | | |
| SP measured + indicated Mineral resources | | | | | | | | |
| SP inferred Mineral resources | | | | | | | | |
| Total Cerro Corona Mineral resources | | | | | | | | |
| Total measured Mineral resources 2022 | 33,250 | 0.51 | 547 | 0.34 | 249 | | | |
| Total indicated Mineral resources 2022 | 7,265 | 0.48 | 113 | 0.31 | 50 | | | |
| Total measured + indicated Mineral resources 2022 | 40,515 | 0.51 | 660 | 0.34 | 300 | | | |
| Total inferred Mineral resources 2022 | 145 | 0.38 | 2 | 0.33 | 1 | | | |
| Total M+I Mineral resources 2021 | 37,454 | 0.46 | 557 | 0.32 | 264 | | | |
| Total Inferred Mineral resources 2021 | 300 | 0.37 | 4 | 0.30 | 2 | | | |
| Total M+I Year on year difference (%) | 8 % | 10 % | 19 % | 5 % | 13 % | | | |
| Total Inferred Year on year difference (%) | -52 % | 1 % | -51 % | 12 % | -46 % | | | |
Notes:
a) Mineral resources are exclusive of Mineral reserves. Rounding of figures may result in minor computational discrepancies.
b) Mineral resources categories are assigned with consideration given to geological complexity, grade variance, drillhole intersection spacing and proximity of mining development.
c) Mineral resources quoted as diluted in-situ metric tonnes and grades. Metallurgical recovery factors have not been applied to the estimates. The approximate metallurgical recovery factors are 85.9% 89% for copper and 66.7% 76% for gold. The metallurgical recovery is the ratio, expressed as a percentage, of the mass of the specific mineral product recovered from ore treated at the process plant to its total specific mineral content before treatment. Cerro Corona mining operations vary according to the mix of the source material (e.g., oxide, transitional, fresh and ore type blend).
d) The metal prices used for the 2022 Mineral resources are based on a gold price of $1,600 per ounce and a copper price of $3.60 per pound. Open pit Mineral resources at the South American operations are similarly based on revenue factor 1.0 pits, appropriate mine design and extraction schedules. The gold price used for Mineral resources approximates 14 % higher than the selected Mineral reserve price.
e) The cutoff grade may vary per mine, depending on the respective costs, depletion schedule, ore type, expected mining dilution and expected mining recovery. The average cutoff grade value applied to the Mineral resources is: $16.4/t.
f) The Mineral resources are based on initial assessments at the resource gold price of $1,600/oz and copper price of $3.60/lb consider estimates of all Cerro Corona costs, the impact of modifying factors such as mining dilution and mining recovery, processing recovery and royalties. Mineral resources are also tested through the application of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria to demonstrate reasonable prospects for economic extraction.
g) The Mineral resources are estimated at a point in time and can be affected by changes in the gold price, US Dollar currency exchange rates, permitting, legislation, costs and operating parameters.
h) Cerro Corona is 99.53 % attributable to Gold Fields and is entitled to mine all declared material located within the propertys mineral leases and all necessary statutory mining authorisations and permits are in place or have reasonable expectation of being granted.
(3) Source: Cerro Corona CPR, 2022
Proposed amendments to Table 1.5.1 (page 11 of 2022 Cerro Corona Technical Report Summary)
Proposed additions in yellow and proposed deletions are shaded in orange.
