South Deep mine

South Deep mine
Location
	South Deep mine Location in South Africa
	Gauteng
Country	South Africa
Coordinates	26°25′S 27°40′E / 26.417°S 27.667°E
Production
Products	Gold
Owner
Company	Gold Fields

The South Deep mine is one of the largest gold mines in the South Africa and in the world.^[1] The mine is located in the north-east of the country in Gauteng.^[1] The mine has estimated reserves of 81.4 million oz of gold.^[1]

Environment, Social & Corporate Governance

South Deep Mine has experienced a challenging period over recent years with various steps taken to revise its cost base in order to reduce losses^[2] (of approximately US$292m over a five-year period^[3]). In August 2019 a material restructuring of the mine was announced with the primary aim being to reduce costs by way of cutting 1,100 employees and 460 contractors.^[4]

In response to the retrenchment announcements, the National Union of Mineworkers branch at South Deep started strike action. The strike lasted for 45 days from 2 November 2018 and was ended following a settlement agreement between Gold Fields and the National Union of Mineworkers.