Holland said the company has made every effort to avoid the drastic move, but said the choice was now between that and serious risk to the future of South Deep and its many stakeholders.
Canada will consider a safeguard action on seven steel products to protect domestic producers from imports since the United States imposed tariffs in March.
Billionaire hedge-fund manager Ray Dalio maintained his holdings in the two biggest gold-backed ETFs even as an investor exodus sent prices of the metal tumbling.
If company and union leaders reach a consensus, the mediation would be further extended for several days so the 2,459 workers can vote to accept or reject the new offer.
South Africa mines minister said on Tuesday he was concerned by bullion miner Gold Fields' plan to cut around 1,100 jobs without due regard to processes outlined in the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act.