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Gold Fields

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FY2021 Annual Report · Gold Fields
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Creating 
enduring  
value beyond 
mining

GOLD FIELDS
CLIMATE CHANGE REPORT 2021
Aligned with the recommendations of the Task Force  
on Climate-related Financial Disclosure (TCFD)

COVER PHOTO
The solar plant at our Granny Smith mine, Western Australia.

Contents

INTRODUCTION AND LEADERSHIP

About this report
Climate change targets and highlights
Climate change leadership and advocacy
Chief Executive Officer's statement 
SHSD Chairperson’s statement 
Governance and management 
Gold Fields’ climate-related policy statements
and commitments 

OUR NET-ZERO COMMITMENTS

Our decarbonisation journey
Climate change and decarbonisation strategy
Renewable energy
Climate change risks and opportunities
Unpacking transitionary risks

PERFORMANCE AND PROGRESS

Energy and carbon management
Water stewardship
Tailings management

CLIMATE CHANGE RISK AND VULNERABILITY

Chile
Peru  
Australia
South Africa
Ghana

STATISTICS AND ASSURANCE

Regional and Group energy and carbon performance
Gold Fields’ carbon footprint
TCFD Index
External assurance statement
Glossary, administration and corporate information

The non-financial statistics in this report are 
contained in the sustainability performance 
data spreadsheets on our website at: 
www.goldfields.com/sustainability-data.php

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About this report

This is our fourth Climate Change report produced in 
alignment with the recommendations of the Financial 
Stability Board’s Task Force guidelines on Climate-related 
Financial Disclosures (TCFD). This report forms part of 
the 2021 Gold Fields suite of reports and specifically the 
2021 Integrated Annual Report. 

Gold Fields formally started on its climate change, energy and water journey in 2016, but have reported on our climate change 
performance since 2010 when we first made an annual submission to the CDP. Since 2018 we have used the TCFD to report on 
our climate change and related performances, strategies, risk and opportunities.  

The TCFD provides companies with a best practice international framework against which to voluntarily report their climate-related 
information. The scope of our climate-related performance and data covers our eight managed mines (including 100% of Gruyere, 
but excludes our Asanko Gold JV, since it is a non-managed asset). We provide information about the progress made at our 
Salares Norte project, but do not include data from the project. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION: 
Please consult the following reports

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT

Our primary report to stakeholders, 
detailing the Group’s value creation 
story over short, medium and long 
term.

REPORT TO STAKEHOLDERS

 A high-level outline of our 
contributions to our key stakeholders, 
as well as recent developments 
impacting these relationships.

GRI CONTENT INDEX

The IAR is compiled to comply with the 
GRI Standards: Core option. The GRI 
Content Index also cross-references to 
the ICMM Principles, UNGC Principles, 
UN SDGs and the Sustainability 
Accounting Standards Board (SASB), 
since amalgamated under the Value 
Reporting Foundation.

Our online IAR portal, which can be accessed at 
www.goldfields.com/integrated-annual-reports.php

GOLD FIELDS GROUP 

2.34Moz 
attributable gold-eq 
production
(2.46Moz managed 
gold-eq production)

13.9PJ
energy 
consumption

5.66GJ/oz
energy 
intensity

4.3%
renewable 
electricity 
(excluding 
hydro)

1.71Mt CO2e
GHG (Scope 1 – 2) 
emissions

306kt CO2e
GHG emissions 
avoided

0.70t CO2e/oz
emission intensity

9.44GL
freshwater 
withdrawn

75%
water recycled/
reused

AMERICAS REGION

AUSTRALIA REGION

SOUTH AFRICA REGION

WEST AFRICA REGION

Mines: Cerro Corona
Project: Salares Norte
248koz managed gold production
1.23PJ energy consumption
4.94GJ/oz energy intensity
100% renewable electricity
79kt CO2e GHG (scope 1 – 2) emissions
1.21kt CO2e emissions abated
0.32t CO2e/oz emissions intensity
3.7GL freshwater withdrawal
84% water recycled/reused

Mines: St Ives, Granny Smith, 
Agnew and Gruyere (JV)

1.14Moz managed gold production
5.21PJ energy consumption
4.56GJ/oz energy intensity
10% renewable electricity
531kt CO2e GHG (scope 1 – 2) emissions
90.3kt CO2e emissions abated
0.46t CO2e/oz emissions intensity
0.7GL freshwater withdrawal
37% water recycled/reused

Mines: South Deep
293koz managed gold production
1.78PJ energy consumption
6.09GJ/oz energy intensity
0% renewable electricity
502kt CO2e GHG (scope 1 – 2) emissions
42.6kt CO2e emissions abated
1.71t CO2e/oz emissions intensity
1.6GL freshwater withdrawal
80% water recycled/reused

Mines: Tarkwa and Damang
776koz managed gold production
5.69PJ energy consumption
7.32GJ/oz energy intensity
0% renewable electricity
603kt CO2e GHG (scope 1 – 2) emissions
172kt CO2e emissions abated
0.78t CO2e/oz emissions intensity
3.4GL freshwater withdrawal
88% water recycled/reused

Gold Fields    Climate Change Report 2021

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Climate change targets and highlights

Gold Fields’ purpose is to create enduring value beyond mining and we are guided by our three strategic pillars to achieve this purpose. Our climate change strategy is guided by Pillar 2, namely, to build on our leading 
commitments to ESG. During 2021, Gold Fields launched 2030 targets for its six ESG priority areas; three of these priorities are directly impacted by climate change, with the remaining indirectly affected. The diagram 
below sets out the ESG priorities directly affected by climate change, their respective targets and 2021 highlights.

ESG priorities

2030 targets

Description

2021 targets

2021 highlights

Introduction and Leadership

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Creating enduring 
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1 DECARBONISATION

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50%

30%

80%

45%

STEWARDSHIP

2 WATER 
33 TAILINGS 

MANAGEMENT

50% absolute scope 1 and 2 
emissions reductions by 
2030 against 2016 baseline

• 18% – Achieve 287kt CO2e emissions 

reduction from projects in 2021 
business plans

30% net scope 1 and 2 
emissions reductions by 
2030 against 2016 baseline

Net zero emissions by 2050

• 5% – 657TJ reduction through 
energy savings initiatives from 
2021 business plan

•

Initiate the South Deep solar plant for 
completion in 2022

• Achieved all three 2021 targets
• Energy provider Kallpa certifies 100% hydroelectricity as clean energy 

for Cerro Corona

• 7.1% TJ reduction through energy savings initiatives (1,208TJ) 
• 22% carbon emissions reduction from energy savings initiatives 
• 5.66GJ/oz energy intensity (2020: 5.64GJ/oz)
• 0.70t CO2e/oz GHG emission intensity (2020: 0.69t CO2e/oz)
• Cerro Corona, Tarkwa and Damang ISO 50001 certified. South Deep and 

Australian sites successfully implemented their energy management systems 
with audits for ISO 50001 certification planned for 2022

80% water recycled/reused

• 68% – recycle/reuse 68% of water 

45% reduction in freshwater 
use from 2018 baseline

use for Group

• 3% – Reduce 477ML in freshwater 
intake from projected 2021 fresh 
Group water demand as per business 
plan from 13.3GL to 12.9GL

GISTM 
conformance 

Conformance with Global 
Industry Standard on Tailings 
Management (GISTM) by 
2023 and 2025 

3

Reduce number of active 
upstream raised TSFs from 
five to three

• Three new renewable energy projects: 
– Gruyere 12MW microgrid by Q2 2022
– South Deep 50MW solar plant by H2 2022
– Salares Norte solar plant by Q1 2023

• 75% water recycled/reused on track to meet 2030 target 
• 35% reduction in freshwater intake against 2018 baseline 

• GISTM assessment on track
• Made required appointments to key technical positions 
• Allocated US$325m towards achieving 2030 targets

Climate change leadership and advocacy 

The mining and metals industry play a significant part in the transition to a low-carbon future and in providing the required minerals and metals for the low-carbon and zero-carbon energy transition. Therefore, we see 
industry associations as powerful platforms for collective and impactful action to identify and manage climate-related risks and impacts. We take our responsibility towards addressing climate change seriously and as such 
have taken leadership roles in some of these associations and are active participants in ESG and climate-related initiatives and projects. Here is a snapshot of some of these initiatives.

ZERO 
EMISSION 
ENERGY

FULLY 
ELECTRIC 
FLEET

PEOPLE 
AND 
COMMUNITY

Electric Mine Consortium 
Working collaboratively towards a 
zero-emission and zero-particulate 
mine, through:

1. Resolving key technology choices
2. Shaping the supplier ecosystem
3. Influencing policy
4. Communicating the business case.

Gold Fields/Energy Vault proposed energy 
storage trial
The trial is intended to be run as a pilot project at the existing 
high penetration wind and solar power plant at our Agnew 
mine. The Energy Vault EVxTM energy storage solution is a 
gravity battery, using blocks made from the onsite tailings' 
facility. The efficiency of the battery is near to that of 
lithium batteries (~80%), with no degradation and a 30-year 
design life, which makes it an ideal low-cost and efficient 
mine storage solution. It is expected that a pilot of this 
scale would increase Agnew’s renewable energy fraction 
by approximately two percentage points from current 
average daily level of 57%.

We participate in the Austmine Charge On
innovation challenge, to provide scalable 
and interoperable electrification of 220 
tonne haul trucks, without impacting 
the haul cycle time. 

Gold Fields, as an active member of the ICMM, 
participates in many of its working groups, including 
biodiversity, mine closure, tailings, water and climate 
change. We also actively participate in the Cleaner 
Safer Vehicles CEO-led initiative to achieve 
the following:

•   GHG emissions-free surface mining vehicles 

by 2040 

•   Minimise the operational impact of diesel exhaust 

by 2025

•   Make vehicle collision avoidance technology 

available by 2025.

Gold Fields    Climate Change Report 2021

CCR

3

Chief executive officer’s statement

“We have a long way to go, but I am confident that, based on our 
track record and the commitment of our people, we will be able 
to meet the climate change challenge.” Chris Griffith

In December 2021, Gold Fields 
announced a new strategy comprising 
three strategic pillars to guide the 
Company for the next decade. Strategic 
Pillar 2 commits the Company to build on 
its leading commitment to environmental, 
social and governance (ESG) issues. 

Nowhere is this ‘’leading commitment’’ 
more evident than in Gold Fields’ 
investment in decarbonising its 
operations. We are a leading mining 
company in addressing our impact 
on the changing climate through the 
use of renewable and low-carbon 
energy sources.

However, we still have a long way to go. 
We are acutely aware of the severity of 
climate-related risks, as well as societal 
expectations that companies should 
play their part in reducing emissions. 
Equally, the impacts of climate change 
on our operations and surrounding 
communities are real and immediate. 

Climate change is affecting 
our operations through the physical 
impacts that more severe storms, longer 
droughts and rising temperatures have 
on our mines, employees and host 
communities. Furthermore, governments 
are also increasing efforts to regulate 

carbon emissions in most of the 
jurisdictions in which we operate, often 
by imposing taxes on non-renewable 
energy consumption.

As such, our stakeholders expect us 
not only to take concrete actions to limit 
our emissions and also ask us to report 
comprehensively on the impact of climate 
change on our operations with a 
particular focus on our energy, water and 
tailings management. In all these areas 
climate change has a material impact on 
how we run our operations. This, our 
fourth Climate Change Report seeks 
to provide a comprehensive overview 
of the risks and opportunities we are 
facing, how we seek to mitigate them, 
our performance to date and the targets 
we have committed to meet.

The November 2021 COP26 held in 
Glasgow, Scotland, and the most recent 
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate 
Change (IPCC) reports have highlighted 
a clear message from the scientific 
community: The world is not on track to 
meet the targets of limiting temperature 
rises to 1.5°C – 2°C by 2050, the minimum 
needed to prevent serious climate 
impacts. All stakeholders – governments, 
the corporate sector and civil society – 
need to take drastic action.

One of the few encouraging 
developments to emerge from 
COP26 was the mobilisation of more 
than 5,200 businesses and about 
450 financial institutions committed 
to science-based net-zero targets 
and increased public-private 
collaborations to deal with 
climate change.

Gold Fields is committed to playing our 
role. We announced a comprehensive 
set of 2030 targets for our most material 
ESG priorities in December 2021, 
headlined by our commitment to 
decarbonisation in three key targets: 
• Reducing our scope 1 and 2 carbon 
emissions by 30% by 2030 from 
a 2016 baseline

• Taking cognisance of the fact that 

we plan to raise our production profile 
over the same period, this amount 
to actually targeting 50% emissions 
reductions by 2030

• Net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 

in line with the Paris Agreement

Introduction and Leadership

SHSD Committee 
chairperson’s statement

These targets are currently being 
embedded in our operations and we 
are planning on spending hundreds 
of millions of dollars to achieve them. 
Our management teams are being held 
accountable to ensure that we are 
implementing the right electricity solutions, 
continuing our energy savings initiatives 
and trialling new ore transportation 
technologies to enable us to achieve 
those targets. 

We are also working collaboratively 
with our peers in the ICMM and in other 
industry associations and initiatives to 
find common solutions to challenges such 
as zero emissions vehicles. Finally, we 
have committed to reporting annually 
on how we are performing in meeting 
our 2030 targets, so shareholders and 
other stakeholders have visibility of 
our progress.

Rolling out renewable energy, fuel 
switching and energy efficiency projects 
has already contributed to emissions 
savings of 18% between 2016 and 2021 
at Group level. The contribution of 
renewables to the Group electricity 
mix increased from 0% to 4.3% over 
the same period. This is largely due to 
the two completed renewable micro-grids 
at Granny Smith and Agnew in Western 
Australia, with the latter receiving, on 
average, 57% of its electricity requirements 
from green energy sources, one of 
the highest at a gold mine anywhere 
in the world

South Deep and Gruyere are set to launch 
their solar plants this year and Salares 
Norte in early 2024, while all our other 
mines are examining ways of minimising 
their dependence on fossil fuels to power 
the operations. The mines are also 
working out how to reduce their emissions 
further still.

