At least 1600 jobs could be affected at Sibanye Gold as it restructures its support services, the company said on Thursday.

"Sibanye Gold Limited has today issued Section 189 notices, in terms of the Labour Relations Act, to employees in the Group's support services functions," spokesman James Wellsted said in a statement.

He said the planned merging of regional, corporate, and mine support services into a consolidated, centralised function was expected to increase productivity.

"Sibanye Gold has undertaken a thorough review of its entire business in order to extend the productive lives of its operations and ensure sustainability," he said.

Chief executive officer Neal Froneman said through the proposed restructuring they saw significant potential for increasing economically recoverable reserves.

"This will allow current production levels to be sustained well into the future," he said.

The company would enter a 60 day consultation period with unions and affected parties to find a way forward.