Billionaire's mining giant hit with sexual harassment class action

Australia’s mining industry again stands accused of having a toxic and misogynistic culture as another giant company becomes embroiled in a sexual harassment class action suit.

Women have alleged sexual harassment, violence and retaliation for speaking out at the remote worksites of Fortescue, one of Australia’s biggest mining companies owned by Australian billionaire Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest.

According to the suit filed in the Federal Court on Thursday morning, a woman was pulled into a dark alley by a man who forcibly tried to kiss her and another found a random man in her room when she came home one night.

A third woman claims she was told to resign from the mining company after becoming pregnant.

Others claimed they were subjected to vile language, including “you sl--s report us and then we get the sack” and “why don’t you f--- the crew, you will make yourself feel better”.

Another woman who had a stillborn baby claimed she was told to “get over it” when she returned to work.

“It ranges from serious sexual assaults through to day-to-day micro-aggressions - it’s the entire spectrum,” class action firm JGA Saddler lawyer Paris Hamrey told AAP.

“There’s a culture of silencing these women.

“There’s a culture of actually punishing the women rather than the alleged perpetrator, and it’s their careers and livelihoods they’re putting at risk.”

A spokeswoman from Fortescue said it would be inappropriate to comment on any claims or allegations before class action proceedings commenced.

“Fortescue is committed to providing a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace for all employees and contractors,” they told AAP.

“Sexual harassment, unlawful discrimination, and other behaviour that makes people feel unsafe, have no place at Fortescue.”

Fortescue joins fellow mining giants BHP and Rio Tinto, who were each hit with similar suits in late 2024.

Both of those companies are accused of permitting unsafe workplaces where women faced harassment and discrimination.

Hamrey said the three lawsuits spoke to a complete failure of culture within the sector.

“The mining industry has a real problem with women – it’s most women, if not all, working on remote sites that have suffered some form of sexual harassment or sex discrimination,” she said.

“These companies actually need to stand up and address issues … strengthen their policies, actually enforce the policy, and provide a space where women feel safe to work.”

Both BHP and Rio Tinto’s actions remain before courts.

Under Australia’s sex discrimination laws, a company like Fortescue can be liable if they permit a woman to work in an environment where harassment goes unchecked.

Hamrey said women across the industry fear ostracisation for raising the issues alleged in the claim.

“There’s fear if they are still working there, and a fear of being blacklisted from any job with any mining company,” she said.

“There’s a real hesitancy, which I completely understand, from these women to speak out, to speak up, because what they have observed themselves and what they fear is a real backlash.”

Support is available by calling 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028, Lifeline 13 11 14 or beyondblue 1300 22 4636.

AAP