Beyond renewable energy, we are also 
looking at reducing emissions from our 
fleet of diesel-powered vehicles and 
machines to achieve our targets by trialling 
and eventually rolling out zero-emission 
vehicles. Scope 3 emissions are also now 
in focus and we will set targets for these 
emissions in 2023.

We have a long way to go, but I am 
confident that, based on our track record 
and the commitment of our people, we 
will be able to meet the challenges that 
we will inevitably confront as we transition 
steadily to net zero.

As a Board we have a critical 
role to play in ensuring that the 
Company we govern plays its role 
in addressing the defining challenges 
societies are facing. At present, the 
two ESG priorities that have headlined 
these challenges are gender diversity 
and climate change.

It is the responsibility of the Safety, 
Health and Sustainable Development 
(SHSD) Committee of the Board to 
ensure that Gold Fields plays its role 
in addressing the climate change 
threat. As it is, physical climate 
changes are already being felt 
across the globe and impacting 
our communities and our operations.

I assumed the role of Chair of the 
SHSD Committee in 2016, when 
Gold Fields commenced its climate 
change journey in earnest. The Board 
first approved a Climate Change 
Policy Statement for the Company 
in 2017, updating it in 2020, which 
committed the Company to identify 
and assess climate-related risks and 
opportunities; report and disclose 
its performance; raise the share of 
renewable energy; and implement 
energy and water efficiency initiatives. 

Since then, I have witnessed this 
policy statement translated into 
action, with Gold Fields introducing 
operational changes that have 
seen the Company recognised as a 
decarbonisation leader in the mining 
sector. It has done so primarily via its 
significant investment in renewable 
electricity and energy savings 
initiatives, which have had the added 
benefit of ensuring supply security 
and more affordable energy for 
our mines.

Last year, Gold Fields took another 
step on its climate change journey 
by making a number of commitments 
to reducing its net Scope 1 and 2 
carbon emissions: by 30% against 
its 2016 baseline by 2030 and to net 
zero by 2050. Once again, the Board 
was integrally involved by providing 
input into the targets and, ultimately, 
approving them.

Terence Goodlace

In making its operational changes 
and its decarbonisation commitments, 
Gold Fields has not only the welfare 
of its operations in mind, but also 
that of our host communities. 

In the past year we updated our 
climate change risk and vulnerability 
assessments across all our mines, 
where the focus was on assessing 
the impact on our operations and 
communities. The Board will ensure 
that, in applying the learnings from 
these assessments, we take account 
of the needs of our employees, 
host communities and, of course, 
our business.

Gold Fields has to date chosen the 
right path in mitigating its impact 
on the changing climate. I have 
every confidence that its people 
will continue doing so even as the 
threat of climate change becomes 
ever more pressing. 

Gold Fields    Climate Change Report 2021

CCR

4

Governance and management
Ethical leadership and integrated governance structures and processes are crucial in our strategy in tackling climate change. Our Board of Directors, the Safety, Health and 
Sustainable Development (SHSD) Sub-Committee, as well as Gold Fields’ Executive Committee have committed to dealing with the impacts of climate change and drive the transition to 
a low-carbon future. We have continued to refine our governance structures with the establishment of an Executive Steering Committee dedicated to guide and monitor the development 
and implementation of the climate change and decarbonisation strategy. The Committee follows a holistic approach and comprises executives from the relevant functions and departments. 
It is supported by advisory and technical groups, external consultants and regional leads.

RESPONSIBILITIES

KEY OUTCOMES

Introduction and Leadership

Board

The Board is accountable and ultimately responsible for the oversight over climate-related strategy, implementation, 
resilience, risks and opportunities

•   Approval of South Deep solar plant capacity extension from 40MW to 50MW
•   Climate change training received
•   Approval of 2030 decarbonisation targets and net zero by 2050

SHSD –  Primary Board sub-committee overseeing climate-related strategy and implementation, SHSD strategies, 

Board 
Committees

policies and performance 

–  Stakeholder relations, socio-economic development, human rights, ethics, security 
–  Enterprise risk management, including ESG risks

SET
Risk
Capital – Climate-related capital projects

•   ESG Charter and targets, especially decarbonisation
•   Continued implementation of renewable projects, specifically South Deep project
•   ESG benchmarking

Chief 
Executive 
Officer
(CEO)

Executive 
Climate Change 
Steering 
Committee

The CEO is responsible to lead his executive and management teams to draft and implement the Company’s 
Board-approved climate change strategy, including relevant policies and projects

The CEO sets the tone and a climate-conscious culture

Climate-related remuneration:
Balanced score card comprises 20% incentives related to ESG, of which approximately one-third is linked to climate 
change and decarbonisation performance

•   2030 ESG targets launch and implementation
•   Climate change sector leadership
•   International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) – participation in Cleaner, Safer Vehicles initiative
•   Rejoined the World Gold Council (WGC)

Composition and responsibilities:
Executives responsible for investor engagement and reporting; finance; 
decarbonisation, climate support, scope 3 emission planning and offsets and climate risk and adaptation

Integrated and systemic approach to addressing multifaceted impacts of climate 
change on company, supply chain and stakeholders

•   Decarbonisation priority as part of ESG 2030 targets
• Approximately 6% of balanced score card allocated to decarbonisation
•   Comprehensive decarbonisation strategy with targets and implementation plan

Sustainable 
development 
department

Provides a multi-disciplinary specialist function, comprising sustainable development, 
ESG reporting and assurance, climate change, carbon and energy, water, stakeholder engagement, environmental 
management, tailings management

•   Incorporation of ESG into business strategy
•   Decarbonisation strategy
•   Second climate change risk and vulnerability assessments for all regions

Working 
Committees

– develop ESG strategy for Board approval

ESG
Water – continuous development and implementation of the water stewardship strategy
Energy – continuous development and implementation of the energy and carbon strategy, including decarbonisation 

strategy

•   Board approved ESG Charter, with 2030 targets
•   Regional water management plans, including targets
•   Regional 2030 energy and carbon plans, including targets

Gold Fields    Climate Change Report 2021

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5

Gold Fields’ climate-related policy statements and commitments

Through our membership of associations such as the International Council on Mining & Metals (ICMM), we have embedded international good practice to address climate-related risks and opportunities throughout its business and 
operations. The tables below set out our commitments through ICMM, as contained in its most recent Position Statements on Climate Change, Water Stewardship and Tailings Governance, the relevant Gold Fields’ Policy statements and 
commitments, as well as what we are doing to meet these commitments. Assurance of Gold Fields’ self-assessments of our implementation of the ICMM Performance Expectations* has been conducted by an independent third party, 
a summary of which is available in the 2021 Integrated Annual Report.

* The ICMM Performance Expectations are a comprehensive set of requirements setting out the expectations of how ICMM members manage a comprehensive array of ESG issues at corporate and operational levels.

Introduction and Leadership

ICMM COMMITMENTS

GOLD FIELDS POLICY STATEMENTS AND COMMITMENTS

KEY IMPLEMENTATION ACTIONS

Scope 1 and 2 emission targets:
     Net zero by 2050

•   Set objectives and targets for carbon emissions reductions, energy savings, 
    energy diversification and water management

•  Board approved 2030 targets:
    – 50% absolute emissions reductions and
    – 30% net emissions reductions from 2016 base year
    – Net zero by 2050
•  Decarbonisation strategy, including projects and capital commitments

CLIMATE CHANGE

Applicable SDGs:

7

13

AFFORDABLE AND 
CLEAN ENERGY

CLIMATE
ACTION

•  Committed to address scope 3 emissions as part of decarbonisation strategy

•  A target for scope 3 emission reduction is to be developed by 2023

•  Legal and other compliance 

•  The targets cover scope 1, 2, and 3 carbon emissions

•  Set objectives and targets for carbon emissions reductions, energy savings, energy diversification 
   and water management

•  Targets include 50% absolute emissions and 30% net emission reductions by 2030 from the 2016 base year

•  Paris Agreement-aligned targets towards a 1.5 °C future

•  Decarbonisation strategy towards a 1.5 °C future

Scope 3 emissions:
     Targets, leadership, partnership

Targets cover all material 
sources of emissions

Absolute reductions

Robust target-setting methodologies
    Disclose assumptions

Integrate climate change in 
decision-making

•  Continual improvement of climate change preparedness, performance and public disclosure

Adaptation and mitigation

•  Regional climate change strategies, including mitigation and adaptation plan

•  Decarbonisation is one of the six priorities in our ESG Charter 
•  ESG is one of our three Strategic Pillars
•  Decarbonisation integrated into the strategy, business planning processes and capital programmes

•  Second round of regional climate change risk and vulnerability assessments conducted
•  Decarbonisation strategy includes mitigation plans to reach targets

Supporting community resilience

•  Seeking collaboration with host communities towards climate change policies

•  Ghana, South Africa and Peru involved in community water provision and educational projects 

Transparent disclosure
     Scope 1 – 3
     External verification
     TCFD-alignment

Engagement

•  Public reporting of GHG emissions footprint and climate-related risks and opportunities

•  Mature scope 1 – 3 emissions reporting
•  External independent assurance 
•  TCFD-aligned climate change report 

•  Collaboration with host communities, governments, peers, investors, NGOs, and business partners

•  Active member of the ICMM, rejoined the WGC
•  Engagement with peers and original equipment manufacturers, e.g. Australian Electric Mine Consortium

Innovation and technology

•  Support research, innovation and technology development
•  Renewable, low-carbon energy solutions; energy efficiency initiatives, including carbon offsets

•  Participate in technology working group of the ICMM's Innovation for CSV programme
•  Decarbonisation strategy underpinned by innovation and technology

Carbon pricing

•  Transparent carbon pricing mechanisms, including CO2e shadow price in all new and life 

extension projects

•  Granny Smith gas power plant earns annual carbon credits from the Australian Emissions Reduction Fund, with carbon credits 

auctioned for the fifth year, used as shadow price in Australia region 

Gold Fields    Climate Change Report 2021

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Gold Fields’ climate-related policy statements and commitments continued

Introduction and Leadership

ICMM COMMITMENTS

GOLD FIELDS POLICY STATEMENTS AND COMMITMENTS

KEY IMPLEMENTATION ACTIONS

WATER STEWARDSHIP

Applicable SDGs:

6

12

CLEAN WATER 
AND SANITATION

RESPONSIBLE
CONSUMPTION

Corporate water governance

•  Approach 
•  Responsibilities and accountabilities 
•  Integrate water into business planning
•  Public reporting 

Effective water management 

•  Water balance
•  Targets and objectives
•  Water quantity and quality management
•  Access to clean drinking water and 
sanitation facilities for all employees

Collaboration for sustainable water use

•  Catchment-level risks and opportunities
•  Engage stakeholders on external water 

governance 

•  Water stewardship initiatives

•  Legal, regulatory, and voluntary compliance
•  Corporate water governance:
    – Responsibilities and accountabilities
    – Integrate water into business planning
    – Public reporting 

•  Effective water management:
    – Social and environmental risk management 
    – Efficient water utilisation solutions 
    – Employee awareness and training
    – Context-relevant water performance targets 
•  Security of operational water supply for all catchment users including the natural environment
•  Access to clean drinking water, gender-appropriate sanitation facilities and workplace hygiene 

•  Collaboration:
    – Proactive engagement with stakeholders, including host communities
    – Support water stewardship initiatives
•  Regular updating of risks, including climate-related for operations

•  2020 – 2025 Group water stewardship strategy, as well as regional water strategies and three-year management plans
•  Strategy comprises three pillars:
    – Security of supply
    – Water efficiency
    – Catchment management
•  ISO 14000 certification of all mines

•  Freshwater withdrawal reduction and increased recycling/reuse targets
•  Water planning embedded into core operational management
•  Water risk aligned with resourcing over life-of-mine, including water balances
•  All employees have access to clean drinking water, gender-appropriate sanitation facilities and hygiene at the workplace

•  Context-specific catchment stakeholder engagement 
•  South Deep is collaborating with a neighbouring mine to restore the Leeuspruit river

TAILINGS MANAGEMENT

Applicable SDGs:

9
6
6

INDUSTRY, 
CLEAN WATER 
CLEAN WATER 
INNOVATION AND 
AND SANITATION
AND SANITATION
AND SANITATION
INFRASTRUCTURE

12

RESPONSIBLE
CONSUMPTION

Implement practices of the six elements 
of the Tailings Governance Framework:

•  Zero harm to people and the environment 
•  Zero tolerance for human fatalities 

1.  Accountability, responsibility 

and competency

2.  Planning and resourcing

•  Uphold Gold Fields vision and values
•  Accountabilities and responsibilities defined
•  Key appointments made
•  Legal and other compliance 

•  Adequate resources, including human and financial
•  Collaborate in innovative approaches throughout the life cycle of TSFs, through research 

and industry initiatives 

3.  Risk management

•  TSFs are adequately and legally maintained, closed and rehabilitated in a safe and stable state
•  Critical control management 

4.  Change management

•  Meaningful stakeholder engagement on all key aspects throughout the TSF life cycle

5.  Emergency preparedness 

and response

•  Emergency preparedness and response planning, including community engagement
•  Adequate resources available for recovery efforts

6.  Review and assurance

•  Open and transparent tailings management practices, including public disclosure

Climate change risks (and opportunities) are addressed thoroughly across the ICMM Position Statement and the Global 
Industry Standard on Tailings Management, as well as Gold Fields’ internal standards and procedures. They include scoping 
and design, risk management, water management, stormwater management, rehabilitation, closure and post-closure 
management. In addition, reporting may be found in our Integrated Annual Report, and in a dedicated section of our website: 
https://www.goldfields.com/environment-tsf.php.