Table 1.5.1: Cerro Corona summary of attributable gold and copper Mineral reserves at the end of the fiscal year ended 31 December 2022 based on a gold price of $1,400/oz and copper price of $3.40/lb
| Amount/ | Grade | Amount | Grade | Amount | Cutoff grades/ | Metallurgical recovery | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Kt) | Au/ (g/t) | Au/ (koz) | Cu/ (%) | Cu/ (Mlb) | ($/t NSR) | Au/ (%) | Cu/ (%) | |
| Open Pit Mineral reserves | ||||||||
| OP proven Mineral reserves | 34,705 | 0.56 | 623 | 0.37 | 284 | 16.4 | 66.4 67.9 75.8 | 83.1 84.4 88.8 |
| OP probable Mineral reserves | 2,006 | 0.47 | 30 | 0.33 | 14 | 16.4 | 66.4 67.9 76.0 | 83.1 84.4 88.3 |
| OP total Mineral reserves | 36,711 | 0.55 | 653 | 0.37 | 298 | 16.4 | 66.4 67.9 75.8-76.0 | 83.1 84.4 88.3-88.8 |
| Stockpile Mineral reserves | ||||||||
| SP proven Mineral reserves | 13,185 | 0.52 | 219 | 0.34 | 100 | 16.4 | 59.5 67.2 75.9 | 68.8 83.2 88.5 |
| SP probable Mineral reserves | ||||||||
| SP total Mineral reserves | 13,185 | 0.52 | 219 | 0.34 | 100 | 16.4 | 59.5 67.2 75.9 | 68.8 83.2 88.5 |
| Total Mineral reserves | ||||||||
| Total proven Mineral reserves | 47,890 | 0.55 | 842 | 0.36 | 384 | |||
| Total probable Mineral reserves | 2,006 | 0.47 | 30 | 0.33 | 14 | |||
| Total Cerro Corona Mineral reserves 2022 | 49,896 | 0.54 | 872 | 0.36 | 398 | |||
| Total Cerro Corona Mineral reserves 2021 | 58,020 | 0.59 | 1,103 | 0.37 | 474 | |||
| Year-on-year difference (%) | -14 % | -8 % | -21 % | -2 % | -16 % |
Notes:
a) Rounding of figures may result in minor computational discrepancies.
b) Refer to Table 12.5.1 for year-on-year Mineral reserve comparison.
c) Mineral reserve quoted as mill delivered metric tonnes and RoM grades, inclusive of all mining dilutions and gold losses except mill recovery. Metallurgical recovery factors have not been applied to the Mineral reserve figures. The approximate metallurgical recovery factors are 59.5% to 67.9% 76% for gold and 68.8% to 84.4% 89% for copper. The metallurgical recovery is the ratio, expressed as a percentage, of the mass of the specific mineral product recovered from ore treated at the process plant to its total specific mineral content before treatment. The recoveries for Cerro Corona vary according to the mix of the source material (e.g., oxide, transitional fresh and ore type blend) and method of treatment.
d) The metal prices used for the 2022 life-of-mine (LoM) Mineral reserves are based on a gold price of $1,400/ounce and $3.40/lb copper. Open pit Mineral reserves at Cerro Corona are based on optimised pits and appropriate mine design and extraction schedules. The gold price and copper price used for Mineral reserves is detailed in Chapter 16, Marketing.
e) Dilution relates to planned and unplanned waste and/or low-grade material being mined and delivered to the process plant. Ranges are given for those operations that have multiple orebody styles and mining methodologies. The mine dilution factors are 0 %.
f) The mining recovery factor relates to the proportion or percentage of ore mined from the defined orebody at the gold price used for the declaration of Mineral reserves. This percentage will vary from mining area to mining area and reflects planned and scheduled reserves against actual tonnes, grade and metal mined, with all modifying factors and mining constraints applied. The mining recovery factors are 98 %.
g) The cutoff grade may vary per mine, depending on the respective costs, depletion schedule, ore type, expected mining dilution and expected mining recovery. The average NSR cutoff value applied in the planning process is $16.4/t.
h) An ounces-based Mine Call Factor (metal called for over metal accounted for) determined primarily on historic performance but also on realistic planned improvements where appropriate, is applied to the Mineral reserves. A Mine Call Factor of 100 % has been applied at Cerro Corona.
i) Cerro Corona is 99.53 % attributable to Gold Fields.
(4) Source: Cerro Corona CPR, 2022
Proposed amendments to Section 1.8 (page 13 of Cerro Corona Technical Report Summary)
Proposed additions in yellow and proposed deletions are shaded in orange.
1.8 Conclusions and Recommendations
The Mineral reserves currently support an 8 year LOM plan and values the Cerro Corona operation NPV at at a gold price of $1,400/oz and copper price of $3.40/lb and a discount rate of 8.1%.
