Johannesburg – The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), the majority union at Gold Fields South Deep Mine, has announced that it successfully concluded a five-year wage agreement on behalf of its members and all mine employees.
“The multi-year agreement, negotiated in collaboration with UASA, is effective from 1 March 2026 to 28 February 2031,” NUM said in a statement on Friday, 24 July 2026.
It covers employees in Categories 4 to 8, as well as Miners, Artisans, and Officials. Key Salary Adjustments:
• Year 1:
◦ Categories 4–8: Minimum entry-level basic salary increases to R18,663/month (underground) and R16,233/month (surface). Remaining employees in this category receive a 10% increase.
◦ Miners, Artisans & Officials: 6.2% increase.
• Year 2:
◦ Categories 4–8: Entry-level basic salary rises to R20 006/ month (underground) and R17 401/month (surface), with a 7.2% increase for remaining staff.
◦ Miners, Artisans & Officials: 6% increase.
• Year 3:
◦ Categories 4–8: Entry-level basic salary increases to R21 426/ month (underground) and R18 637/month (surface), with a 7.1% increase for other staff.
◦ Miners, Artisans & Officials: 6% increase.
• Year 4:
◦ Categories 4–8: Entry-level basic salary increases to R22 927/ month (underground) and R19 942/month (surface), with a 7.0% increase for remaining staff.
◦ Miners, Artisans & Officials: 6% increase.
• Year 5:
◦ Categories 4–8: Entry-level basic salary rises to R24 532/ month (underground) and R21 338/month (surface), with a 7.0% increase for remaining staff.
◦ Miners, Artisans & Officials: 6% increase. Additional Benefits & One-Off Cash Incentive Adjustments will also be applied to the Housing Allowance, Medical Incapacity Benefit, and Funeral Benefit.
In recognition of the timely conclusion of negotiations, Gold Fields has approved a discretionary, one-off cash incentive:
• R50 000 for permanent and fixed-term employees with at least 12 months of continuous service.
• R10 000 for non-permanent employees on active/residual learnerships, experiential learning, and related programs with at least six months of continuous service.
The NUM commended members for the “discipline and maturity” displayed throughout the negotiation process.
The union was fully mandated by its members to sign this agreement during a mass meeting held on Wednesday, 22 July 2026.
“This historic agreement not only secures strong, above-inflation salary increases for workers but also provides long-term job security and stability for the workforce,” NUM said.