Gold Fields    Climate Change Report 2021

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7

Our decarbonisation journey

WHERE HAVE WE COME FROM? ➧

Our net-zero commitments

WHERE ARE WE GOING? ➧

2011

2015

2016

2020

2021

FOUNDATION

IMPLEMENTATION

ESG 2030 
TARGET 
DEVELOPMENT

2022

OPERATIONAL 
INTEGRATION

2030

1 Ensure investor ESG confidence 

and reputation protection

2

Vision:     
 “To be the global leader in sustainable 

gold mining”

• ICMM membership
• Regulatory and voluntary sustainability 
framework requirements adherence
• First Integrated Annual Report published

• CDP reporting (carbon) of emissions 

and performance

• Developed a Group integrated energy 

and carbon management strategy

• Implemented energy efficiency initiatives
• Reactive water management

T
X
E
T
N
O
C
G
S
E

C
I
F
I
C
E
P
S
E
G
N
A
H
C
E
T
A
M
I
L
C

4

Protect licence to operate and 
strengthen ESG reputation

ESG risk identification and mitigation:
     -  Social licence to operate
     -  Energy security
     -  Water security
     -  Safety and health
• ICMM Mining Principles compliance

• CDP reporting (climate and water)
• TCFD-aligned Climate Change Report
• Group climate change policy approved 

and updated

• Group water stewardship policy approved
• Group TSF policy approved
• Regional climate risk and vulnerability 

assessments

• Group and regional water stewardship 

strategies being developed

3

ESG 2030 
targets

2021
Board concept approval for ESG targets, 
including decarbonisaiton.

Work carried out during the year:
• Regional plans to achieve 30% net 

emission reductions by 2030 

• Conceptual decarbonisation strategy
• Board decarbonisation training
• 2016 baseline validation and 

target verification
• Capital allocation

1 December 2021
2030 science-based targets launched 
for six ESG priorities, headlined by 
decarbonisation

2022
Commence operational implementation 
of 2030 ESG target strategies 

2023
Programme deployment via project 
management platform and change 
management

Create enduring value
beyond mining

New vision: 

“To be the preferred gold mining company 
delivering sustainable superior value”

• Shift from compliance to sustainable value 

delivery to all stakeholders

• ESG Charter, underpinned by six 
interconnected key priorities, 
with strategic intents and targets

• Decarbonisation strategy in line with a 

1.5 °C future with 2030 targets, including 
net zero by 2050, projects and capital 
budgets and including science-based targets 
validation by SBTi

• Creation of Executive Climate Change 

Steering Committee guiding development and 
implementation of decarbonisation strategy

• Develop targets for scope 3 emission 

reduction by 2023

• Updated regional risk and vulnerability 

assessments

• Embedding water stewardship into 

operational mine plans 

• Working towards full conformance of the 
GISTM by 2023 and 2025 respectively

Gold Fields    Climate Change Report 2021

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8

 
 
 
Climate change and decarbonisation strategy

CORE INITIATIVES TO ACHIEVE NET 30% REDUCTION BY 2030

A 30% by 2030 reduction is only possible with multiple stretch initiatives, some of them using technologies that are still being developed, 
to offset the anticipated growth to 2.8Moz in production and associated emissions

Stretch opportunities to fill gap

• South Deep, 100% green electricity: 
• Gruyere, 78% green electricity:  
• Source clean power for Damang: 
• Source clean power for Tarkwa through grid:

306kt
88kt
112kt
42kt

Total 

548kt

Our net-zero commitments

Gold Fields’ GHG emissions profile, 2030 – impact of “core” initiatives 
kt CO2e

-35%

2,395

31

759

264

120

702

1,693

13

482

1,198

1,605

55

9

28

28

23

23

49

48

33

73

78

1,564
31

629

379

Renewables, Electricity replacement
550kt

Electric Fleet, Diesel 
replacement 130kt

Efficiency, 
151kt

904

831kt

-51%

31

629

525

2016
Actual

Growth
(2.8m oz
p.a.)

2030
Forecast

South
Deep
(45%)

St Ives
(95%)

Salares
Norte
(79%)

Cerro
Corona
(35%)

Agnew
(73%)

Gruyere
(73%)

Granny 
Smith
(35%)

South 
Deep 
Storage

Australia

West
Africa

Americas

West 
Africa – 
CCGTs at 
Tarkwa

All sites 
– other 
efficiency

2030
Potential

Gap*

Target

■ Others ■ Diesel ■ Electricity

(% renewables of total electricity supply)

(17% diesel replacement)

CONCEPTUAL PATHWAY TO NET ZERO 2030 – 2050

TARGET 100% CLEAN ELECTRICITY (~2/3rd of current scope 1 + 2 emissions)

CONCEPTUAL PATHWAY TO NET ZERO: 2022 – 2050

Our December 2021 announcement of an ambitious 2030 carbon emissions reduction target 
and reaffirming our commitment to net zero emissions by 2050, heralded the next stage in our 
decarbonisation journey. We use 2016 as a base year, as this is when Phase 1 of this journey 
commenced and we started developing a wide-ranging climate change and energy strategy, 
programmes and targets.

We are measuring our performance against our target of a 30% reduction of scope 1 and 2 
emissions by 2030, which amounts to an effective target of approximately 50% when projected 
30% gold production growth to 2.8Moz is taken into account. To date – between 2016-2021 – our 
emissions increased 1% against the 2016 baseline, despite mining 9% more tonnes and producing 
11% more gold. Our 2021 emissions were 18% lower than they would have been in the absence 
of energy savings initiatives and the renewable microgrids installed at Agnew and Granny Smith 
in Western Australia.

The top adjacent table outlines how we plan to achieve our 2030 targets. In terms of our net 
30% reduction target we will have to reduce our emissions to just under 1.2Mt CO2e from the 
1.7Mt CO2e in 2016. At the same time we plan to increase gold production to around 2.8Moz 
a year during the second half of the decade – this would push up emissions to an estimated 
2.4Mt CO2e by 2030 if we did not undertake the aggressive programme we have outlined.
How do we get there? Firstly, we had a look at our emissions profile – approximately two-thirds 
of our emissions are linked to our electricity usage, with South Deep by far the highest emitter 
in the company. The remaining third of our emissions is linked to diesel emissions by our fleet 
of mining vehicles.

If we increase emissions in line with our production forecast, we foresee that the electricity/diesel 
split remains the same. For the next few years, therefore, our focus will be on replacing our gas and 
coal-fired electricity with renewables, as highlighted in the turquoise section of the graph. This shows 
how much of each mine’s electricity is intended to be derived from renewables by 2030.

Our diesel reduction efforts will initially be focused on introducing zero emission vehicles at our 
mines. We are currently carrying out internal trials, as well as working with peers in ICMM and the 
Electric Mine Consortium to develop cleaner, safer vehicles. But we are at an early stage and 
a meaningful impact is still a few years away.

A third emissions reduction component will be from continuing to improve energy efficiencies 
at our operations, with a switch from open to closed cycle gas turbines at Tarkwa mine providing 
a significant kicker. 

As the graph shows, our current planned projects will not be enough, and we have identified several 
stretch opportunities to fill the gaps – such as those displayed in the beige box in the graphic.

• Target 100% green plus export opportunities

• Green hydrogen or long duration

• Leverage disruptive technologies, but not 

required to achieve 100%

The nine key initiatives outlined in the graph will be the focus of our decarbonisation work from now 
until 2030.

Target >70% green

Wind, solar, batteries

New storage technologies

Target  ~20% diesel elimination

Electric material movement

Biodiesel; hydrogen fuel cells

Energy efficiency initiatives

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

TARGET 100% ELECTRIFICATION OF DIESEL EQUIPMENT (~1/3rd of current scope 1 + 2 emissions)

•
• Electric underground mine

• For open pit – rail, green hydrogen, large EVs

• Heavily automated, driverless, new mine designs

• Target 100% diesel elimination

• Leverage disruptive technologies

Explore/invest in offset options and natural climate solutions

• Carbon offsets to mitigate liabilities

• Verified and assured carbon offsets

2023: Methodology and targets for scope 3 emission 
reduction to be developed

• Site-specific natural climate solutions, verifiable and assured 

• Site-specific natural climate solutions

• Eliminate scope 3 emissions

CARBON OFFSETS AND NATURAL CLIMATE SOLUTIONS

2021

2030

2035

2040

2045

2050

Gold Fields    Climate Change Report 2021

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9

Looking beyond 2030 to the net zero target by 2050, the picture is less clear, but we know 
the high-level initiatives needed to take us there and these are depicted in the bottom graphic. 
By 2050, all the electricity used by our mines will be clean electricity, with 70% of that target to 
be achieved by 2030.

For diesel consumption, our high-level target is to eliminate 20% in the first 10 years and then 
accelerate this programme until 100% elimination is achieved by 2050. Carbon offset programmes 
are a last resort if we fall short.

We will also have to tackle scope 3 emissions, those from our supplier and upstream base, 
as our targets are currently limited to scope 1 and 2 emissions. Over the next two years we 
will be working with our peers in the ICMM and with our suppliers to look at ways of reducing 
these emissions and will announce our first scope 3 targets before the end of 2023, in line with 
ICMM timelines.

Gold Fields has been measuring and reporting its scope 3 emissions since 2008 and is aligned 
with the rest of the gold industry: research by the World Gold Council has found that upstream 
scope 3 emissions account for approximately 20% of the industry’s total emissions. During 2024, 
Gold Fields' scope 3 emissions accounted for 23% of our total emissions. On the plus side we also 
know that compared to other metals and minerals gold has a relatively low carbon footprint, though 
that does not absolve us from our responsibility towards minimising our impact as best as we can. 

 
 
 
  
Our net-zero commitments

Renewable energy

The decarbonisation strategy 
includes a significant lever: 
green energy. In all, 75% of 
the 2030 target will be reached 
through renewable energy use 
and storage. Gold Fields’ emission 
reduction drive started in 2016 
with over US$420m investments in 
renewable energy projects by 2021 
(GFL US$100m; Independent Power 
Producers (IPPs) via power 
purchasing agreements (PPAs) 
US$320m). 

This has resulted in 18% absolute 
net group emission reductions 
to date. Renewables now 
account for 4.3% of the Group's 
electricity mix (excluding hydro) 
in 2021 (2016: <1%) rising by 14% 
by 2025. If hydroelectricity 
from Cerro Corona is included, 
renewables currently account 
for 12.5% of our electricity mix, 
improving to approximately 22% 
by 2025.

AUSTRALIA – Agnew
Completed 2021

AUSTRALIA – Granny Smith
Completed 2020

AUSTRALIA – Gruyere
Expected commissioning Q2 2022

• IPP: EDL
•   18MW wind, 4MW solar, 13MW/4MWh 

battery storage, 18MW gas, 3MW diesel
•   50% – 60% renewable energy fraction, 

up to 85% during ideal conditions
•   42% net mine emissions reduction
•   Total cost: US$80m (IPP: US$58m; 

ARENA: US$10m)

•   First large-scale Australian microgrid to 

incorporate wind turbines

•   Planned 73% renewable energy by 2030

•   IPP: Aggreko
•   8MW solar, 2MW/1MWh battery storage, 

35MW gas, 5MW diesel

•   9% renewable energy fraction (electricity) 
•   7% net mine emissions reduction
•   Total cost: US$28m (IPP: US$26m) 
•   Planned 35% renewable energy by 2030, 
comprising 28MW wind, 18MW/9MWh 
battery storage

•   IPP: APA
•   12MW solar, 4.4 MW/4.4MWh battery 
storage, 53MW gas, 3MW diesel 

•   10% renewable energy fraction (electricity)
•   7% net mine emissions reduction
•   Total cost: US$20m (IPP: US$20m 

(renewables only))

•   Plan to achieve 25% renewable energy 
by 2030, increasing by 20MW solar 

AUSTRALIA – St Ives
•   Existing power purchase agreement 

in place until end 2023, with electricity 
supply of 100% natural gas

•   Feasibility study for a standalone power 

solution underway

•   Planned 75% – 85% renewable energy 

by 2025, which will comprise wind, solar, 
diesel back-up and battery storage

GHANA – Tarkwa
•   IPP: Genser Energy
•   Installed turbines and infrastructure
•   Generator upgrade in 2025
• Gas transition from diesel to LPG (2016) 

to natural gas (2020)

•   Gas transport via pipeline

GHANA – Damang
•   IPP: Genser Energy
•   Installed turbines and infrastructure
•   Generator upgrade in 2026
• Gas transition from diesel to LPG (2016) 

to natural gas (2020)

•   Gas transport via pipeline

SOUTH AFRICA – South Deep
Expected commissioning H2 2022

CHILE – Salares Norte project
Expected commissioning Q1 2024

•   IPP: Aggreko
•   27MW diesel, solar microgrid of which 

solar to provide 10MW

•   Total cost: US$19m (IPP: US$13m)
•   Planned 79% renewables comprising 
20MW solar, 10MW wind and storage 
by 2030

•   50MW solar plant (previously 40MW)
•   To provide 24% of mine’s electricity
•   R123m/year saving
•   109kt net emissions reduction per year
•   Total cost: R715m (US$45m) (previously 

R660m)

•   Ambition is to achieve 45% renewable 

energy with storage capacity

•   50MW solar will save ~ 167 000kl of water 

consumed by Eskom

•   Successfully relocated protected 
plant species during construction

Gold Fields    Climate Change Report 2021

CCR

10

PERU – Cerro Corona
•   Energy provider Kallpa's 100% 

hydroelectricity is certified as clean 
energy by the International REC 
Standard. As such, 100% of the mine's 
electricity is classified as renewable
•   Planned additional renewable energy 

sources by 2030

•   6MW bought from the grid

Climate change risks and opportunities

CLIMATE CHANGE-RELATED RISKS
The World Economic Forum’s 2022 Global Risk Report identifies climate action failure, extreme weather and biodiversity loss as one of the top three most severe risks on a global scale over the next 10 years. Human environmental damage and natural resource crises 
are seventh and eighth respectively. The WEF Report warns of a systemic risk of exacerbated global inequalities as a result of a disorderly climate transition. No sector, business, person or region will be able to avoid the impacts of climate change. 

Gold Fields has incorporated climate-related risks and opportunities into our enterprise risk management and strategy processes at Group and regional levels. Each region conducted its second five-yearly climate change risk and vulnerability assessments during 2021, 
with the Salares Norte project conducting its first assessment. Focused climate change risk and vulnerability assessments have been initiated for the Group’s tailings storage facilities (TSFs) and water infrastructure as well. National and international climate-related regulatory 
and legislative requirements are reviewed continually to ensure that associated risks are managed and potential opportunities leveraged. 