Proposed amendments to Table 11.2.1 (page 58 of 2022 Cerro Corona Technical Report Summary)
Proposed additions in yellow and proposed deletions are shaded in orange.
Table 11.2.1: Cerro Corona summary of attributable gold and copper Mineral resources at the end of the fiscal year ended 31 December 2022 based on a gold price of $1,600/oz and copper price of $3.60/lb
| Amount/ | Grade | Amount | Grade | Amount | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (kt) | Au/ (g/t) | Au/ (koz) | Cu/ (%) | Cu/ (Mlbs) | ($/t) | Au/ (%) | Cu/ (%) | |
| Open pit Mineral resources | ||||||||
| OP measured Mineral resources | 33,250 | 0.51 | 547 | 0.34 | 249 | 16.4 | 66.7 75.9 | 85.9 88.5 |
| OP | ||||||||
| indicated Mineral resources | 7,265 | 0.48 | 113 | 0.31 | 50 | 16.4 | 66.7 76.1 | 85.9 88.2 |
| OP measured + indicated Mineral | ||||||||
| resources | 40,515 | 0.51 | 660 | 0.34 | 300 | 16.4 | 66.7 75.9- 76.1 | 85.9 88.2- 88.5 |
| OP | ||||||||
| inferred Mineral resources | 145 | 0.38 | 2 | 0.33 | 1 | 16.4 | 66.7 76.0 | 85.9 88.4 |
| Stockpile Mineral | ||||||||
| resources | ||||||||
| SP | ||||||||
| measured Mineral resources oxides | ||||||||
| SP | ||||||||
| measured Mineral resources sulphide | ||||||||
| SP | ||||||||
| indicated Mineral resources |
$192 million $200 million
| SP measured + indicated Mineral
resources | | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| SP inferred Mineral resources | | | | | |
| Total Cerro Corona Mineral resources | | | | | |
| Total measured Mineral resources 2022 | 33,250 | 0.51 | 547 | 0.34 | 249 |
| Total indicated Mineral resources 2022 | 7,265 | 0.48 | 113 | 0.31 | 50 |
| Total measured + indicated Mineral resources
2022 | 40,515 | 0.51 | 660 | 0.34 | 300 |
| Total inferred Mineral resources 2022 | 145 | 0.38 | 2 | 0.33 | 1 |
| Total M+I Mineral resources 2021 | 37,454 | 0.46 | 557 | 0.32 | 264 |
| Total Inferred Mineral resources 2021 | 300 | 0.37 | 4 | 0.30 | 2 |
| Total M+I Year on year difference (%) | 8 % | 10 % | 19 % | 5 % | 13 % |
| Total Inferred Year on year difference
(%) | -52 % | 1 % | -51 % | 12 % | -46 % |
Notes:
a) Mineral resources are exclusive of Mineral reserves. Rounding of figures may result in minor computational discrepancies.
b) Mineral resources categories are assigned with consideration given to geological complexity, grade variance, drillhole intersection spacing and proximity of mining development.
c) Mineral resources quoted as diluted in-situ metric tonnes and grades. Metallurgical recovery factors have not been applied to the estimates. The approximate metallurgical recovery factors are 85.9% 88% for copper and 66.7% 76% for gold. The metallurgical recovery is the ratio, expressed as a percentage, of the mass of the specific mineral product recovered from ore treated at the process plant to its total specific mineral content before treatment. Cerro Corona mining operations vary according to the mix of the source material (e.g., oxide, transitional, fresh and ore type blend).
d) The metal prices used for the 2022 Mineral resources are based on a gold price of $1,600 per ounce and a copper price of $3.60 per pound. Open pit Mineral resources at the South American operations are similarly based on revenue factor 1.0 pits, appropriate mine design and extraction schedules. The gold price used for Mineral resources approximates 14 % higher than the selected Mineral reserve price based on the three-year trailing average ($1,789.45 per oz) to end December 2022, calculated on a monthly basis of the London afternoon fixing price of gold.
e) The cutoff grade may vary per mine, depending on the respective costs, depletion schedule, ore type, expected mining dilution and expected mining recovery. The average cutoff grade value applied to the Mineral resources is: $16.382/t.
