Fortescue (ASX:FMG) has temporarily suspended an executive who is under investigation over allegations of sexual harassment and bullying.
The decision, as reported by various news outlets, comes days after the Australian iron ore miner defended allowing the unnamed executive to continue working while an independent investigation into the allegations was underway.
“We have taken extensive external legal and governance advice so we are quite confident we are following the proper process,” Fortescue’s Head of Growth and Energy Gus Pichot said during the company’s earnings call last week.
Law firm MinterEllison is conducting the investigation, although Fortescue has not provided a timeline for its completion.
“Sexual harassment, unlawful discrimination, and any behaviour that makes people feel unsafe have no place at Fortescue. These allegations are being treated extremely seriously,” the company reiterated in a statement on Tuesday.
Workplace culture in focus
The allegations come as Fortescue, led by Australian billionaire Andrew Forrest, faces a separate class action lawsuit filed in July alleging the company failed to protect female workers from sexual harassment and discrimination at its mine sites.
The developments have renewed attention on workplace culture across Australia’s mining industry, which has faced scrutiny over allegations of sexual harassment and assault, particularly at remote operations.
A 2022 Western Australian parliamentary inquiry documented widespread sexual harassment and assault in the state’s mining industry and prompted calls for stronger measures to protect workers.
Fortescue rivals Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO) and BHP (ASX:BHP) have also faced allegations of inappropriate workplace behaviour and class action proceedings relating to alleged sexual harassment and discrimination.
Fortescue reports workplace incidents
Fortescue’s latest annual sustainability report provides further insight into workplace conduct issues at the company.
The miner recorded 98 reported “psychosocial matters” to authorities during the reporting period, down 20% from the previous year.
These included one reported sexual assault, 13 incidents of inappropriate sexual contact, and 10 sexual harassment incidents.
Fortescue says it is treating the latest allegations against the executive seriously while the independent investigation continues.
Write to Jackson Chen at Mining.com.au
Image: Fortescue
