The SEC is investigating the way the mining company sold a stake in its South Deep mine in South Africa through a so-called Black Economic Empowerment deal. In August, the chief executive officer, Nick Holland, waived his bonus for 2013 and the company said that this sale did not 'consistently meet the high standards set by Gold Fields'. The SEC is investigating the deal as US investors can buy into Gold Fields through American depositary receipts. 

Dedicated service

No elaboration has been made on why Mr Fleisher has stood down. The company said in a statement: 'The board has accepted Michael’s resignation and would like to express appreciation to him for his years of dedicated service.' He joined the miner in 2006. Source: Bloomberg Businessweek