Our net-zero commitments

GOLD FIELDS’ 2021 CLIMATE-RELATED TOP STRATEGIC GROUP RISKS 

Rating

Group risks

Context

Mitigating actions

Opportunities

8
(2020: 9)

Failure to 
implement 
climate change 
adaptation 
measures

Stakeholders are increasing expectations 
of climate change leadership through, 
inter alia, robust climate change adaptation. 
We are already experiencing extreme 
weather events. Climate-related policy, 
legislation and regulations are becoming 
more stringent to reflect the increased 
country ambitions pledged at COP26 
and thereafter.

Gold Fields is actively implementing measures to 
increase our resilience to climate change impacts. 
These include regional climate change risk and 
vulnerability assessments, with adaptation and 
mitigation plans monitored quarterly, as well as 
collaboration initiatives with peers and industry 
associations.

Natural climate solutions 
can assist us in reaching 
net zero, contribute to 
biodiversity and enhance 
social and regulatory 
licences to operate.

12
(2020: 13)

Water 
security

15
(new)

ESG: 
Stakeholder 
expectations

Water security for both Gold Fields and 
other water catchment users is affected by 
water pollution, freshwater use and water 
recycling/reuse. The majority of our regions 
are water scarce, while Ghana must deal 
with excess water, especially during floods 
and storms.

The Gold Fields 2020 – 2025 water stewardship 
strategy, aligned to ICMM good practice, is 
implemented through three-year regional water 
management plans. ISO 14001 certification at all 
operations ensures sound water stewardship 
governance.

The incorporation of ESG into business 
strategy and practice is rapidly gaining 
traction amid increased investor 
expectations. Hollow “feel-good” 
ESG corporate statements and 
unsubstantiated targets are being called 
out as greenwashing and could impact 
reputation. Purposeful ESG integration 
requires capital and expertise skill sets.

The ESG Charter, with six priorities and clear and 
measurable targets, based on international best 
practice, is being implemented. The first part of 
the decarbonisation strategy to achieve 30% net 
emission reductions by 2030, dealing with scope 1 
and 2 emissions, has been developed, with scope 
3 emissions targets and actions to follow by 2023. 
The ambitious decarbonisation strategy includes 
renewable energy, energy efficiency and diesel 
replacement initiatives. The 2025 water stewardship 
strategy implementation is progressing ahead 
of targets.

Improve water security 
for communities and the 
environment and improve 
community relations in water-
stressed regions. Achieve 
cost savings and reduce 
reliance on utility companies.

Vastly reduced carbon 
footprint, more compelling 
investment case and 
improved reputation. Showing 
leadership in renewable 
energy and technology 
adoption can prompt greater 
collaboration with other 
industry players and peers.

GOLD FIELDS’ 2021 CLIMATE-RELATED TOP CATASTROPHIC GROUP RISKS

Rating

Risks

Context

Mitigations

1

2

Tailings dam 
failure

Catastrophic TSF failure could cause loss 
of life and environmental and property 
damage. There could be many triggers for 
failure, of which climate change, including 
extreme weather events, is one.

Robust and stringent TSF management governance, including processes, 
procedures and controls, based on ICMM guidance and GISTM. We are further 
strengthening governance by ensuring conformance of all TSFs with “extreme” 
or “very high” consequence classifications with the GISTM by August 2023 and 
all other TSFs by August 2025.

Flooding
(major incident 
causing loss of 
life and property 
damage)

The recent IPCC reports indicated with 
a high level of certainty that the volatility 
and extremity of weather events will 
increase and that global warming is 
affecting a change in the global water 
system. Extreme flooding could result in 
damage to and collapse of infrastructure, 
including power supply, compromising 
pumping ability.

Climate risk and vulnerability assessments conducted for all regions, with adaptation 
plans being implemented. Various policies, processes and procedures based 
on ICMM and other guidance such as the ICMM’s Critical Control Management 
Programme. Robust enterprise risk management, including emergency evacuation 
and flooding procedures and emergency response plans.

Gold Fields    Climate Change Report 2021

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11

One of the five wind turbines at our Agnew mine in Western Australia

Unpacking transitionary risks
The outcomes of the recent COP26 held in Glasgow, Scotland, in November 2021 look set to increase legislative and policy transitionary risks for companies. These include the completion of 
the Paris Rulebook, which inter alia deals with stricter emissions disclosures and the exponential development in transparent disclosure and reporting. This has been given further impetus with 
the establishment of the IFRS International Sustainability Standards Board and the consolidation of various accounting and sustainability frameworks. More than 5,200 businesses, including 
Gold Fields, and about 450 financial institutions have to date committed to science-based net zero targets and there has been a marked increase in public-private collaborations to deal with 
climate change impacts.

During 2022, a focus at Group level will be on aligning our disclosure with new rules by the US Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) entitled: The enhancement and standardisation of 
climate-related disclosures for investors. These are set to be unveiled in mid-2022. Similarly, we will seek to align with the Johannesburg Stock Exchange's (JSE) voluntary JSE Sustainability 
and Climate Disclosure Guidance.

Our net-zero commitments

CLIMATE-RELATED LEGISLATION, POLICIES AND NDCS

CHILE

PERU

AUSTRALIA

SOUTH AFRICA

GHANA

Key legislation

•   Carbon Tax Law
•   Framework Law on Climate Change 

being developed

•   Promotion of expansion of energy 
matrix through unconventional 
renewable energies

Policy and regulations

•   Long-Term Climate Strategy (ECLP)
•   National Green Hydrogen Strategy, 2020
•   Sectoral mitigation and adaptation plans

Carbon tax

•   Carbon tax of US$5/t CO2e to apply to 
entities that emit 25 00t CO2e and/or 
100t of PM from combustion processes 
from 2023

•   Framework Law on Climate 

•   Clean Energy Finance Corporation 

Change, 2018

•   Energy Efficiency Act, 2007

Act, 2012

•   Proposed Greenhouse Gas Storage and 

Transport Bill for Western Australia

•   National Climate Change Bill
•   Carbon Tax Act, 19 of 2019

•   Renewable Energy Act, 2011

•   2015 National Climate Change 

strategy (ENCC)

•   National Forestry and Climate 

Change strategy

•   Voluntary carbon footprint reporting
•   Proposed Registry of Emissions and 

Transfers of Pollutants

•   Clean Energy Finance Corporation 
Investment Mandate Direction 2020

•   Climate Solutions Package, 2019
•   National Hydrogen Strategy, 2019
•   Emissions Reduction Fund and 

Safeguard Mechanism

•   National Climate Change Adaptation 

Strategy, 2020

•   Sectoral emission targets framework 
and company-level carbon budget 
allocations expected 2023

•   National Climate Change Policy, 2013
•   Ghana Renewable Energy 

Master Plan, 2019

•   National Adaptation Plan 

Framework, 2018

•   Phase 1 of Carbon tax regime 

taxes primary emissions, with no 
liability to date

•   Phase 1 extended until end 2025
•   Pass-through tax on cement

NDCs1

Carbon neutrality by 2050

Fixed level target

Target of net zero emissions by 2050

Fixed level target

Fixed level target

GHG emissions of no more than 
1,100Mt CO2e between 2020 and 2030, 
with a peak by 2025 and GHG level of 
95Mt CO2e by 2030

Range of 208,8Mt CO2e (unconditional) and 
179,0Mt (conditional) by 2030

Reduce GHG emissions by 26% – 28% 
below 2005 levels by 2030 

Range of 398Mt – 510Mt CO2e for 2025; 
350Mt – 420Mt CO2e for 2030 (in line with 
Paris Agreement)

Range of 26.9% and 12% reduction 
by 2025 and 14.9% and 44.9% by 2030 
against business-as-usual levels 

Gold Fields response

•   Salares Norte’s energy will consist 
of a 27MW hybrid microgrid with 
10MW of solar

•   Renewable energy procured from grid
•   Hydro-power allocation classified 

•   Continued implementation of renewable 

•   40MW solar PV plant upgraded to 50MW, 

•   Upgrade of turbines to combined cycle 

energy plants at all four mines

to be commissioned end 2022

gas turbines at Tarkwa

as renewable energy by the International 
REC Standard

•   Participation in Electric Mine Consortium
•   Trial of zero-emission vehicles 

• Approval to increase capacity to 60MW 

•   Electric fleet and diesel replacement

received

•   Trial of zero-emission vehicles 

1 Source: Climate Watch (climatewatchdata.org)

Gold Fields    Climate Change Report 2021

CCR

12

Performance and progress

Energy and carbon management

Energy management is Gold Fields’ key lever in reducing our GHG emissions and transitioning to a low-carbon future. To ensure integrated climate change 
leadership and governance, we have established an Executive Steering Committee to oversee our climate change response, of which our decarbonisation 
strategy forms a significant part. International best practice, such as the recently revised ICMM Position Statement on Climate Change and implementation 
of ISO 50001-certified energy management systems at all sites by 2023, will provide the framework in which our decarbonisation journey will take place.

SDGs:

7

13

AFFORDABLE AND 
CLEAN ENERGY

CLIMATE
ACTION

PERFORMANCE 
ANALYSIS
2021

Total energy consumption
increased by 6% to 13.9PJ 
(2020: 13.1PJ), mainly as a 
result of a 10% increase in 
tonnes mined. The energy mix 
comprises 51% haulage diesel, 
48% electricity and less than 1% 
of other fuels 

Energy intensity 
remained virtually 
unchanged at 5.66GJ/oz 
(2020: 5.64GJ/oz) 

1

2

Energy savings increased to 
1.21PJ (2020: 1.09PJ), translating 
into long-term cost savings of 
US$34m, equal to US$14/oz. 
Our 2017 Energy and Carbon 
Management Strategy 
has delivered cumulative 
energy savings of 3.3PJ and 
combined cost savings of 
about US$140m up to 2021

3

Energy spend increased 
by 25% during 2021 to US$341m 
(2020: US$257m) on the 
back of higher oil prices and 
increased consumption

Scope 1 and 2 emissions
were 7% higher at 1.7Mt CO2e 
than the previous year 
(1.6Mt CO2e), despite a 10% 
increase in tonnes mined 

Emissions intensity increased 
slightly to 0.70t CO2e/oz 
(2020: 0.69t CO2e/oz) 

We exceeded our annual 
target of 287kt CO2e in 
emissions reductions from 
savings initiatives during 2021 
by 7%, achieving 306kt CO2e 
(2020: 253kt CO2e)

4

5

6

7

EMISSIONS AND REDUCTIONS ACHIEVED

KEY REGIONAL ENERGY INITIATIVES

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

6
1

3
9
6
,
1

6
1
0
2

0
9

1
1
6
,
1

7
1
0
2

3
1
1

6
0
5
,
1

8
1
0
2

8
2
1

1
1
6
,
1

9
1
0
2

7
7
1

5
0
6
,
1

0
2
0
2

■ Scope 1 and 2 emissions ■ Annual GHG emissions avoided

GROUP ENERGY USE AND SAVINGS ACHIEVED

16,000
14,000
12,000
10,000
8,000
6,000
4,000
2,000
0

1
2
3

6
9
6
,
1
1

6
1
0
2

6
7
1

8
7
1
,
2
1

7
1
0
2

1
1
4

8
2
6
,
1
1

8
1
0
2

5
0
4

8
9
4
,
2
1

9
1
0
2

5
8
0
,
1

9
2
1
,
3
1

0
2
0
2

6
0
3

4
1
7
,
1

1
2
0
2

1
8
0
2
,
1

5
0
9
,
3
1

1
2
0
2

■ Group energy consumption (TJ) ■ Annual energy savings (TJ)

1 Of the Tarkwa mine’s 2021 total energy savings, 5.6TJ (11.2%) were 

derived from initiatives that deviate from Gold Fields' reporting criteria.

As these initiatives resulted in cost and energy savings, they have been 
recognised as exceptional savings by the Gold Fields Group Head of 
Energy and Carbon.

Total cost savings 
Cost reductions 
CO2e savings

US$0.4m
US$0.4m
US$1.71/oz
US$1.71/oz
1,212 CO2e
1,212 CO2e

US$8.7m
US$8.7m
US$7.63/oz
US$7.63/oz
90,274 CO2e
90,274 CO2e

US$3.9m
US$3.9m
US$13,38/oz
US$13,38/oz
42,638 CO2e
42,638 CO2e

AMERICAS
REGION

Cerro Corona’s carbon footprint is the lowest in Gold Fields. The mine has been ISO 50001 certified since 2018.
Cerro Corona’s carbon footprint is the lowest in Gold Fields. The mine has been ISO 50001 certified since 2018.
•  Optimising haulage process and reduction of diesel consumption
•  Optimising haulage process and reduction of diesel consumption
•  LED light towers
•  LED light towers
•  Continuation of LED lighting rollout
•  Continuation of LED lighting rollout
•  Commissioning of 10MW solar plant at the Salares Norte project in Chile in Q2 2024
•  Commissioning of 10MW solar plant at the Salares Norte project in Chile in Q2 2024

AUSTRALIA
REGION

Australia is Gold Fields’ leading renewable energy region, with Agnew’s hybrid microgrid supplying 57% renewable electricity
Australia is Gold Fields’ leading renewable energy region, with Agnew’s hybrid microgrid supplying 57% renewable electricity
•  Improve haulage efficiency and diesel reduction
•  Improve haulage efficiency and diesel reduction
•  Installed a power line to reduce diesel consumption
•  Installed a power line to reduce diesel consumption
•  Installation of capacitor banks to reduce reactive power
•  Installation of capacitor banks to reduce reactive power
•  Gas waste heat recovery
•  Gas waste heat recovery
•  Commissioning of renewables microgrid at Gruyere in Q2 2022
•  Commissioning of renewables microgrid at Gruyere in Q2 2022

As 93% of South Deep’s carbon footprint is fossil-fuel electricity based, its energy efficiency initiatives are electricity grid-related.
As 93% of South Deep’s carbon footprint is fossil-fuel electricity based, its energy efficiency initiatives are electricity grid-related.
•  Commissioning of 50MW solar plant in H2 2022
•  Commissioning of 50MW solar plant in H2 2022
•  Switch off one 3MW compressor and run one compressor at 4MW
•  Switch off one 3MW compressor and run one compressor at 4MW
•  Pumping station optimisation and recirculation of water
•  Pumping station optimisation and recirculation of water
•  Replacement of fans with new energy efficient fans
•  Replacement of fans with new energy efficient fans
•  Fan systems optimisation
•  Fan systems optimisation

SOUTH AFRICA 
REGION

WEST AFRICA
REGION

Installation of gas turbines supplied by a pipeline has improved energy security, improved road safety and reduced costs and emissions.
Installation of gas turbines supplied by a pipeline has improved energy security, improved road safety and reduced costs and emissions.
•  Electric pumps to replace diesel pumps for dewatering
•  Electric pumps to replace diesel pumps for dewatering
•  Installation of variable speed drives at tailings pumps 
•  Installation of variable speed drives at tailings pumps 
•  Mining equipment optimisation, including eco driver training
•  Mining equipment optimisation, including eco driver training
•  Carbon-in-leach elution fuel change
•  Carbon-in-leach elution fuel change

US$21.1m
US$21.1m
US$27,16/oz
US$27,16/oz
172,008 CO2e
172,008 CO2e

Gold Fields    Climate Change Report 2021

CCR

13

Performance and progress

Water stewardship

The 6th Assessment Reports issued by the IPCC confirm that the climate crisis is a water crisis, resulting in too much, too little or too polluted water, or a combination 
of these. Our water stewardship approach is that of inclusive management of a commonly shared scarce and valuable resource, acknowledging that access to water is 
a fundamental human right and indispensable to the proper functioning of all natural ecosystems. We are also very aware that most of our operations are situated in 
water-stressed areas. Gold Fields’ five-year water stewardship strategy is closely aligned to the ICMM Water Position Statement and follows an integrated water 
resource management approach, including catchment management informed by risk and opportunity analyses. As water risks are local, each region identified its key 
risks and opportunities to develop its regional water management plan. We also started a process to assess the impact of climate change on the integrity of 
all water management structures across the Group.

