[1] The mine has estimated reserves of 81.4 million oz of gold.

[1] 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.