BHP reports 113 confirmed sexual harassment cases at mine sites in a year
The world's biggest miner, BHP, disclosed 113 confirmed sexual harassment reports in its annual report, resulting in 109 workers losing their jobs or resigning — the highest figure since 2023.
BHP, the world's largest mining company, revealed in its annual report published on Tuesday that 113 confirmed sexual harassment cases occurred within the company during the last financial year, leading to 109 employees either being dismissed or resigning. This marks the highest number recorded since 2023.
BHP operates major iron ore and copper projects across Australia, as well as in North and South America. A company spokesperson was unable to immediately specify where most of the incidents took place.
The confirmed cases largely involved indecent touching, stalking, grooming, and sexually aggressive remarks or jokes. An additional 104 harassment reports were not investigated, either due to insufficient information or because the affected person did not wish to proceed. BHP stated that allegations are reviewed by an ethics team operating independently from its business divisions.
The disclosure comes amid growing scrutiny of remote work sites across the mining sector, where female employees have repeatedly raised concerns about systemic sexual harassment, violence and retaliation. Past parliamentary inquiries and reports from the sex discrimination commissioner's office have identified cultures of sexual assault, sexism, bullying and racism within the mining industry, particularly at remote sites where workers reside for weeks at a stretch.
Three separate class action lawsuits are currently underway against BHP, Rio Tinto and Fortescue, alleging widespread sexual harassment, sexual violence and sex discrimination at work locations. The lawsuits, brought by law firm JGA Saddler, claim that nearly all women working at remote sites have experienced some form of harassment or discrimination.
BHP also disclosed that 22 employees found responsible for racial harassment were dismissed or resigned during the same financial year.