f) The Mineral resources are based on initial assessments at the resource gold price of $1,600/oz and copper price of $3.60/lb consider estimates of all Cerro Corona costs, the impact of modifying factors such as mining dilution and mining recovery, processing recovery and royalties. Mineral resources are also tested through the application of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria to demonstrate reasonable prospects for economic extraction.
g) The Mineral resources are estimated at a point in time and can be affected by changes in the gold price, US Dollar currency exchange rates, permitting, legislation, costs and operating parameters.
h) Cerro Corona is 99.53 % attributable to Gold Fields and is entitled to mine all declared material located within the propertys mineral leases and all necessary statutory mining authorisations and permits are in place or have reasonable expectation of being granted.
(5) Source: Cerro Corona CPR, 2022
Proposed amendments to Table 12.3.1 (page 64 of 2022 Cerro Corona Technical Report Summary)
Proposed additions in yellow and proposed deletions are shaded in orange.
Table 12.3.1: Cerro Corona - summary of attributable gold and copper Mineral reserves at the end of the fiscal year ended 31 December 2022 based on a gold price of $1,400/oz and copper price of $3.40/lb
| Amount/ | Grade | Amount | Grade | Amount | Cutoff grades/ | Metallurgical recovery | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Kt) | Au/ (g/t) | Au/ (koz) | Cu/ (%) | Cu/ (Mlb) | ($/t NSR) | Au/ (%) | Cu/ (%) | |
| Open Pit Mineral reserves | ||||||||
| OP proven Mineral reserves | 34,705 | 0.56 | 623 | 0.37 | 284 | 16.4 | 66.4 67.9 75.8 | 83.1 84.4 88.8 |
| OP probable Mineral reserves | 2,006 | 0.47 | 30 | 0.33 | 14 | 16.4 | 66.4 67.9 76.0 | 83.1 84.4 88.3 |
| OP total Mineral reserves | 36,711 | 0.55 | 653 | 0.37 | 298 | 16.4 | 66.4 67.9 75.8-76.0 | 83.1 84.4 88.3-88.8 |
| Stockpile Mineral reserves | ||||||||
| SP proven Mineral reserves | 13,185 | 0.52 | 219 | 0.34 | 100 | 16.4 | 59.5 67.2 75.9 | 68.8 83.2 88.5 |
| SP probable Mineral reserves | ||||||||
| SP total Mineral reserves | 13,185 | 0.52 | 219 | 0.34 | 100 | 16.4 | 59.5 67.2 75.9 | 68.8 83.2 88.5 |
| Total Mineral reserves | ||||||||
| Total proven Mineral reserves | 47,890 | 0.55 | 842 | 0.36 | 384 | |||
| Total probable Mineral reserves | 2,006 | 0.47 | 30 | 0.33 | 14 | |||
| Total Cerro Corona Mineral reserves 2022 | 49,896 | 0.54 | 872 | 0.36 | 398 | |||
| Total Cerro Corona Mineral reserves 2021 | 58,020 | 0.59 | 1,103 | 0.37 | 474 | |||
| Year-on-year difference (%) | -14 % | -8 % | -21 % | -2 % | -16 % |
Notes:
a) Rounding of figures may result in minor computational discrepancies.
b) Refer to Table 12.5.1 for year-on-year Mineral reserve comparison.
c) Mineral reserve quoted as mill delivered metric tonnes and RoM grades, inclusive of all mining dilutions and gold losses except mill recovery. Metallurgical recovery factors have not been applied to the Mineral reserve figures. The approximate metallurgical recovery factors are 59.5% to 67.9% 76% for gold and 68.8% to 84.4% 89% for copper. The metallurgical recovery is the ratio, expressed as a percentage, of the mass of the specific mineral product recovered from ore treated at the process plant to its total specific mineral content before treatment. The recoveries for Cerro Corona vary according to the mix of the source material (e.g., oxide, transitional fresh and ore type blend) and method of treatment.
d) The metal prices used for the 2022 life-of-mine (LOM) Mineral reserves are based on a gold price of $1,400/ounce and copper price of $3.40/lb. Open pit Mineral reserves at Cerro Corona are based on optimised pits and appropriate mine design and extraction schedules. The gold price and copper price used for Mineral reserves is detailed in Chapter 14 Marketing.
