OPERATIONS •
GOLD FIELDS’ PASSION FOR PURPOSE, PEOPLE, PARTNERSHIP AND OUR PLANET
By Sharyn Macnamara
Supplied by Resources 4 Africa
Mike Fraser, CEO Gold Fields, at the London Indaba 2025.
Mike Fraser( MF), CEO of Gold Fields, talks to Sharyn Macnamara( SM) about how responsible mining can support transformation within the sector and in the broader society.
SM: In 2025, we saw a major focus in the mining sector on establishing a consolidated global standard for ESG( Environmental, Social and Governance) performance – a goal of the International Council on Mining and Metals( ICMM) and the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance( IRMA). Improved transparency and accountability through independent assessments complimented by a focus on continuous improvement in safety, environmental impact( such as reducing tailings and carbon emissions), and improving social outcomes, especially regarding human rights and community engagement, are the objectives, among others. What is your vision for Gold Fields within this context?
MF: Our primary goal is for Gold Fields to be a high-quality, sustainable gold mining company that is respected for the value it creates for all its stakeholders. Through our people, our values and our culture, we strive to consistently deliver leading, sustainable financial performance alongside meaningful social and environmental impact.
First and foremost, when mining is done well, it can create truly transformational impact for the societies around us. Equally, when done poorly, it can have deeply negative consequences for communities and the environment. To fulfil our‘ Purpose of creating enduring value beyond mining’, Gold Fields stands firmly for responsible mining that delivers positive outcomes for society. For us to remain successful and sustainable, we must drive meaningful transformation both externally and internally.
Internally, we have a responsibility to shape a culture that is fit for the future. This requires our people and our capabilities to be fully aligned to our Purpose. Culture does not emerge by chance – it is shaped deliberately by the way we‘ show up’ every day, and by how consistently we act in alignment with our values. It is also built through intentional investment in leaders, empowering them to create a positive impact on their teams and the business.
A key part of our transformation journey is building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the societies in which we operate. Gold Fields has made strong progress, and we are committed to creating truly inclusive workplaces. We are evolving our culture into one defined by care and accountability, where people feel valued and supported to deliver sustainable, high performance. This requires a holistic approach to change that brings together strategic vision, empowered leadership and mindsets, a fit-forpurpose operating model, and enabling systems and practices.
Today, more than 40 % of senior leadership at Gold Fields, at EXCO and vice-president levels, are women, a milestone achieved through deliberate, thoughtful action. Our commitment is not to transformation as a compliance exercise, but to transformation that works for Gold Fields and for our people. Ultimately, we want every person to go home with a positive lived experience of work. If we can achieve that, the impact will reach beyond our mine gates, influencing families, communities and society in meaningful ways. That is how transformation endures.
www. africanmining. co. za African Mining Publication African Mining African Mining • January 2026 • 59