This is Gold Fields Our history 1914-1933
A total of 1,052 Gold Fields' employees enlist for active service during World War I, with 77 losing their lives. Charles Rudd dies in 1916.
The Sub-Nigel mine becomes one of the richest gold mines in the world, producing £29 million for investors during its life and £24 million in taxes for the government of South Africa.
Consolidated Gold Fields' interests include stakes in 25 companies worldwide, including two gold mines in Australia and a tin mining company in West Africa.
As the Great Depression hits the world economy, Dr Rudolf Krahmann (with the help of consulting engineer, Guy Carleton Jones) detects the magnetic shales beneath the large gold deposits of the West Wits Line. This leads to extensive development – including that of the Driefontein and Kloof mines.
Deputy Chairman, John Agnew, approves investment in the West Witwatersrand Areas – with Gold Fields subsequently securing 30% in the West Wits (as it was known). Shortly afterwards the government of South Africa abandons the Gold Standard.
The discovery of further reefs in the West Wits leads to a boom in mining shares in the London and Johannesburg exchanges.