All of Gold Fields’ operations have tailings management plans in place, including closure and post-closure management plans. In total, Gold Fields’ operations have 27 tailing storage facilities (TSFs) of which 16 are active. All TSFs, as well as associated pipeline and pumping infrastructure, are subject to an independent external audit every three years – or more frequently where required by local circumstances or regulations – as well as regular inspection and formal annual reporting. Gold Fields’ last Group-wide TSF audit was conducted in 2014, the next one will take place during 2017.

During 2016, the Cerro Corona TSF was raised by 5m to 3,776m above sea level. To achieve this the mine had to relocate the spring for the nearby Las Tomas river from 3,771m to 3,800m above sea level. After receiving the required legal permits and reaching agreement with the Manuel Vazquez Association (MVA), a community organisation, the spring was relocated during 2016. In line with its Life of Mine plan, Cerro Corona is planning to raise the TSF further from its current 3,776m to 3,800m over the next two years. The mine has regulatory approval to raise the TSF to that height and is engaging with the MVA to implement the provisions of the previously executed agreement.The ICMM released a position statement, comprising a commitment to implement a new governance framework on tailings storage facilities in December 2016. Gold Fields supports the position of the ICMM and the Group reviewed its tailings management guidelines in early 2017 to ensure compliance with the new framework. Self-assessments and external Group-wide tailings audits are being conducted during 2017 to ensure Gold Fields meets the ICMM’s new framework as well as having critical controls in place to manage potential risks. Cerro Corona has an independent geotechnical review Board for its TSF. The Board reviews the TSF three times per year.

Project Results

The Board reviews the TSF three times per year.