DRDGOLD (NYSE: DRD) clinches five-year wage deal at Ergo operations

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

DRDGOLD Limited reports that wage negotiations at its Ergo Mining operations have been concluded with a five-year single wage agreement covering all employees in the bargaining unit. The agreement follows earlier protected strike notices and the suspension of strike action at Ergo.

The agreement provides guaranteed annual wage increases of between 6% and 7.5% over five years, a new 2% performance-based incentive linked to safety, production and attendance, and improvements to the Living Out Allowance and interest-free housing support scheme. Employees will also receive backpay from 1 July 2025 and a once-off R5 000 ex gratia payment.

DRDGOLD’s CEO, Niël Pretorius, stated that the agreement brings certainty for employees and the Ergo operations, balancing meaningful remuneration improvements with the long-term sustainability of the business and supporting safe, stable operations and continued value creation.

Insights

Equity and labor-relations analyst

Five-year Ergo wage deal trades higher labour certainty for structured cost increases.

DRDGOLD has finalized a five-year single wage agreement at its Ergo operations, ending a period of strike-related tension. The deal standardizes terms for all bargaining unit employees, which can reduce disruption risk and provide more predictable workforce relations over the medium term.

The package includes guaranteed annual wage increases of 6% to 7.5%, a new 2% performance-based incentive, and enhanced allowances and housing support. While these terms expand the labour cost base, the performance-linked component ties part of compensation to safety, production and attendance metrics.

Backpay from 1 July 2025 and a once-off R5 000 ex gratia payment create an immediate cash outlay, whereas the multi-year structure provides visibility on future wage escalations. Actual financial impact will depend on Ergo’s production, safety performance and broader operating conditions disclosed in subsequent company filings.

Form 6-K: How Foreign Companies Report to the SEC →

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549
______________________

FORM 6-K

REPORT OF A FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16

UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

February 2, 2026

Commission File Number 0-28800

______________________

DRDGOLD Limited

Constantia Office Park

Cnr 14th Avenue and Hendrik Potgieter Road

Cycad House, Building 17, Ground Floor

Weltevreden Park 1709

(Address of principal executive offices)

______________________

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

Form 20-F Form 40-F

Exhibit

99.1    Release dated February 2, 2026 “DRDGOLD CONCLUDES WAGE NEGOTIATIONS AT ERGO OPERATIONS”

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

DRDGOLD LIMITED

Date: February 2, 2026    By: /s/ Henriette Hooijer

        Name: Henriette Hooijer

        Title: Chief Financial Officer

Exhibit 99.1

DRDGOLD LIMITED

(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)

(Registration number: 1895/000926/06)

ISIN: ZAE000058723

JSE & A2X share code: DRD

NYSE trading symbol: DRD

(“DRDGOLD” or the “Company”)

DRDGOLD CONCLUDES WAGE NEGOTIATIONS AT ERGO OPERATIONS

DRDGOLD shareholders (“Shareholders”) are referred to the announcements published on SENS on Wednesday, 17 December 2025 and Thursday, 18 December 2025 regarding the notice received from the National Union of Mineworkers (“NUM”) and the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union of their intention to embark on protected strike action from Thursday, 18 December 2025 at the Company’s Ergo Mining (Proprietary) Limited (“ERGO”) operations (“Strike Action”) as well as the subsequent suspension of the Strike Action.

Shareholders are hereby advised that the wage negotiations at the Company’s ERGO operations have been finalised, following the conclusion of a five-year single wage agreement with organised labour. The five-year wage agreement, signed by the NUM, the majority union in the bargaining unit, applies to all employees regardless of union affiliation.

The agreement provides for:

•Guaranteed annual wage increases of between 6% and 7.5% over five years, well above current inflation and aligned with recent agreements concluded in the gold sector.

•A new 2% performance-based incentive linked to safety, production and attendance.

•Improvements to the Living Out Allowance and the interest-free housing support scheme.

•Backpay from 1 July 2025, payable in terms of the agreement.

•A R5 000 once-off ex gratia payment to all employees in the bargaining unit.

“This agreement brings much-needed certainty for our employees and for the ERGO operations. It reflects constructive engagement by all parties and balances meaningful improvements in employee remuneration with the long-term sustainability of the business. Importantly, it allows us to move forward together, focused on safe, stable operations and continued value creation,” said DRDGOLD CEO, Niël Pretorius.

Johannesburg

February 2, 2026

Sponsor

One Capital

FAQ

What did DRDGOLD (DRD) announce about wage negotiations at its Ergo operations?

DRDGOLD announced that wage negotiations at its Ergo Mining operations have been finalised with a five-year single wage agreement. This follows earlier protected strike notices and suspension of strike action, and now provides a stable framework for employee remuneration at Ergo over the agreement term.

How long is DRDGOLD’s new wage agreement at Ergo and who does it cover?

The new DRDGOLD wage agreement at Ergo spans five years and is a single agreement for the entire bargaining unit. It was signed by the majority union and applies to all employees in the bargaining unit, regardless of their individual union affiliation or membership.

What annual wage increases are included in DRDGOLD’s Ergo wage deal?

The Ergo wage agreement provides guaranteed annual wage increases of between 6% and 7.5% over five years. DRDGOLD notes these increases are well above current inflation and aligned with recent agreements concluded in the South African gold sector, improving employee pay predictability.

What performance incentives are part of DRDGOLD’s new Ergo wage agreement?

The agreement introduces a new 2% performance-based incentive at Ergo. This incentive is linked to safety, production and attendance metrics, meaning a portion of employee compensation will depend on operational performance indicators rather than being purely fixed, according to the disclosed terms.

Does DRDGOLD’s wage agreement at Ergo include backpay or once-off payments?

Yes. The agreement includes backpay effective from 1 July 2025, payable in terms of the deal, and a once-off ex gratia payment of R5 000 to all employees in the bargaining unit. These components provide immediate financial benefits alongside the longer-term wage and benefit improvements.

What other benefits are improved under DRDGOLD’s Ergo wage agreement?

Beyond wage increases, the agreement improves the Living Out Allowance and the interest-free housing support scheme for Ergo employees. These changes are intended to enhance overall employee benefits related to accommodation and housing support, complementing the direct salary and performance-linked elements negotiated.

How did DRDGOLD’s CEO describe the impact of the Ergo wage agreement?

CEO Niël Pretorius said the agreement brings much-needed certainty for employees and the Ergo operations. He highlighted that it balances meaningful remuneration improvements with the long-term sustainability of the business and supports a focus on safe, stable operations and continued value creation for stakeholders.