e) Dilution relates to planned and unplanned waste and/or low-grade material being mined and delivered to the process plant. Ranges are given for those operations that have multiple orebody styles and mining methodologies. The mine dilution factors are 0 %.
f) The mining recovery factor relates to the proportion or percentage of ore mined from the defined orebody at the gold price used for the declaration of Mineral reserves. This percentage will vary from mining area to mining area and reflects planned and scheduled reserves against actual tonnes, grade and metal mined, with all modifying factors and mining constraints applied. The mining recovery factors are 98 %.
g) The cutoff grade may vary per mine, depending on the respective costs, depletion schedule, ore type, expected mining dilution and expected mining recovery. The average NSR cutoff value applied in the planning process is $16.382/t.
h) An ounces-based Mine Call Factor (metal called for over metal accounted for) determined primarily on historic performance but also on realistic planned improvements where appropriate, is applied to the Mineral reserves. A Mine Call Factor of 100 % has been applied at Cerro Corona.
i) Cerro Corona is 99.53 % attributable to Gold Fields.
(6) Source: Cerro Corona CPR, 2022
Proposed amendments to Table 14.2.1 (page 71 of 2022 Cerro Corona Technical Report Summary)
Proposed additions in yellow and proposed deletions are shaded in orange.
Table 14.2.1: Process plant key requirements summary
| Item | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 | 2030 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ore | ||||||||||
| processed | (kt) (t) | 6,721 | 6,734 | 6,754 | 6,732 | 6,710 | 6,710 | 6,730 | 6,710 | 3,051 |
| Plant | ||||||||||
| power draw | (MWhr) | 150,177 | 147,225 | 147,634 | 146,147 | 144,147 | 146,153 | 146,496 | 146,571 | 147,375 |
| Grinding | ||||||||||
| media | (t) SAG | 2,121 | 2,249 | 2,103 | 2,076 | 2,002 | 2,018 | 2,023 | 1,995 | 872 |
| Grinding | ||||||||||
| media | (t) BM | 4,278 | 4,630 | 4,509 | 4,605 | 4,537 | 4,535 | 4,546 | 4,541 | 2,066 |
| Lime | (t) | 15,620 | 21,328 | 20,890 | 20,054 | 20,324 | 20,740 | 20,382 | 20,324 | 9,241 |
| Frother | (t) | 59.1 | 69.6 | 60.7 | 62.7 | 65.0 | 65.2 | 66.7 | 65.7 | 35.1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Collectors | (t) | 139.06 | 179.78 | 178.91 | 183.15 | 221.44 | 186.00 | 204.97 | 234.23 | 174.87 |
| Flocculants | (t) | 103.87 | 123.53 | 112.35 | 115.64 | 122.40 | 124.05 | 133.02 | 119.42 | 54.76 |
| New raw water * | (Kt) | 4,200 | 4,200 | 4,200 | 4,200 | 4,200 | 4,200 | 4,200 | 4,200 | 4,200 |
| Plant employees | (No.) | 130 | 130 | 130 | 130 | 130 | 130 | 130 | 130 | 130 |
| Plant Contractors | 328 | 328 | 328 | 328 | 328 | 328 | 328 | 328 | 328 |
Notes:
a) *Projected Fresh Water Withdrawal
b) This summary is on a 100 % basis.
Source: Cerro Corona CPR, 2022
Proposed amendments to Table 18.2.1 (page 93 of 2022 Cerro Corona Technical Report Summary)
Proposed additions in yellow and proposed deletions are shaded in orange.
