GOLD FIELDS Limited has granted the ARM/Harmony joint venture an exclusive option to negotiate the possible disposal of the Saint Helena and Oryx mines. Gold Fields said in a statement on Tuesday that a discussion was held about providing the partial funding requirements to the joint venture. Harmony in return has granted Gold Fields an exclusive option to negotiate the acquisition of 19,9% of its current 22,96% stake in Goldfields Limited of Australia. Gold Fields owns some 3,7-million Western Areas shares which may form part of the consideration for such a transaction. – Sapa