Security

Gold Fields recognises its responsibility to secure its people and assets. This requires particular attention in higher-risk operating environments, areas of relatively weak governance and areas affected by illegal mining.

Furthermore, as a producer of an inherently high-value and easily transportable product, there are obvious risks around the transfer of gold between our mining operations and the refineries where it is processed.

Nonetheless, professional and effective security provision (particularly where this involves the actual or potential use of physical force) should not compromise the human rights of others.

Primary security at our operations is provided through the Company’s protection services department and private contracted service providers.

All security personnel receive human rights training during induction based on local legal requirements as well as national and international human rights best practice.

An assessment was carried out in 2017 of gaps between Gold Fields’ current practices and the requirements of the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPSHR).

No material risks were identified, however, the identified gaps were closed out during 2018.

Alignment to the VPSHR continued to be monitored during 2019., including undertaking a review of the West Africa region’s progress by the Americas region and corporate Sustainable Development. It served also as an opportunity to share learnings, experiences and good practices between the two regions.