Gold Fields secures US$107 Million environmental bond to advance sustainable mining

By Prince Antwi June 18, 2026

Gold Fields Ghana has secured approximately US$107million in environmental reclamation bonds to guarantee the restoration of mined lands, reinforcing its commitment to responsible mining and environmental stewardship.

The company said the bond, submitted in line with regulatory requirements, serves as a financial assurance mechanism to ensure adequate funding is available for mine rehabilitation and closure activities throughout the life of its operations.

Speaking at the 2026 Environmental Sustainability Summit organised by Business and Financial Times (B&FT), Gold Fields Ghana’s Principal Specialist for Mine Closure (Africa and Canada Assets), Dr Jones Mantey, emphasised the importance of environmental protection, describing it as central to the company’s operations and long-term strategy.

“Our commitment is simple: if we cannot mine safely, we will not mine. That commitment extends beyond safety to environmental responsibility. We strive not only to comply with regulations but to go beyond compliance and leave the environment in a better condition,” he said.

“The company has operated in Ghana for nearly three decades and sustainability remains a core pillar of its business model, alongside economic and social development,” he established.

Strong focus on biodiversity

Dr Jones Mantey further highlighted biodiversity conservation as one of Gold Fields key environmental priorities and noted that healthy ecosystems are critical to climate resilience and long-term environmental sustainability.

According to him, almost one million trees have been planted through the company’s rehabilitation and afforestation programmes to restore destroyed lands and enhance biodiversity around its operations.

He also pointed out healthy wildlife populations within and around its operational areas, which to him indicates that the company’s conservation efforts are working.

The Chartered Environmentalist also explained that regular biodiversity monitoring is undertaken to protect species of conservation significance and ensure mining activities do not compromise ecological integrity.

Advancing water stewardship

Gold Fields also showcased progress in water management. The presentation disclosed that approximately 94 percent of the water used during operations is recycled and reused.

Dr Mantey noted that reducing freshwater abstraction remains a key objective, with systems in place to maximise water recycling while preventing discharges of contaminated water into the environment.

“Our focus is on increasing water reuse and recycling and limiting our dependence on freshwater sources. We do not discharge contaminated water into the environment,” he said.

This initiative, according to him, forms part of broader efforts to improve resource efficiency and reduce the environmental footprint of mining activities.

Climate commitments

On climate action, the presentation indicated that Gold Fields has adopted ambitious targets to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions as part of its global sustainability agenda.

Dr Mantey said investments in energy efficiency, renewable energy and climate resilience measures are helping to drive progress toward these targets – while supporting the transition to lower-carbon mining operations.

International standards

The company also indicated that its environmental management systems are aligned with internationally recognised standards, including ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems and ISO 50001 Energy Management Systems.

He also noted that Gold Fields is on course to pursue circular economy initiatives aimed at reducing waste generation and diverting materials from landfills through recycling and reuse programmes.

While acknowledging environmental sustainability remains an ongoing journey, Gold Fields stressed that continuous improvement, innovation and stakeholder collaboration remain essential to achieving its sustainability objectives.