DRIVING SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIES

Gold Fields continued to 
participate in CDP water 
disclosure and achieved 
an A- rating for 2021.

WATER STEWARDSHIP STRATEGY PERFORMANCE

Efficient water user

Responsible operator

Engaged operator

Community projects/initiatives

WATER RECYCLED/REUSED

PERU

•   Integrated data management software 

• Feasibility study for a TSF water 

for water quality monitoring data
•   Water resource risk assessment

treatment plant completed

• Provision of water monitoring 
reports to host communities

• Rainwater harvesting
• Optimisation of potable water system in 

• Workshops with communities were 

Hualgayoc

postponed due to Covid-19 
restrictions

• Construction of a water treatment plant to 
provide drinking water to communities

SOUTH 
AFRICA 

• Aim to eliminate Rand Water (utility) 

• Received the approved amendment 

• Active engagement with the 

consumption to zero by 2050
• Water conservation and demand 

management plan

• Exceeded both water targets

to the 2018 water use licence

• The old return water dam was desilted 
and designs for an upgraded lining 
completed 

Rietspruit Catchment Forum with 
instream water quality results shared

• Shared-value projects

• Collaborated with government agencies to 
raise awareness of the importance of trees 
and water during Arbor Day and planting trees 
at three schools

• Starting water management education 

programmes in schools

AUSTRALIA

•   Water balance reviewed
•   Identified water projects, e.g. 

commissioned seepage transfer station 
at the TSF to capture and recycle 
seepage water

• Water management risk assessments 
completed, with water management 
plans for all sites to be completed 
during 2022

• Identified key water stakeholders
• Engaged with all the local shires on 
the impacts of climate change, how 
to mitigate the effects of drought 
etc.

• Participation in the Goldfields Voluntary 

Organisation of Councils comprising 10 local 
governments to discuss issues in the 
Goldfields region of Western Australia

GHANA

• Commissioned clarification plant 

• Site water management plans 

• Catchment and water source-based 

at Tarkwa

completed

risk assessments and controls

• Host community water committees re-formed 
• Watershed mapping completed

Our focus remains on continual improvement of our water management practices, pollution prevention, recycling and water conservation. Water stewardship is one of six priorities 
of the Gold Fields ESG Charter, with 2030 targets to recycle and reuse at least 80% of water and reduce freshwater use at least 45% from a 2018 baseline. During 2021, Gold Fields 
spent US$32m on water management and projects (2020: US$25m). We met all our water-related targets during 2021. 

(%)

100

2
8

2
7

50

2
5

4
8

8
6

1
5

9
7

1
8

9
7

3
8

7
8

4
8

0
8

8
8

9
1

8
2

1
4

7
3

2
3

7
3

0

7
1
0
2

8
1
0
2

9
1
0
2

0
2
0
2

1
2
0
2

■ South Africa ■ West Africa ■ Americas ■ Australia ■ Group

FRESHWATER USE/WITHDRAWN 

(GL)

10

5

0

5
.
6

2
.
4

3
.
3

3
.
7

9
.
2

9
.
0

8
.
3

5
.
0

2
.
3

7
1
0
2

8
1
0
2

9
.
5

3
.
4

7
.
0

9
1
0
2

8
.
4

6
.
1

9
.
2

6
.
0

7
.
3

4
.
3

6
.
1

7
.
0

0
2
0
2

1
2
0
2

■ South Africa ■ West Africa ■ Americas ■ Australia ■ Group

SDG:

6

CLEAN WATER 
AND SANITATION

PERFORMANCE 
DATA

The primary gains were achieved at Tarkwa and South Deep. Tarkwa installed a micro-filtration 
unit on a clarifier return line to the carbon-in-leach plant and reused process water for cooling 
at the power plant and to mix explosives and some chemicals 

TARGET
Recycle/reuse 80% of total water use by 2030

PERFORMANCE IN 2021
75%

South Deep continued to recycle treated sewage effluent and upgraded its potable water 
pipeline, reducing losses

TARGET
45% reduction of freshwater use from 
a 2018 baseline by 2030

PERFORMANCE IN 2021
35%

ICMM issued an updated Water 
Reporting Guideline and we updated 
our internal guideline accordingly.

Gold Fields    Climate Change Report 2021

CCR

14

Tailings storage facilities

SDGs:

9
6
6

INDUSTRY, 
CLEAN WATER 
CLEAN WATER 
INNOVATION AND 
AND SANITATION
AND SANITATION
AND SANITATION
INFRASTRUCTURE

12

RESPONSIBLE
CONSUMPTION

MANAGEMENT OF 
TAILINGS DAMS

TAILINGS MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

Gold Fields’ Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) Management Policy Statement commits us to ensure that our TSFs cause zero harm or damage 
to our people and the natural environment. At the industry and company level, we are pursuing two broad strategies to further strengthen 
the technical management and governance of the 37 tailings facilities at our operations and joint ventures. 

As a member of the ICMM, Gold Fields has been integrally part of the development of the Global Industry Standard on Tailings 
Management (GISTM) as an international imperative to prevent TSF failures, such as those that had occurred over the past few years 
at the Brumadinho and Samarco TSFs in Brazil, both resulting in major losses of lives, and the Mount Polley TSF in Canada. This global 
best practice standard sets out how companies can ensure that tailings facility risks are managed appropriately, consistently and 
transparently. 

At a company level, Gold Fields has publicly endorsed and committed to conforming to the GISTM. We have also aligned our tailings 
management practices to the ICMM position statement on tailings management. In 2021, Gold Fields launched a review of each of 
our major water management structures, including TSFs, to evaluate their status, identify opportunities for improvement and assess 
the potential impact of climate change on their integrity.

CLIMATE CHANGE RISK AND VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENTS 

We appreciate that risk management and, specifically, a deep understanding of the climate change resilience and vulnerability of our 
TSFs is an integral part of our TSF strategy. Therefore, we have initiated a process to amplify the recently completed regional risk and 
vulnerability assessments (see p16 – 20) to include a specific focus on our TSFs and water management structures. In addition, we will 
follow the ICMM Tailings Best Practice Guide in relation to TSF design for climate change as part of our process towards conformance 
to the GISTM. The actions to achieve this include the following: 
• Ensure that the hydrological parameters are current 
• Estimate the potential changes in Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP) and Probable Maximum Precipitation (PMP) events due to 

climate change at each operation 

• Update water balances and hydrological and hydrogeological models for all operations 
• Develop a water-retaining structure design guideline or standard.

SOUTH DEEP DOORNPOORT TSF CLIMATE RISK ASSESSMENT 

We initiated the first regional assessment of the Doornpoort TSF at South Deep during 2021, with the assistance of external specialists. 
The assessment continued the recent regional risk and vulnerability assessment and the 2019 dam break assessment. The assessment 
is based on a climate change scenario of an increase in the mean temperature, a decrease in rainfall and an increase in rainfall variability. 
The two main hazards in connection with TSF failure are slope instability and overtopping, which could lead to the uncontrolled release 
of tailings and water in the form of a flow slide. These flow failures, in turn, could lead to serious environmental impacts and potential 
impacts on nearby residential settlements. However, both overtopping failure and slope instability are unlikely due to adequate water 
management and performance monitoring.

Performance and progress

The tailings dam at Cerro Corona in Peru

OUR TSF 
MANAGEMENT 
TIMELINE

2015

2018

2020

2023

2025

2030

ICMM review of 
Samarco and Mt 
Polley failures

Gold Fields TSF 
Management 
Guideline updated

Gold Fields Incident 
Standard developed; 
Gold Fields TSF audits 
conducted; AMIRA 
Research Project 
launched; GISTM 
launched through 
ICMM

Gold Fields    Climate Change Report 2021

CCR

15

Tarkwa and Cerro 
Corona GISTM 
conformance exercise 
to be completed

All other TSFs GISTM 
conformance studies 
to be completed

Target to reduce 
active upstream TSFs 
from five to three

Climate change risk and vulnerability

Climate change risk and vulnerability assessment

A second round of climate change risk and vulnerability assessments was conducted at all our mines during 2021, other than at the Salares Notre project, which conducted its first assessment. The initial assessments followed the ICMM 
methodology to increase the resilience of Gold Fields, our operations, the value chain and local communities, as set out in the “Adapting to a changing climate” 2013 ICMM Report. In 2019, the ICMM released an update to the report, 
entitled “Adapting to a changing climate: building resilience in the mining and metals industry”, following the same methodology. 

The updated assessments followed this methodology and classified the impacts of climate change on the core operations, the value chain and the broader network comprising the social and natural environment. Risk is determined by 
the severity and the probability of an uncertain future event occurring. Vulnerability evaluates the degree to which a system is incapable of coping with adverse effects of climate change. The vulnerability of a system is determined by the 
exposure to the climate change impact, the sensitivity of the system, and its capacity to adapt. The vulnerability of each risk is classified as low, medium or high, according to the consideration of the exposure to climate change and its 
sensitivity, followed by an adjustment according to the adaptive capacity of the system to climate change.

CHILE – Salares Norte Project

NATIONAL 
PROJECTIONS

➜

➜

➜

Increased
temperature

Decreased
snow

Decreased 
annual rainfall

Increased storm 
frequency and intensity

Increased 
water stress

LOCAL 
PROJECTIONS/
FACTORS

4,500m altitude, extreme wind and snow, open pit mining

This is the first risk and vulnerability assessment completed for the Salares Norte project in Chile, covering the currently expected life-of-mine of the project of 11.5 years. The assessment focused on gaining an understanding of the extent of 
the risks and the project’s vulnerability over the life-of-mine. The next phase of the process, within the next two years, will entail developing adaptation measures to address these risks and increase the resilience of the project.

Business process/stakeholder

Climate change impact

Risk

Vulnerability

Processing

Transport

Health and safety

Disruption to operations

Reduced available quantity of process water

Communication failure

Increased electricity costs due to low PV efficiency

Disruption in transport system and damage to internal roads

Increased cooling/heating costs and potential heat/cold stress

Land slide

Migration

Drought

Sea Swells

Land slide

Migration

Melting Glacier

Respiratory illness

West Africa

Peru

West Africa

Drought

Sea Swells

Frost

Decreasing wind speed

Peru
Water stress

Melting Glacier

Respiratory illness

Land slide

Migration

West Africa

Frost

Decreasing wind speed

Water stress

Increased discomfort experienced by mine employees

Decreased productivity due to lower temperatures

Suppliers

Contractor workforce

Social environment

Drought

Sea Swells

Peru

Melting Glacier

Respiratory illness

Land slide

Migration

Frost

Decreasing wind speed

Water stress

Land slide
Drought

Migration
Sea Swells

Drought

Sea Swells

Melting Glacier

Respiratory illness

West Africa

West Africa

Peru

Peru

Melting Glacier

Respiratory illness

Frost

Decreasing wind speed

Water stress

Land slide
Frost

Migration
Decreasing wind speed

Water stress

West Africa

Disruption to core services and supplies and delays in transport of materials, critical equipment and spares

Increased costs of upstream products

Disruption to operations

Movement of personnel to sites and interruptions

Reputational impact due to the impact on the “Salar de Pedernales” (Salt lake)

Increased tension in communities due to living conditions and lack of access to safe water

Regulatory

Drought

Sea Swells

Land slide

Migration

Peru

Melting Glacier

Respiratory illness

Drought

Sea Swells

Increased vulnerability of host communities

West Africa

Increased dependency of host communities on Gold Fields

Peru

Increased restrictions on GHG emissions and restriction on the use of fresh water for mining

I

S
N
O
T
A
R
E
P
O
E
R
O
C

I

N
A
H
C
E
U
L
A
V

K
R
O
W
T
E
N
R
E
D
A
O
R
B

Infrastructure

Land slide

Migration

Natural environment/
biodiversity

Drought

Sea Swells

West Africa

Drought

Flooding

Peru

Ocean swells

Frost

Decreasing wind speed

Water stress

Land slide

Migration

Melting Glacier

Respiratory illness

West Africa

Carbon tax and increased reporting

Frost

Decreasing wind speed

Water stress

Increase in flooding and damage to public roads

Drought

Sea Swells

Peru

Reduced availability of water and food for fauna (chinchilla)

