South Deep Gold Mine is a bulk mechanised mining operation built to extract one of the largest known gold deposits in the world and boasts a mineral reserve of 38 million ounces, an equivalent to almost 100,000 gold bullion bars.
Wage negotiations between organised labour and Gold Fields at its South Deep Gold Mine near Westonaria have entered a critical phase, with unions accusing management of "arrogance and disrespect" as both sides remain sharply divided over salary increases.
The fifth round of wage talks between trade unions UASA, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), and Gold Fields management was held on Friday, where tensions reportedly escalated during plenary discussions.
UASA spokesperson Abigail Moyo said the unions were deeply concerned about the state of negotiations, warning that the company’s conduct was undermining constructive engagement.
“The unions have criticised the company’s conduct during the negotiations, citing the need for mutual respect and professional conduct to ensure a mutual understanding, which is especially important for the members and all workers employed by the company,” Moyo said.