Table 18.2.1: Operating costs forecast
| Operating Cost | Units | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 | 2030 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mining | $ million | 82.1 | 71.8 | 56.0 | 15.7 | 14.5 | 15.1 | 15.5 | 6.3 |
| Processing | $ million | 62.3 | 62.5 | 63.0 | 63.9 | 65.5 | 64.8 | 65.5 | 29.4 |
| G&A Operating | $ million | 61.5 | 57.3 | 53.8 | 45.2 | 41.5 | 39.8 | 40.4 | 17.7 |
| Other operating costs | $ million | 13.3 | 10.3 | 7.1 | 2.4 | 2.5 | 0.8 0.2 | 1.3 0.0 | 7.1 |
| Operating costs | $ million | 219.1 | 201.9 | 179.9 | 127.3 | 124.1 | 120.5 119.9 | 122.7 121.4 | 60.5 |
Proposed amendments to Section 19.1 (page 95 of Cerro Corona Technical Report Summary)
Proposed additions in yellow and proposed deletions are shaded in orange.
19.1 Key inputs and assumptions
The input parameters for the economic analysis are:
☐ The Mineral reserves disclosed in Section 12.3. No inferred Mineral resources are included in the economic analysis.
☐ The processing schedule disclosed in
☐ Process recoveries disclosed in Section 12.2.
☐ Capital costs disclosed in Section 18.1.
☐ Operating costs disclosed in Section 18.2.
☐ A reserve gold price of $1,400/oz and copper price of $3.40/lb as discussed in Section 12.2.
☐ A real discount rate of 8.1 %.
☐ A corporate tax rate of 29.5 %.
Proposed amendments to Table 19.1.1 (page 96 of 2022 Cerro Corona Technical Report Summary)
Proposed additions in yellow and proposed deletions are shaded in orange. Please note, the below proposed amendments include minor additional adjustments to conform the presentation of units and rounding of financial figures across the Cerro Corona Technical Report Summary.
mining and Section 12.2 Table 14.2.1
Table 19.1.1: LOM physical, operating cost and capital cost inputs and revenue assumptions
| Sources | Units | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 | 2030 | 2031 | LOM | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open Pit (Gold) | LOM Processed | Koz | 191.8 131.1 | 150.0 102.1 | 128.5 89.4 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 322.6 |
| Process Recovery | % | 68.4 | 68.0 | 69.6 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 68.6 | |
| Commercial Payable | % | 97.6 | 97.6 | 97.6 | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||
| Sold* | Koz | 128.0 | 99.6 | 87.3 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 314.9 | |
| Stockpiles (Gold) | LOM Processed | Koz | - | - | - | 91.4 62.0 | 67.6 46.5 | 70.7 46.9 | 95.5 61.1 | 80.4 50.7 | - | 267.2 |
| Process Recovery | % | - | - | - | 67.9 | 68.9 | 61.0 61.6 | 61.9 | 63.1 | - | 64.5 | |
| Commercial Payable | % | - | - | - | 97.6 | 97.6 | 97.6 | 97.6 | 97.6 | - | ||
| Sold* | Koz | - | - | - | 61.2 | 46.1 | 42.9 46.7 | 57.7 59.6 | 49.5 | - | 263.1 | |
| Open Pit (Copper) | LOM Processed | Mlb Koz | 71.3 151.5 | 66.6 141.2 | 64.2 138.3 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 431.0 |
| Process Recovery | % | 87.5 | 87.3 | 88.7 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 85.9 | |
| Commercial Payable | % | 95.2 | 95.2 | 95.2 | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||
| Sold* | Mlb Koz | 59.4 144.2 | 55.3 134.4 | 54.2 131.7 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 410.3 | |
| Stockpiles (Copper) | LOM Processed | Mlb Koz | - | - | - | 47.0 99.7 | 34.7 73.0 | 43.3 82.3 | 52.4 91.1 | 20.2 35.4 | - | 381.5 |