Melting Glacier

Respiratory illness

Land slide

Migration

West Africa

Storms

Water scarcity

Landslides

Temperature

Water stress

Snow

Wind

Heat/cold stress

Carbon tax

Negative investor perceptions

Melting Glacier

Respiratory illness

Frost

Decreasing wind speed

Water stress

Drought

Sea Swells

Peru

Frost

Decreasing wind speed

Water stress

Melting Glacier

Respiratory illness

Frost

Decreasing wind speed

Water stress

Gold Fields    Climate Change Report 2021

CCR

16

Medium

Medium

Medium

Low

Medium

Medium

Medium

Low

Medium

Low

Medium

Medium

Medium

Medium

Medium

Low

Medium

Low

Medium

Low

 
 
 
Climate change risk and vulnerability assessment continued

PERU – Cerro Corona

NATIONAL 
PROJECTIONS

Increased
temperature

➜ ➜

Increased rainfall 
variability

➜

Increased extreme 
weather events

➜

Increased 
rainfall

LOCAL 
PROJECTIONS/
FACTORS

Open pit mining, 3,600 – 4,000m altitude, extreme rainfalls that could disrupt the route to the harbour

Business process/stakeholder

Climate change impact

Risk

Vulnerability

Adaptation measures

Climate change risk and vulnerability

I

S
N
O
T
A
R
E
P
O
E
R
O
C

I

N
A
H
C
E
U
L
A
V

K
R
O
W
T
E
N
R
E
D
A
O
R
B

Waste disposal

TSF slope stability and integrity

Extraction

Decreased productivity during heavy rainfall events

Opencast mine slope stability

Pit flooding compromising the pumping systems and threatening the 
quality of water being discharged

Interruption in production due to decrease in available water due to 
increased evaporation caused by increased temperature 

Unsafe working conditions for field workers due to increased 
lightning storms 

Cessation of operations caused by interruption of concentrate transport 
to port

High

High

High

High

• Alignment with GISTM
• Slope stability monitoring system in place
• Monitoring of ground water levels, piezometric ground water pressure, pumping capacity, water treatment capacity and 

TSF capacity

• Pit dewatering system, including backup pumps

• Slope stability monitoring system in place

• Pit dewatering system, including pumping wells, channels for drainage and collection and ponds for storage and 

pumping

• Monitoring of groundwater levels

Medium

• Short and long-term water balance models and decisions on water transfers

High

High

• Early storm warning system to alert workers of electrical storms
• Shelter provided for field workers

• Increase of concentrate storage capacity on-site and at the port

Damage to roads due to flooding and excessive rainfall

Medium

• Use of crushed rock on the surface of the road
• Frequent maintenance of the roads

Negative impact on natural vegetation process affecting closure 
and post-closure

Medium

• Feasible revegetation plan as part of the mine closure plan

➜

➜

➜

➜

West Africa

Peru

Land slide

Migration

Drought

Sea Swells

Melting Glacier

Respiratory illness

Frost

Decreasing wind speed

Water stress

Land slide

Migration

Drought

Sea Swells

West Africa

Peru

Health and safety

Transport

Mine closure

Supply chain

Port infrastructure

➜

Melting Glacier

Respiratory illness

Damage to port infrastructure could cause logistics and supply 
chain delays

Disruption in supply chain and the interruption of the provision 
of supplies

High

High

• Available alternative routes are in fairly good condition for the delivery of products
• Increased stock level of diesels up to approximately 10 days in the event of a disruption
• Construction works at the dam wall are postponed during the rainy season and resumed during the dry season

• Investigations of an alternative port for shipping of concentrate

Electricity supply

Frost

Decreasing wind speed

Water stress

Interruption of electricity supply due to impact on hydropower from 
melting glaciers

Medium

• Back-up energy supply

Transport and supply chain

➜

Disruption of supplies due to road damage

Medium

• Alternative routes have been identified and on-site stock supply for operations 

Social environment

Poverty and literacy levels may hamper the ability of host communities 
to build resilience to the impacts of climate change

Medium

• Training and awareness on the impacts of climate change
• Implementation of projects to improve the water supply to the host communities including water treatment and 

Drought

Sea Swells

Peru

rainwater harvesting

Land slide

Migration

West Africa

➜

➜

➜

Natural environment/ 
biodiversity

Melting Glacier

Respiratory illness

Increased vulnerability of food provision and food prices for 
coastal communities

Frost

Decreasing wind speed

Water stress

Migration trend inland into the direct area of influence of the mine 
as demands for jobs increase 

Medium

• Increased engagement with communities and investment in agricultural projects

Medium

• Focus on host community employment and non-mining jobs

Spread of water pollution and water borne diseases affecting host 
communities due to change in water flow

Medium

• Community-based initiatives to build community resilience
• Shared Value Strategy

Change in ecosystem services due to the impacts of climate change

Low

• Investigate options to enhance the resilience of ecosystem services to host communities

Land slide

Migration

West Africa

Heavy rainfall

Flooding

Extreme weather events

Lightning

Storms

Evaporation

Temperature

Landslides

Rockfalls

Drought

Glacier melting

Sea level rise

Storm surges

➜

Increased rainfall

Drought

Sea Swells

Peru

Melting Glacier

Respiratory illness

Gold Fields    Climate Change Report 2021

CCR

17

Frost

Decreasing wind speed

Water stress

 
 
 
Climate change risk and vulnerability

Climate change risk and vulnerability assessment continued

AUSTRALIA – St Ives, Granny Smith, Gruyere and Agnew

NATIONAL 
PROJECTIONS

➜

➜

Increased
temperature

Reduced 
rainfall

Increased extreme 
weather events

Increased
bushfires

Legislation and 
policy changes

LOCAL 
PROJECTIONS/
FACTORS

Mostly underground mining with some surface mining in remote, arid and mostly hot areas with high evaporation.

Extremely infertile soils with saline to hypersaline groundwater. 

Increase in temperature, decrease in annual rainfall, increase in the intensity and the number of hot days, increase 
in droughts, increase in bushfires.

Business process/stakeholder

Climate change impact

Risk

Vulnerability

Adaptation measures

Extraction

Adequacy of flood management and storage capacities to 
safeguard personnel

Medium

• Align flood management protocols to a critical control management approach
•  Review surge capacity in light of in-pit waste rock disposal
•  Integrated long-term modelling into closure planning for appropriate structures

Mineral processing

Declining availability of process water

Medium

Waste disposal

TSF stability during periods of extreme rainfall

Medium

Health and safety

Increase in ventilation requirements as mines move deeper 
and ambient temperature increases

Medium

Bushfire impact to infrastructure, supply and safety

Medium

• Life of mine water risk assessments for all sites
• Water included into strategic plans
•  Water source and capacity studies at all operations

•  Complete buttress works at the Granny Smith TSF
•  Complete drainage works at the Gruyere TSF
•  Utilise in-pit tailings where possible
•  Align to the GISTM
•  Closure modelling scenarios to include long-term stability assessments

•  Innovation and technology strategy
•  Participate and provide input into the Electric Mine Consortium
•  Investigate and trial battery electric vehicles for the underground operations
•  Continue with investigations and deployment of remote technologies and ventilation-on-demand technologies

•  Review site critical hazard standards to ensure appropriate coverage of bushfire risk
•  Review site-based fire management plans
•  Identify at risk infrastructure
•  Mutual aid agreements at all sites to ensure regional responses
•  Participation in Goldfields Voluntary Regional Organisation of Councils work on climate change

Energy consumption increase for cooling of equipment 
and workplaces

Medium

•  Align to ISO 50001
•  Energy management plans for all sites, inclusive of a focus on energy efficiency
•  Implement technology strategy to reduce heat loading
•  Transition energy sources to renewable energy

Policy and regulatory

Government restricting access to water

Medium

 •  Implementation of the three-year water management strategies
 •  Broaden water balance focus to mining activity with linked water management plans
 •  Identify all potential water sources with a view towards regulatory approval
 •  Water included into strategic plans

Social environment

Societal pressure to address climate change

Medium

 •  Develop a plan for 30% emissions reductions by 2030
 •  Continue with renewable energy projects 
 •  Utilise the existing government engagement plan to emphasise Gold Fields’ approaches and successes to 

tackle climate change

 •  Participate in the Chamber of Minerals and Energy structures and ensure Gold Fields content within the social  

positioning campaigns

I

S
N
O
T
A
R
E
P
O
E
R
O
C

I

N
A
H
C
E
U
L
A
V

K
R
O
W
T
E
N
R
E
D
A
O
R
B

Storms

Flooding

Water scarcity

Extreme weather events

Temperature

Evaporation

Bushfires

Drought

Regulations

Social licence to operate 

Gold Fields    Climate Change Report 2021

CCR

18

 
 
 
Climate change risk and vulnerability

Climate change risk and vulnerability assessment continued

SOUTH AFRICA – South Deep

NATIONAL 
PROJECTIONS

➜ ➜

➜

➜

Increased
temperature

Increased rainfall 
variability

Decreased 
annual rainfall

Increased 
storms

Increased water stress 
and prolonged drought

LOCAL 
PROJECTIONS/
FACTORS

Deep underground mining up to  2,995 metres below ground level and surface mining.

Business process/stakeholder

Climate change impact

Risk

Vulnerability

Adaptation measures

Underground

Processing

Increased electricity consumption and costs, due to more cooling 
requirements

Reduced onsite water flows resulting in increased demand for water 
from Rand Water and Rand Water’s inability to provide sufficient 
quantity of water

High

High

Health and safety

Employee heat exhaustion and dehydration, specifically at surface 
operations

Medium

• 50MW solar PV project
• Energy efficiency initiatives, including energy efficient vent fans

• Redirected sewerage effluent into process water system for reuse
• Increased on-site water storage, with water storage reticulation projects
• Additional boreholes drilled with water conservation schemes
• Developed scavenger wellfields

• Various projects implemented in terms of fan efficiency increase in the cooling system
• Increased awareness related to heat stress incorporated into health and safety programmes
• Updated heat stress and dehydration strategies

Waste management

TSF slope stability during periods of high rainfall

Medium

• Implementation of GISTM
• Incorporation of climate change into TSF design and modelling

Mine closure

Electricity 
infrastructure

Suppliers

Workforce

Negative impact on natural revegetation process as part 
of rehabilitation process

Low

• Continual evaluation of the mine closure plan

Increased electricity costs or disruption of supply

Medium

• 50MW solar PV project
• Investigations into further renewable energy projects
• Implementation of energy efficient vent fans

Increased price of upstream products due to carbon tax

Medium

• Engagement with suppliers about carbon tax

Employees working outside on surface at increased risk of heat 
exhaustion and dehydration

Medium

• Increased awareness related to heat stress incorporated into health and safety programmes for surface 

personnel.

Host communities

Increased tension in communities due to delivery and living conditions

High

• Initiatives to build adaptive capacity of the host communities, including social investments to increase 

Climate change exacerbates the risk of increased dependency of host 
communities on Gold Fields as a result of poor service delivery

Medium

economic diversification, education, training and health and wellbeing.

• Continual engagement with host communities.

• Consider water infrastructure upgrade projects at host communities.
• Reduce dependence on water utility.
• Continual engagement with host communities.

I

S
N
O
T
A
R
E
P
O
E
R
O
C

I

N
A
H
C
E
U
L
A
V

K
R
O
W
T
E
N
R
E
D
A
O
R
B

Temperature

Water stress

Drought

Heatwaves

Extreme weather events

Air quality

Flash floods

Carbon tax

Gold Fields    Climate Change Report 2021

CCR

19

 
 
 
Climate change risk and vulnerability assessment continued

GHANA – Tarkwa and Damang

NATIONAL 
PROJECTIONS

➜ ➜

➜

➜

➜

Increased
temperature

Increased rainfall 
variability

Increased extreme 
weather events

Increased 
very hot days

Sea level 
rise

LOCAL 
PROJECTIONS/
FACTORS

Open pit mining – high flood risk, extremely high risk of untreated water and wastewater discharge, high risk of 
drinking water shortage, extremely high risk of unimproved/no sanitation, high risk of drought, high risk of tailings 
and infrastructure failures, stringent regulation. 

Business process/stakeholder

Climate change impact

Risk

Vulnerability

Adaptation measures

Climate change risk and vulnerability

Extraction

Larger volumes of mine water and increased pit flooding and pumping 
with associated increased operational costs

High

Decreased water quality available for processing purposes

Increased operational costs due to maintenance of roads

Materials handling 
and processing

TSF and infrastructure failure

High

High

High

Health and safety

Increased discomfort experienced & risk of heat-related illnesses

High

Suppliers

Regulatory

Social environment

Investor perceptions

Insurance providers

Natural environment

Increased spread of vector-borne diseases such as malaria, cholera, etc.

High

Weather-related delays in transport of materials, critical equipment 
and spares 

Increased legislative and other requirements, including renewable 
energy and biodiversity protection

Increased vulnerability of host communities due to impacts of climate 
change, including increased dependency on Gold Fields for service 
provision and financial support during crises

High

High

High

Decreased food security, increased spread of tropical diseases 
worsening community health and poverty, induce migration, contribute 
to civil unrest, and increase conflict over natural resources.

High

Increased pressure from investors, lenders, and insurers to minimize 
carbon liabilities and develop adaptation plans.

Medium

Climate-related damage may raise premiums or make insurers unwilling 
to provide insurance or re-insurance.

