Using a Group-level methodology to produce regional Sustainable
Development Action Plans
In 2011, Gold Fields initiated a programme to develop a common approach to the management of Sustainable
Development across the Group. This approach uses a risk-based methodology that facilitates the development
of comprehensive Action Plans to ensure all relevant issues are proactively and responsibly managed. Each
Action Plan is developed on a collaborative basis by:
- Gold Fields regional Sustainable Development teams
- Individual experts from Gold Fields Group-wide Sustainable Development team
- External experts
This – along with the systematic, yet flexible nature of the methodology – means each Action Plan is aligned with
Gold Fields overall approach and priorities, local circumstances and international best practice.
The methodology is based on the identification and categorisation of ‘latent’ risks and opportunities. These are
used to develop a highly-tailored action plan to ensure the most prudent, effective and objective use of Gold
Fields available Sustainable Development resources.
This cutting-edge approach has already been applied in three locations, helping drive detailed programmes to
address (amongst other issues):
- The implementation of ethnographic studies of local communities and labour-sending areas in South
Africa to improve the impact of Gold Fields Local Economic Development spending
- A comprehensive set of actions to address illegal mining and to promote responsible artisanal mining
near Gold Fields operations in Ghana
- Financial literacy programmes to help local communities and officials manage future revenues should
Gold Fields exercise its 60% option over the Far Southeast project and take it to development
In 2012, Gold Fields plans to apply this methodology to its remaining regions and projects – helping move closer
towards its Vision of being the global leader in sustainable gold mining.
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