Fatal Accident at South Deep Gold Mine
May 01 2008 - 12:07PM
PR Newswire (US)
JOHANNESBURG, May 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Gold Fields Limited
("Gold Fields") (NYSE, JSE, DIFX: GFI) deeply regrets to report
that 9 people lost their lives in a shaft accident at the
developing South Deep gold mine today. The accident happened at
approximately 10:00 when a rope on a sub cage winder which was
taking the employees from 105 to 110 level at the Twin Shafts
complex apparently failed. Nick Holland, chief executive officer of
Gold Fields said: "We are deeply shocked by this terrible accident
and our deepest condolences go out to the loved ones of the people
who lost their lives." The deceased employees were part of a
Development Team working on various levels below 95 level. All
mining operations have been suspended at the shaft. Safety
inspectors from the Department of Minerals and Energy, members of
the unions and associations and management are on site. The names
of the deceased are being withheld until next of kin have been
informed Further details will be made known at a later stage. About
Gold Fields Gold Fields Limited is one of the world's largest
unhedged producers of gold with attributable production of more
than four million ounces per annum from eight operating mines in
South Africa, Ghana and Australia. A ninth mine, the Cerro Corona
Gold/Copper mine in Peru, is expected to commence production by mid
2008 at an initial rate of approximately 400,000 gold equivalent
ounces per annum. The company has total attributable ore reserves
of 92 million ounces and mineral resources of 252 million ounces.
Gold Fields employs some 53,000 permanent employees across its
operations and is listed on the JSE Limited South Africa (primary
listing), the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Dubai
International Financial Exchange (DIFX). All of Gold Fields'
operations are ISO14001 certified. For more information please
visit the Gold Fields website at http://www.goldfields.co.za/.
DATASOURCE: Gold Fields Limited CONTACT: Enquiries: Andrew
Davidson, Office +27(0)11-411-1112, Mobile +27(0)826677203
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