Increased difficultly to reestablish vegetative cover

Medium

High

I

S
N
O
T
A
R
E
P
O
E
R
O
C

I

N
A
H
C
Y
L
P
P
U
S

K
R
O
W
T
E
N
R
E
D
A
O
R
B

Drought

Flooding

Storms

Stringent regulation

Water scarcity

Temperature

Sea level rise

Extremely uncomfortable days

Gold Fields    Climate Change Report 2021

CCR

20

• Undertake a mine wide flood risk assessment and modelling to assess hotspots or flush points for planning
• Continue to mine deeper in the dry season to compensate for wet season limitations
• Increase stockpiling to ~28 days, as per longest period of consecutive days of rainfall
• Divert excess run-off water away from pit 
• Upgrade pumps and secure back ups
• Drainage channels enhancement 
• Continued on-site water quality testing and permitting for discharge

• Increase water recycling and treatment to improve water quality

• Continue to raise or elevate roads with adequate terrain and gradient
• Line haul roads with crushed waste rock for operational continuity on rainy days
• Continue to divert run-offs away from road networks

TSFs:
• Continue to implement effective GISTM programmes
• Ensure mine is ICMI certified at all times
• Ensure all TSFs have overflow outlet paths/spill ways, especially during high rainfall periods and emergencies
• Erosion resilient material used in constructing TSF walls
Mine infrastructure:
• Undertake infrastructure resilience study
• Increase the frequency and condition monitoring programmes and implement corrections where needed
• Use climate resilient materials for construction/building structures on the mine

• Provide for increased operating cost from energy usage in hot seasons 
• Invest in solar hybrid air conditioners for onsite offices
• Employee training on heat stress/climate change and health issues, including malaria and heat stress monitoring 

programme, including frequent health checks
• Enhanced employee wellbeing programmes 

• Malaria control and insect bite prevention programme
• Employee training

• Critical spares pre-ordered and stocked considering potential downtimes
• Green/sustainable procurement practices
• Regular monitoring of roadside waterways, including storm water diversion
• Regular storm water drains maintenance and desilting

• Continued monitoring of regulatory developments, including updated NDC
• Continue to Implement a dynamic and effective climate change strategy
• Prioritise compliance obligations
• Consider climate offset projects (such as waste-to-energy, solar project, forest protection/conservation etc.) and work 

closely with communities, government/regulators

• Continued community education on climate change impacts 
• Community shared value programmes, including rehabilitation of household ablution and water facilities 
• Assisting municipalities with providing basic service delivery, including electricity, potable water, and ablution facilities
• Extensive collaboration with NGOs in areas of sanitation, water 
• Water and Sanitation Committee to continue
• Dynamic emergency preparedness and response awareness

• Effective host community procurement and job creation
• Farmer education and studies to investigate harvesting trends in line with climatic conditions
• Continued support to improve community economic performance through various programmes (e.g. YouHOP, Cocoa growing) 

• Effective decarbonisation programmes, including offset projects 
• Good environmental stewardship practices
• Effective implementation of sustainable mining plans/strategy
• Closure costs and bonds in place

• Effective climate change strategy and implementation
• Increase financial provisions for insurance

• Develop closure designs that support survival of flora/fauna under adverse conditions 
• Biodiversity management plans to include climate resilient vegetation strategies
• Implement effective biodiversity management programmes

 
 
 
Regional and Group energy carbon performance

ELECTRICITY PURCHASED (GWh)

Peru
Australia
South Africa
Ghana
Group

DIESEL CONSUMPTION (ML)

Peru
Australia
South Africa
Ghana
Group

TOTAL ENERGY CONSUMPTION (PJ)

Peru
Australia
South Africa
Ghana
Group

ENERGY INTENSITY (GJ/oz PRODUCED)

Peru
Australia
South Africa
Ghana
Group

TOTAL ENERGY COSTS (US$m)

Peru
Australia
South Africa
Ghana
Group

ENERGY SPEND (% OF OPEX)

Peru
Australia
South Africa
Ghana
Group
SCOPE 1 CO2 EMISSIONS (kt)2
Peru
Australia
South Africa
Ghana
Group

SCOPE 2 CO₂e EMISSIONS (kt)2

Peru
Australia
South Africa
Ghana
Group

SCOPE 3 CO₂e EMISSIONS (kt)2

Peru
Australia
South Africa
Ghana
Group
EMISSIONS INTENSITY (TONNES CO2e/oz) (SCOPE 1 AND 2)2
Peru
Australia
South Africa
Ghana
Group

Includes 100% energy costs for Gruyere, previously 50% was included.

¹
2 Emission factors 2016 to 2020 for West Africa and Americas restated in line with ISO 14064.

Gold Fields    Climate Change Report 2021

CCR

21

2021

152
189
465
474
1,280

19
64
3
107
193

1.23
5.21
1.78
5.69
13.90

4.94
4.94
6.10
7.33
5.66

30
1241
43
144
341

16%
15%
14%
25%
14%

52
425
9
302
788

27
106
493
302
927

54
245
34
209
542

317
460
1,710
777
697

2020

147
174
399
476
1,197

14
54
2
115
185

1.02
4.70
1.52
5.89
13.13

4.92
4.10
6.69
7.86
5.64

23
84
29
121
257

15%
12%
12%
23%
16%

29
364
7
357
756

33
97
415
304
850

41
232
29
216
518

299
400
1,870
882
690

2019

148
211
436
457
1,253

17
56
2
115
190

1.15
3.91
1.65
5.79
12.50

3.93
4.05
7.42
7.96
5.67

29
81
32
158
300

17%
13%
13%
33%
20%

33
282
6
361
682

39
120
463
307
929

61
171
27
225
484

246
420
2,111
918
730

2018

150
247
450
437
1,284

15
52
2
114
184

1.08
3.14
1.69
5.71
11.63

3.45
3.56
10.76
8.10
5.64

26
78
33
164
302

16%
15%
13%
37%
21%

29
215
6
349
599

33
141
436
297
907

63
152
25
243
484

197
400
2,813
915
730

Statistic and assurance

2017

151
282
498
435
1,366

12
59
3
113
188

1.00
3.63
1.90
5.65
12.18

3.25
3.89
6.77
7.95
5.46

22
81
34
120
258

15%
15%
11%
26%
17%

28
235
9
434
705

33
160
493
234
919

49
168
28
240
485

199
420
1,780
939
732

2016

153
287
526
434
1,400

13
71
3
97
183

1.01
3.60
2.01
5.07
11.70

3.75
3.82
6.91
7.09
5.27

21
84
32
153
289

14%
14%
12%
32%
20%

29
233
9
448
719

39
166
526
241
972

45
167
35
203
450

253
430
1,920
963
763

Gold Fields’ carbon footprint – 2021

Statistic and assurance

Operation

SOUTH AFRICAN REGION INCLUDING OFFICES
South Deep Joint Venture
Gold Fields Group Service
WEST AFRICAN REGION INCLUDING OFFICES
Tarkwa Gold Mine
Damang Gold Mine
Accra office
AUSTRALIAN REGION INCLUDING OFFICES
St Ives Gold Mine
Agnew Gold Mine
Gold Fields DHC Proprietary Limited
Granny Smith Gold Mine
Gruyere Management Proprietary Limited
Perth office
SOUTH AMERICAN REGION INCLUDING OFFICES
Cerro Corona Gold Mine
Lima office

GROUP TOTAL

Operation

SOUTH AFRICAN REGION INCLUDING OFFICES
South Deep Joint Venture
Gold Fields Group Service
WEST AFRICAN REGION INCLUDING OFFICES
Tarkwa Gold Mine
Damang Gold Mine
Accra office
AUSTRALIAN REGION INCLUDING OFFICES
St Ives Gold Mine
Agnew Gold Mine
Gold Fields DHC Proprietary Limited
Granny Smith Gold Mine
Gruyere Management Proprietary Limited
Perth office
SOUTH AMERICAN REGION INCLUDING OFFICES
Cerro Corona Gold Mine
Lima office

Diesel: haulage 
and other

Diesel: power 
generation

 Petrol

 Liquid 
petroleum gas

 Gas for power 
LNG

 Blasting agents

 Gas for process 
(pipeline 
natural gas)

 Acetylene

Total 
scope 1 
emissions 

 Total 
scope 2 
emissions

Total 
scope 1 and 2 
emissions

Scope 1 – 2 emissions (tCO2e) – 2021

8,592
8,587
5

288,605
207,040
81,481
84

169,220
50,529
24,910

32,882
60,899

50,483
50,456
27

516,899

2,166

2,166

2,867

317

704
1,846

5,033

140

140

78
78

218

3,180
323
2,856
1

2,828
1,198
750

861
20

213
213

245,812

32,209

84,706
128,897

6,221

245,812

318
318

4,976
4,119
857

2,924
196
402

377
1,949

1,479
1,479

9,697

2,613
2,613

1,339

(0)
1,339

15
15

20
10
10

7
2
1

1
3

3
3

8,924
8,920
5

301,699
214,105
87,369
225

424,998
51,925
58,588

119,531
194,953

52,255
52,228
27

493,117
493,050
66

301,656
204,617
96,791
247

105,641
105,539
0

0
0
102

26,554
26,554

502,041
501,970
71

603,355
418,722
184,160
472

530,639
157,464
58,588

119,531
194,953
102

78,810
78,783
27

3,952

45

787,877

926,968

1,714,845

Scope 3 emissions (tCO2e) – 2021

Total 
purchased 
goods and 
services

Total 
fuel and 
energy-related 
activities

Upstream 
transport and 
distribution

Waste 
generated

Total 
business 
travel

15,759 
15,757 
1 

61,259 
47,001 
14,236 
22 

111,677 
43,318 
19,913 

14,115 
34,332 

15,454 
15,454 

15,986 
15,984 
2 

142,710 
110,464 
32,185 
61 

120,991 
18,618 
16,317 

24,990 
61,063 
3 

37,049 
37,043 
6 

171 
171 
0

2,980 
2,221 
757 
1 

3,322 
992 
601 

566 
1,162 

925 
925 
0

7,397 

344 
344 

774 
686 
88 

501 
248 
18 

102 
133 

120 
120 

66 
44 
22 

336 
268 
67 
1 

6,505 
364 
1,686 

2,228 
2,227 

424 
424 

Employee 
commuting

1,013 
1,013 
0

481 
298 
184 
0

869 
210 
127 
0
239 
72 
221 

168 
168 
0

Downstream 
transport and 
distribution

Processing of 
sold products

End-of-life 
treatment of 
sold product

Total 
scope 3 
emissions

27 
27 

6 
4 
2 

22 
8 
4 

5 
5 

8 
8 

62 

100 
100 

143 
96 
47 

210 
72 
41 

51 
45 

24 
24 

477 

200 
200 

286 
192 
94 

419 
144 
82 

103 
91 

48 
48 

953 

33,665 
33,639 
26 

208,974 
161,229 
47,659 
86 

244,516 
63,974 
38,790 
0
42,399 
99,129 
224 

54,221 
54,214 
6 

541,375 

GROUP TOTAL

204,149 

316,737 

1,739 

7,330 

2,531 

The following categories of Scope 3 emissions are zero

Category

Comment

Capital goods 
Upstream leased assets 
Use of sold products 
Downstream leased assets 
Franchises 
Investments 

This is reported as zero as it is not applicable for reporting 

This is reported as zero because energy use after refining of gold is assumed to be negligible 

No franchises, therefore zero 
No franchises, therefore zero 

Gold Fields    Climate Change Report 2021

CCR

22

Statistic and assurance

TCFD Index

TCFD RECOMMENDATION

WHERE DISCLOSED IN THIS REPORT

PAGES

OTHER LINKAGES1

GOVERNANCE
– Disclose the organisation’s governance around climate-related risks and opportunities

a. Describe the Board’s oversight of climate-related risks and opportunities.

b. Describe management’s role in assessing and managing climate-related risk 

and opportunities.

• Climate change leadership and advocacy
• CEO’s statement

• SHSD Chair’s statement
• Governance and management

• Climate change targets and highlights
• Climate change leadership and advocacy
• Governance and management
• Gold Fields’ climate-related policy statements 

and commitments

• Our decarbonisation journey
• Renewable energy
• Climate change risks and opportunities
• Climate change risk and vulnerability assessments

3 – 5

3, 5 – 12, 
16 – 20

STRATEGY
– Disclose the actual and potential impacts of climate-related risks and opportunities on the organisation’s businesses, strategy and financial planning where such information is material

a. Describe the climate-related risks and opportunities the organisation has identified 

over the short, medium and long term.

• Renewable energy
• Climate change risks and opportunities

• Transitionary risks
• Climate change risk and vulnerability assessments

10, 12, 
16 – 20

IAR – Governance and Leadership
AFR – Responsibilities of the SHSD Committee

IAR – Risks and opportunities
IAR – CEO’s report
IAR – Our ESG priorities and 2030 targets
IAR – Environmental stewardship
IAR – Water management
IAR – Climate change and energy management
IAR – Tailings Management
www.goldfields.com/energy-and-climate-change.php

IAR – Risks and opportunities
IAR – CEO’s report
IAR – Water management
IAR – Climate change and energy management
IAR – Tailings Management

b. Describe the impact of climate-related risks and opportunities on the organisation’s 

business, strategy and financial planning.

c. Describe the resilience of the organisation’s strategy, taking into consideration 

different climate-related scenarios, including a 2°C or lower scenario.

• CEO’s statement
• SHSD Chair’s statement
• Renewable energy

• CEO’s statement
• SHSD Chair’s statement
• Our decarbonisation journey

• Climate change risks and opportunities
• Transitionary risks
• Climate change risk and vulnerability assessments

10 – 20

IAR – Risks and opportunities
IAR – CEO’s report
www.goldfields.com/energy-and-climate-change.php

4, 8 – 9

IAR – Climate change and energy management

RISK MANAGEMENT
– Disclose how the organisation identifies, assesses and manages climate-related risks

a. Describe the organisation’s process for identifying and assessing climate-related 

risks.

b. Describe the organisation’s processes for managing climate-related risks

• Climate change risks and opportunities
• Transitionary risks

• Climate change risks and opportunities
• Transitionary risks

• Climate change risk and vulnerability assessments

16 – 20

• Climate change risk and vulnerability assessments

16 – 20

c. Describe how processes for identifying, assessing, and managing climate-related 

risks are integrated into the organisation’s overall risk management.

• Climate change risks and opportunities
• Transitionary risks
• Climate change risk and vulnerability assessments

• Water stewardship
• Tailings storage facilities

14 – 20

IAR – Risks and opportunities
www.goldfields.com/risk-materiality.php

IAR – Risks and opportunities
www.goldfields.com/risk-materiality.php

IAR – Risks and opportunities
www.goldfields.com/risk-materiality.php

METRICS AND TARGETS

a. Disclose the metrics used by the organisation to assess climate-related risks and 

opportunities in line with its strategy and risk management process.