| Process Recovery | % | - | - | - | 87.4 | 86.5 | 84.0 84.3 | 83.2 83.0 | 72.3 | - | 83.8 | |
| Commercial Payable | % | - | - | - | 95.2 | 95.2 | 95.2 | 95.2 | 95.2 | - | ||
| Sold* | Mlb Koz | - | - | - | 39.5 95.9 | 29.1 70.6 | 35.3 80.1 | 41.5 86.7 | 13.9 33.7 | - | 367.0 | |
| Total Sold (Gold) | Koz | 128.0 | 99.6 | 87.3 | 61.2 | 46.1 | 42.9 46.7 | 57.7 59.6 | 49.5 | 578.0 | ||
| Total Sold (Copper) | Mlb Kt | 59.4 26.9 | 55.3 25.1 | 54.2 24.6 | 39.5 17.9 | 29.1 13.2 | 35.3 15.0 | 41.5 16.2 | 13.9 6.3 | 145.2 | ||
| Total Sold (Gold Equiv. Oz) | Koz | 272.2 | 234.0 | 219.0 | 157.1 | 116.7 | 126.8 | 146.3 | 83.2 | 1,355.2 | ||
| Costs, Revenue and Cashflow | Revenue | $ million | 381 362.3 | 328 310.2 | 307 289.5 | 220 207.7 | 163 154.3 | 180 167.2 | 222 193.6 | 116 112.0 | - | 1,797.0 |
| Operating Costs | $ million | 219 219.1 | 202 201.9 | 180 179.9 | 127 127.3 | 124 124.1 | 120 119.9 | 123 121.4 | 60 60.5 | - | 1,154.1 | |
| Capital Costs | $ million | 44 44.5 | 17 16.9 | 25 24.8 | 3 3.0 | 1 1.4 | 2 1.7 | 1 0.8 | - 0.2 | - | 93.2 | |
| Other | $ million | 29 14.7 | 35 13.1 | 25 12.6 | 60 8.9 | 36 8.4 | 28 8.5 | 23 6.7 | 15 4.0 | 30 | 76.8 | |
| Royalties (~1 % sales) | $ million | 5 3.6 | 4 3.1 | 3 2.9 | 2 2.1 | 2 1.5 | 2 1.7 | 2 1.9 | 1 1.1 | - | 18.0 | |
| Interest (if applicable) | $ million | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Total Costs (Excl Tax) | $ million | 298 281.9 | 257 235.0 | 233 220.2 | 192 141.3 | 163 135.3 | 152 131.8 | 149 130.8 | 77 65.7 | 30 | 1,342.0 | |
| Taxes (Income tax) | $ million | 44 44.3 | 27 29.0 | 27 21.1 | 5 - | - - | - - | - - | - - | - | 94.4 | |
| Cashflow | $ million | 39 39.4 | 44 43.6 | 46 46.3 | 22 22.3 | - 0.0 | 29 27.4 | 73 60.1 | 40 38.4 | -30 | 247.8 | |
| Discounted cashflow at 8.1 % (NPV) | $ million | 38 37.9 | 39 38.8 | 38 38.1 | 17 16.9 | - 0.0 | 19 17.8 | 44 36.2 | 22 21.4 | -15 | 192.0 |
Notes:
a) This table is based on the life-of-mine schedule for proved and probable Mineral reserves only and is on a 100 % basis.
b) The Mineral resource and exploration required to replace depletion is not included in this techno-economic assessment.
c) No inferred Mineral resources are included in the life-of-mine processing schedule or techno-economic evaluation.
Source: Cerro Corona CPR, 2022
Proposed amendments to Table 19.1.2 (page 96 of 2022 Cerro Corona Technical Report Summary)
Proposed additions in yellow and proposed deletions are shaded in orange. Please note, the below proposed amendments include minor additional adjustments to conform the presentation of units and rounding of financial figures across the Cerro Corona Technical Report Summary.
Table 19.1.2: Gold Fields 99.53 % Attributable Gold, FCF and NPV
| Sources | Units | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 | 2030 | LOM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99.53 % Attributable Gold | koz | 127.4 | 99.1 99.2 | 86.9 86.8 | 60.9 61.0 | 45.9 | 42.7 46.5 | 57.4 59.3 | 49.3 | 575.3 |
| 99.53 % Attributable Copper | Mlb kt | 59.1 26.8 | 55.0 25.0 | 53.9 24.5 | 39.3 17.8 | 29.0 13.1 | 35.1 14.9 | 41.3 16.1 | 13.8 6.3 | 144.4 |
| 99.53% Cashflow | $ million | 39 39.2 | 43 43.4 | 46 46.1 | 22 22.2 | 0 0.4 | 28 27.2 | 72 59.5 | 39 38.3 | -30 276.5 |
| Discounted cashflow at 8.1 % (NPV) | $ million | 200 191 |
Proposed amendments to Table 19.3.1 (page 97 of 2022 Cerro Corona Technical Report Summary)
Proposed additions in yellow and proposed deletions are shaded in orange.
