Johannesburg - Gold Fields [JSE:GFI] said in a SENS report on Friday that it has taken note of what it calls "the misleading and factually inaccurate" Business Day article.
The article appeared headlined "South Deep woes grow with R12bn Kebble suit".
It relates to a law suit against Gold Fields by Randgold & Exploration (R&E). At the time Kebble was the CEO of Western Areas and R&E.
R&E is alleging that Gold Fields "assisted in the unlawful disposal of shares owned by R&E in Randgold Resources and Afrikander Lease".
"This claim relates to alleged activities during the period from 2002 to 2005 and was instituted by Randgold and Exploration Company on August 21 2008," Gold Fields said in a statement.
It has been reported by Gold Fields in its annual reports, integrated reviews and quarterly financial results statements since then.
"This claim is historic and relates to a period of time prior to Gold Fields purchasing the mine," the company said.
"The length of time taken by Randgold and Exploration Company to prosecute this claim supports both Gold Fields' and its attorneys Werksmans' considered view that the claim is completely without merit."
"It should be noted that the claims lie only against Gold Fields Operations Limited, whose only interest is a 50% stake in the South Deep mine," Gold Fields said in its latest results report.
"This alleged liability is historic and relates to a period of time prior to the Group purchasing the company."
Gold Fields Operations Limited's assessment remains that it has sustainable defences to these claims and it intends to defend the claims, it said.
- SENS
The article appeared headlined "South Deep woes grow with R12bn Kebble suit".
It relates to a law suit against Gold Fields by Randgold & Exploration (R&E). At the time Kebble was the CEO of Western Areas and R&E.
R&E is alleging that Gold Fields "assisted in the unlawful disposal of shares owned by R&E in Randgold Resources and Afrikander Lease".
"This claim relates to alleged activities during the period from 2002 to 2005 and was instituted by Randgold and Exploration Company on August 21 2008," Gold Fields said in a statement.
It has been reported by Gold Fields in its annual reports, integrated reviews and quarterly financial results statements since then.
"This claim is historic and relates to a period of time prior to Gold Fields purchasing the mine," the company said.
"The length of time taken by Randgold and Exploration Company to prosecute this claim supports both Gold Fields' and its attorneys Werksmans' considered view that the claim is completely without merit."
"It should be noted that the claims lie only against Gold Fields Operations Limited, whose only interest is a 50% stake in the South Deep mine," Gold Fields said in its latest results report.
"This alleged liability is historic and relates to a period of time prior to the Group purchasing the company."
Gold Fields Operations Limited's assessment remains that it has sustainable defences to these claims and it intends to defend the claims, it said.
- SENS