• Climate change targets and highlights
• Gold Fields’ climate-related policy statements 

b. Disclose scope 1, 2 and if appropriate scope 3 GHG emissions and the related risks

c. Describe the targets used by the organisation to manage climate-related risks and 

opportunities and performance against targets.

and commitments

• Our decarbonisation journey

• Energy and carbon management
• Regional and Group energy carbon performance

• Climate change targets and highlights 
• CEO’s statement
• Governance and management
• Gold Fields’ climate-related policy statements 

and commitments

1 IAR = 2021 Integrated Annual Report; AFR = 2021 Annual Financial Report (including Governance Report); GRI = Global Reporting Initiative Content Index 

• Energy and carbon management
• Water stewardship
• Regional and Group energy carbon performance
• Gold Fields’ carbon footprint – 2021

3, 6 – 9, 
13 – 14, 
21 – 22

IAR – Risks and opportunities
www.goldfields.com/risk-materiality.php
www.goldfields.com/energy-and-climate-change.php

• Gold Fields’ carbon footprint – 2021

13, 21 – 22

IAR – Environmental stewardship
IAR – Climate change and energy management

• Our decarbonisation journey
• Energy and carbon management
• Water stewardship

3 – 9, 
13 – 14, 
21 – 22

IAR – Environmental stewardship
IAR – Climate change and energy management
www.goldfields.com/energy-and-climate-change.php

Gold Fields    Climate Change Report 2021

CCR

23

External assurance statement

INDEPENDENT ASSURANCE STATEMENT TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS 
OF GOLD FIELDS LIMITED 
ERM Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd (‘ERM’) was engaged by Gold Fields Limited (‘Gold Fields’) to provide reasonable assurance in relation 
to selected sustainability information set out below and presented in Gold Fields’ 2021 Climate Change Report for the year ended 
31 December 2021 (the ‘Report’).

Engagement summary

ASSURANCE 
SCOPE

Whether the 2021 data, for the period 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021, for the following selected 
performance indicators disclosed in the Report are fairly presented, in all material respects, with the 
reporting criteria:
• Electricity Purchased [GWh] – page 21
• Diesel Consumption [ML] – page 21
• Total Energy Consumed [PJ] – page 21
• Total CO2-equivalent emissions, scope 1,2 and 3 [kt CO2e] – page 21 – 22
• Total CO2-equivalent emissions avoided from initiatives [kt CO2e] – page 13
• Total energy saved from initiatives [TJ] – page 13
• Total water consumed (withdrawal – discharge) [GL] – page 14
• Total water recycled/re-used per annum [GL] – page 14

REPORTING 
CRITERIA 

• Gold Fields GRI Standards Sustainability Reporting Guideline, V28 (October 2021)
• Gold Fields Group Protocol for Energy and Carbon Performance Data Management, 

V4 (October 2021)

ASSURANCE 
STANDARD

ERM CVS’ assurance methodology, based on the International Standard on Assurance Engagements 
(ISAE) 3000 (Revised) and ISAE 3410 (for GHG Statements)

LEVEL OF 
ASSURANCE

Reasonable Assurance

RESPECTIVE 
RESPONSIBILITIES

Gold Fields is responsible for preparing the Report, including the collection and presentation of the 
disclosures covered by the scope of our engagement, the design, implementation and maintenance 
of related internal controls over the information and data, as well as the integrity of its website. 

ERM’s responsibility is to provide an opinion on the selected information based on the evidence we have 
obtained and exercising our professional judgement, on whether the information covered by the scope 
of our engagement has been prepared in accordance with the stated criteria. ERM disclaims any liability 
for any decision a person or entity may make based on this Assurance Statement.

OUR ASSURANCE ACTIVITIES

We planned and performed our work to obtain all the information and explanations that we believe were necessary to reduce 
the risk of material misstatement to low, and therefore provide a basis for our assurance opinion. A multi-disciplinary team of 
sustainability and assurance specialists performed the assurance activities, including, amongst others:
• Testing the processes and systems, including internal controls, used to generate, consolidate and report the selected 

sustainability information;

• Reviewing the suitability of the internal reporting guidelines, including conversion factors used;
• In-person visits to interview responsible staff and verify source data and other evidence at the following sites: 

– Agnew Mine, Australia; and
– Granny Smith Mine, Australia

• Remote reviews to verify source data for the following sites: 

– Gruyere Mine, Australia; 
– St Ives Mine, Australia; 
– Cerro Corona Mine, Peru; 
– South Deep Mine, South Africa;
– Tarkwa Mine, West Africa; and 
– Damang Mine, West Africa

• An analytical review of the year-end data submitted by the sites listed above, and testing of the accuracy and completeness 

of the consolidated 2021 Group data for the selected indicators; and

• Reviewing the presentation of information relevant to the scope of our work in the Report to ensure consistency with our findings.

1 ERM's assurance coverage of Scope 3 emissions included the following categories: Purchased Goods & Services, Fuel & Energy Related Activities, and Business 

Travel; representing a coverage of 97% of total Scope 3 emissions. ERM also verified the overall Scope 3 emissions consolidation.

Statistic and assurance

OUR ASSURANCE OPINION

In our opinion, the selected sustainability performance information included in the Assurance Scope and presented in the Report, 
are prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with the Reporting Criteria.

EMPHASIS OF MATTER 

Without affecting our opinion, we draw attention to the explanatory notes provided by Gold Fields on page 13 of the Report relating 
to the total energy savings for Tarkwa mine and their recognition as exceptional savings by the Gold Fields Group Head of Energy 
and Carbon. 

THE LIMITATIONS OF OUR ENGAGEMENT

The reliability of the assured data is subject to inherent uncertainties given the methods for determining, calculating or estimating 
the underlying information. It is important to understand our assurance opinions in this context. Our independent Assurance 
Statement provides no assurance on:
• The maintenance and integrity of Gold Fields’ website, including controls used to achieve this integrity, and in particular, whether 

any changes may have occurred to the information since it was first published; or

• Any other information in the Report or on Gold Fields’ website for the current reporting period; or on the baseline values used for 
presenting performance against targets; or prospective information including ambitions, plans, expectations or their achievability.

FORCE MAJEURE – COVID-19

As a result of travel restrictions arising from the current global pandemic, we were unable to carry out certain assurance activities 
as originally planned and agreed with Gold Fields. In-person visits to selected operations and the head office were replaced with 
remote reviews via teleconference and video calls for this year’s assurance engagement. While we believe these changes do not 
affect our reasonable assurance opinions above, we draw attention to the possibility that if we had undertaken in-person visits 
we may have identified errors and omissions in the assured information that we did not discover through the alternative approach.

OUR OBSERVATIONS

We have provided Gold Fields with a separate detailed Management Report. Without affecting the opinion presented above, 
we have the following observations:
• Operations were found to have improved documentation retention processes for emissions avoided and energy saved from their 
initiatives, although there is an opportunity for Gold Fields to apply an improved and consistent approach to the definition and 
calculation approach for these indicators, in line with good practice for energy measurement and verification. 

• Attention should be given to improving the implementation of change management processes at selected Australian sites to 

maintain continuity in data management and reporting processes across environmental subject matters, especially when there 
are changes in personnel involved in these processes.

Jonathan van Gool 
Engagement Partner, ERM Southern Africa 

29 March 2022

ERM Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd, Johannesburg, South Africa
www.erm.com 
jonathan.vangool@erm.com 

Gareth Manning
 Review Partner, ERM CVS, London

 29 March 2022

ERM Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd and ERM Certification and Verification Services (CVS) are members of the ERM Group. All employees are 
subject to ERM’s Global Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. ERM CVS is accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service 
(UKAS) and our operating system is designed to comply with ISO 17021:2011. We have policies and procedures in place covering 
quality, independence and competency. In line with established best practice for nonfinancial assurance, this engagement was 
undertaken by a team of assurance and sustainability professionals. The work that ERM CVS conducts for clients is solely related 
to independent assurance activities and auditor training. Our established management processes are designed and implemented to 
ensure the work we undertake with clients is free from organisational and personal conflicts of interest or bias. The ERM and ERM CVS 
staff that have undertaken this assurance engagement provide no consultancy related services to Gold Fields Limited in any respect.

Gold Fields    Climate Change Report 2021

CCR

24

Glossary, administration, corporate information, forward-looking statement and disclaimer

GLOSSARY

ADMINISTRATION AND CORPORATE INFORMATION

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 

Statistic and assurance

This glossary contains key definitions based on the IPCC’s Working Group II 
Report, Summary for Policymakers as contribution to the Sixth Assessment 
Report (IPCC 2022, pages SPM 4 and 5).

Adaptation

Adaptation 
limits

Exposure

Hazard

Resilience

Risk

Human systems adapt by adjusting to actual or expected 
climate and its effects to lessen harm or take advantage 
of beneficial opportunities. Ecological systems adapt by 
adjusting to the actual climate and its effects, which may 
be facilitated by human intervention.

The point at which the needs of human or ecological 
systems can no longer be secured from intolerable risks 
through adaptive actions. Two limits can be distinguished: 
•   Hard adaptation limit: the intolerable risks can no 
longer be avoided through adaptation actions

•   Soft adaptation limit: intolerable risk can be avoided 
through options, but these are currently not available

The existence of people, economic, social or cultural 
assets, infrastructure, livelihoods, ecosystems and their 
functions and the like, in places and settings that could 
be negatively affected.

The potential for the occurrence of a natural 
or human-induced physical event or trend with 
adverse effects, such as loss of life, injury or health 
impacts, loss and damage to property, ecosystems 
and environmental resources.

Any system’s ability to bounce back, cope and return 
to a previous state after a disturbance in order to 
maintain its essential function, identity and structure 
and to still be able to adapt, learn and transform. 

Risk can be used as a valuable framework to understand 
the interlinked and increasingly severe impacts of climate 
change on human systems, ecosystems and biodiversity. 
Risk is the potential for negative consequences for 
human or ecological systems, cognisant of the array 
of values and objectives underlying these systems. 
The interactions between climate-related hazards, and 
the exposure and vulnerability of affected human and 
ecological systems gives rise to risk.

Vulnerability

The tendency, or exposure to be negatively affected, 
determined by a system’s level of sensitivity to harm and 
its lack of capacity to cope and adapt.

Sponsor
J.P. Morgan Equities South Africa Proprietary Limited
1 Fricker Road
Illovo, Johannesburg 2196
South Africa

Gold Fields Limited
Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa
Registration number 1968/004880/06
Share code: GFI
Issuer code: GOGOF
ISIN: ZAE 000018123

Investor enquiries
Avishkar Nagaser
Tel: +27 11 562 9775
Mobile: +27 82 312 8692
email: avishkar.nagaser@goldfields.com

Thomas Mengel
Tel: +27 11 562 9849
Mobile: +27 72 493 5170
email: thomas.mengel@goldfields.com

Media enquiries
Sven Lunsche
Tel: +27 11 562 9763
Mobile: +27 83 260 9279
email: sven.lunsche@goldfields.com

Listings
JSE/NYSE/GFI

Directors: CA Carolus (Chair), CI Griffith** (Chief Executive 
Officer), PA Schmidt** (Chief Financial Officer), A Andani#, 
PJ Bacchus*, TP Goodlace, JE McGill^, SP Reid^, PG Sibiya, 
YGH Suleman.

ˆ Australian  * British  # Ghanaian  ** Executive Director

Company Secretary 
Anré Weststrate
Tel: +27 11 562 9719
Fax: +086 720 2704 
email: anré.weststrate@goldfields.com

Registered Office 
Johannesburg
Gold Fields Limited
150 Helen Road
Sandown
Sandton
2196

Postnet Suite 252
Private Bag X30500
Houghton
2041

Tel: +27 11 562 9700
Fax: +27 11 562 9829

Office of the United Kingdom Secretaries
London
St James’s Corporate Services Limited
Suite 31, Second Floor
107 Cheapside
London
EC2V 6DN
United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7796 8644
email: general@corpserv.co.uk

American depository receipts transfer agent
Shareholder correspondence should be mailed to:
BNY Mellon 
PO Box 505000
Louisville, KY 40233 – 5000

Overnight correspondence should be sent to:

BNY Mellon
462 South 4th Street, Suite 1600
Louisville, KY40202
email: shrrelations@cpushareownerservices.com

Phone numbers
Tel: 888 269 2377 Domestic
Tel: 201 680 6825 Foreign

www.goldfields.com

Gold Fields    Climate Change Report 2021

CCR

25

This report, or the documents referred to herein, contains 
forward-looking statements within the meaning of section 
27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 (the Securities Act) 
and section 21E of the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934 
(the Exchange Act) with respect to Gold Fields’ financial 
condition, results of operations, business strategies, 
operating efficiencies, competitive position, growth 
opportunities for existing services, plans and objectives 
of management, markets for stock and other matters. 
Such forward-looking statements can be identified by the 
use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms 
“believes”, “estimates”, “plans”, “anticipates”, “aims”, 
“continues”, “expects”, “hopes”, “may”, “will”, “would” or 
“could” or, in each case, their negative or other various 
or comparable terminology. These forward-looking 
statements, including, among others, those relating to 
Gold Fields’ future business prospects, revenues and 
income, and including any climate change-related 
statements, targets and metrics, wherever they may 
occur in this report, or the documents referred to herein, 
are necessary estimates reflecting the best judgement 
of Gold Fields’ senior management and involve a 
number of risks and uncertainties that could cause 
actual results to differ materially from those suggested 
by the forward-looking statements. Consequently, 
these forward-looking statements should be considered 
in light of various important factors, including those 
outlined in this report, or the documents referred to 
herein. Gold Fields undertakes no obligation to publicly 
update or release any revisions to these forward-looking 
statements to reflect events or circumstances after 
the date of this report or to reflect the occurrence of 
unanticipated events. Refer to Gold Fields’ comprehensive 
forward-looking statements on www.goldfields.com.

DISCLAIMER

This report is focused on climate-related risks 
and opportunities and aims to follow the TCFD 
recommendations. It includes information on scope 1 
and 2 carbon emissions. Climate related data is not yet 
of the same quality as data available in the context of other 
financial information and over time is likely to improve. 
Understanding of approaches to climate transition and 
physical risk is rapidly evolving. Some of the content of this 
report is forward looking and developed based on current 
information and belief and is subject to future risks, 
dependencies and uncertainties. Gold Fields also publish 
corporate sustainability disclosure on other sustainability 
topics in its 2021 Integrated Annual Report.

www.goldfields.com