Table 19.3.1: NPV sensitivity to changes in gold price 99.53 % attributable
| Gold Price - real | -15 % | -10 % | -5 % | 0 % | +5 % | +10 % | +15 % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Price ($/oz) | 1,190 | 1,260 | 1,330 | 1,400 | 1,470 | 1,540 | 1,610 |
| NPV ($million) | 113 117 | 142 | 171 166 | 200 191 | 229 216 | 258 240 | 288 264 |
Source: Cerro Corona CPR, 2022
Proposed amendments to Table 19.3.2 (page 97 of 2022 Cerro Corona Technical Report Summary)
Proposed additions in yellow and proposed deletions are shaded in orange.
Table 19.3.2: NPV sensitivity to changes in gold grade 99.53 % attributable
| Grade | -15 % | -10 % | -5 % | 0 % | +5 % | +10 % | +15 % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NPV ($million) | 113 117 | 142 | 171 166 | 200 191 | 229 215 | 258 240 | 288 264 |
Source: Cerro Corona CPR, 2022
Proposed amendments to Table 19.3.3 (page 98 of 2022 Cerro Corona Technical Report Summary)
Proposed additions in yellow and proposed deletions are shaded in orange.
Table 19.3.3: NPV sensitivity to changes in copper price 99.53 % attributable
| Copper Price real | -15 % | -10 % | -5 % | 0 % | +5 % | +10 % | +15 % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copper Price ($/lb) | 2.9 | 3.1 | 3.2 | 3.4 | 3.6 | 3.7 | 3.9 |
| NPV ($million) | 76 92 | 126 124 | 151 158 | 200 191 | 250 224 | 274 257 | 324 290 |
Source: Cerro Corona CPR, 2022
Proposed amendments to Table 19.3.4 (page 98 of 2022 Cerro Corona Technical Report Summary)
Proposed additions in yellow and proposed deletions are shaded in orange.
Table 19.3.4: NPV sensitivity to changes in copper grade 99.53 % attributable
| Grade | -15 % | -10 % | -5 % | 0 % | +5 % | +10 % | +15 % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NPV ($ million) | 74 107 | 116 135 | 158 163 | 200 191 | 242 219 | 284 246 | 326 274 |
Source: Cerro Corona CPR, 2022
Proposed amendments to Table 19.3.5 (page 98 of 2022 Cerro Corona Technical Report Summary)
Proposed additions in yellow and proposed deletions are shaded in orange.
Table 19.3.5: NPV sensitivity to changes in capital costs 99.53 % attributable
| Capital costs | -15 % | -10 % | -5 % | 0 % | +5 % | +10 % | +15 % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NPV ($ million) | 208 203 | 205 199 | 203 195 | 200 191 | 198 187 | 195 183 | 193 179 |
Source: Cerro Corona CPR, 2022
Proposed amendments to Table 19.3.6 (page 98 of 2022 Cerro Corona Technical Report Summary)
Proposed additions in yellow and proposed deletions are shaded in orange.
Table 19.3.6: NPV sensitivity to changes in operating costs 99.53 % attributable
| Operating costs | -15 % | -10 % | -5 % | 0 % | +5 % | +10 % | +15 % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NPV ($ million) | 338 297 | 292 262 | 246 226 | 200 191 | 154 155 | 108 120 | 62 85 |
Source: Cerro Corona CPR, 2022
Proposed amendments to Table 19.3.7 (page 98 of 2022 Cerro Corona Technical Report Summary)
Proposed additions in yellow and proposed deletions are shaded in orange.
Table 19.3.7: NPV sensitivity to changes in discount rate 99.53 % attributable
| Discount rate | 6.9 % | 7.3 % | 7.7 % | 8.1 % | 8.5 % | 8.9 % | 9.3 % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NPV ($ million) | 208 197 | 205 195 | 203 193 | 200 191 | 198 189 | 195 187 | 193 185 |
Source: Cerro Corona CPR, 2022
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