Gold Fields Ltd

About Gold Fields

Gold Fields is one of the world's major gold producers, with its head office in Sandown, Sandton, Johannesburg. Its roots go back to 1887, when Cecil Rhodes and Charles Rudd founded Gold Fields of South Africa soon after gold was found on the Witwatersrand. The modern company took shape in 1998, when the gold assets of Gold Fields of South Africa and Gencor were combined. Today it is listed on both the Johannesburg and New York stock exchanges.

The group runs mines in South Africa, Australia, West Africa and South America. In South Africa, its best-known operation is South Deep, on the Witwatersrand. South Deep is one of the largest and deepest gold mines on the planet, so it needs mining engineers, metallurgists, surveyors and electricians who can handle demanding conditions.

How Gold Fields supports students

Gold Fields has run a bursary scheme to build its own pipeline of technical skills. Earlier bursary listings pointed to national diplomas and degrees in mining engineering, metallurgy, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and mine surveying. Students usually studied at a South African university or university of technology.

Past descriptions of the scheme said it normally covered tuition and registration fees, plus a living-out allowance for each semester. The value was reviewed every year, and Gold Fields decided it at its own discretion. Earlier criteria also asked for South African citizenship, strong matric results in mathematics and physical sciences, and full-time study. Some listings mentioned age limits for first-year applicants. These details come from older third-party sources, so check them against the current advert.

What to know before applying

Gold Fields lists its opportunities on its own website. Applications usually open once a year. However, dates move from year to year, and no current closing date is confirmed here. Visit the Gold Fields careers pages to see whether a round is open.

Bursary holders in mining often work at a mine during vacations. This practical exposure counts for a lot, because it helps you learn how a shaft, plant or workshop really runs. Some mining bursaries also ask recipients to work for the company for a set period after graduation. The exact terms for the Gold Fields bursary are unconfirmed, so read your contract carefully and ask the company if anything is unclear. To improve your chances, apply early and send complete documents. Include your certified ID, your latest results, proof of registration or an acceptance letter and a motivation that shows why you want a career in mining. Be honest about your interests, and show that you understand the safety culture that mines take very seriously.