Mining giant executive stood down amid allegations of sexual harassment, bullying

A senior executive at Australian mining giant Fortescue has been stood down after the company brought in lawyers to investigate allegations of sexual harassment and bullying.

Western Australian-based Fortescue confirmed on Tuesday it had suspended the unnamed executive as external law firm MinterEllison probes the case, months after the allegations were first made.

“Fortescue has engaged MinterEllison to conduct an independent, external investigation into allegations concerning an employee,” a Fortescue spokesperson said.

It has been decided that the employee who is the subject of the allegations will not undertake any work for Fortescue while the investigation continues.

“The investigation is ongoing and no findings have been made.

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

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The company, chaired by billionaire businessman Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest, said it was treating the allegations “extremely seriously”.

The Australian Financial Review first reported on August 10 that a female employee made allegations of sexual harassment and bullying in May.

The iron ore miner said at the time it had brought in lawyers from MinterEllison to investigate.

Fortescue joint chief executive Gus Pichot defended the decision not to suspend the employee before now during an earnings call on August 20.

“Fortescue has taken extensive external legal and governance advice and considers that the current arrangements are appropriate while the independent investigations are on the way,” he said.

“Our top priority is our people and sexual harassment and unlawful discrimination and any behaviour that makes people feel unsafe has no place here in our leadership.”

Fortescue is also facing a separate Federal Court class action lawsuit from women who allege they faced bullying and discrimination while working at its remote WA locations.

The class action suit was filed by law firm JGA Saddler.

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.