The world's biggest miner, BHP, has disclosed in its annual report that at least 109 workers lost their jobs or resigned during the last financial year after sexually harassing colleagues, including numerous instances of indecent touching, stalking and grooming. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing The Guardian.
The company reported 113 confirmed cases of sexual harassment, the highest number since 2023. The majority of confirmed instances involved indecent touching, stalking, grooming and sexually aggressive comments and jokes.
A further 104 reports of sexual harassment were not investigated "due to insufficient information or the wishes of the impacted person".
A spokesperson could not immediately clarify where the majority of cases occurred. BHP said that allegations are investigated by an ethics team independent from operations.
The harassment cases come during a period of heightened scrutiny of remote work sites, where female workers across the industry have raised allegations of systemic sexual harassment, violence and retaliation.
Past parliamentary inquiries and reports by the office of the sex discrimination commissioner have found cultures of sexual assault, sexism, bullying and racism across the mining industry, especially at remote projects where workers stay for weeks at a time.
There are three separate class actions in the courts against BHP, Rio Tinto and Fortescue alleging widespread sexual harassment, sexual violence and sex discrimination at work sites. The class actions, filed by law firm JGA Saddler, allege that "most women, if not all" working on remote sites have suffered some form of sexual harassment or sex discrimination.
BHP also disclosed that 22 people responsible for racial harassment had their employment terminated, or resigned, last financial year.
About BHP
BHP is the world's biggest miner with large iron ore and copper operations in Australia, and North and South America.
Response to Harassment
BHP stated that allegations are investigated by an ethics team independent from operations. The company is taking additional measures to ensure safety at work sites.
Industry-wide Issues
Sexual harassment in the mining industry is a long-standing issue. Parliamentary inquiries and commissioner reports indicate that the problem is systemic. Women at remote sites often face harassment, and complaints are frequently ignored.
Conclusion
BHP's report once again highlights the scale of sexual harassment in the industry. Without appropriate action from companies and governments, the problem will remain unresolved.