Key facts
- Fortescue has suspended a senior executive facing allegations of sexual harassment and bullying.
- The mining company is taking external legal and governance advice regarding the investigation.
- The executive will not undertake any work for Fortescue while the investigation continues.
- Fortescue reported a 20% decrease in 'psychosocial' breaches, including sexual harassment, in the last financial year.
- Eleven employees were dismissed for code of conduct violations related to discrimination and sexual harassment.
Fortescue, Australia's third-largest miner, announced on Tuesday that it has suspended a senior executive who is currently under investigation for allegations of sexual harassment and bullying.
The company stated that it is taking the allegations "extremely seriously" and has engaged the law firm MinterEllison to conduct an investigation. The allegations against the unnamed executive were initially reported by the Australian Financial Review.
Following the progression of the investigation, Fortescue has continued to seek external legal and governance advice. A decision was made to suspend the employee from all work while the investigation proceeds.
This statement follows comments made by Fortescue's energy chief, Gus Pichot, during an earnings call last week, where he indicated that legal advice suggested suspension was not required. He had expressed confidence in the proper process being followed.
Sexual harassment has been a recurring issue at mine sites in Western Australia, leading to a state inquiry in 2021. Fortescue itself faced a class-action lawsuit in July concerning workplace misconduct, including sexual harassment and discrimination.
This suit was filed by JGA Saddler, the same law firm that initiated similar actions against Rio Tinto and BHP in late 2024.
Last week, Fortescue reported a 20% decrease in "psychosocial" breaches, which encompass sexual harassment and ethics issues, with 98 incidents recorded in the most recent financial year. The company, which employs 16,154 people, also stated that it had dismissed 11 individuals for violating its code of conduct regarding discrimination and sexual harassment during the year. These included 13 cases of inappropriate sexual contact, 10 of sexual harassment, and one of sexual assault.