Fortescue fires top executive after sexual harassment probe
Australian mining giant terminates a senior leader's contract following findings of misconduct amid wider industry scrutiny.
Fortescue, Australia’s third-largest miner, has terminated a senior executive following an investigation into alleged sexual harassment and bullying behavior, according to the company. The independent probe, conducted by law firm MinterEllison, determined that the executive's conduct violated Fortescue's policies and values, leading the board subcommittee to end the individual's contract.
The company did not disclose the terminated employee's name or the specifics of the findings. In a statement, Fortescue emphasized that sexual harassment, bullying, and other unsafe behaviors have no place at the company.
The dismissal occurs amid growing scrutiny of the Australian mining industry over workplace misconduct, particularly in remote Western Australian operations. In 2021, a parliamentary inquiry was initiated in response to allegations of sexual assault and harassment. Fortescue initially allowed the executive to remain employed during the investigation, citing legal advice that suspension was unnecessary. However, the company later suspended the individual.
Fortescue has faced additional legal challenges, including a class-action lawsuit filed in June alleging workplace misconduct, such as sexual harassment and sex-based discrimination. The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia (CME) established a Safe and Respectful Behaviours Working Group in 2021, which published a code of conduct covering employees' behavior during work, at external events, after-hours on site, and on social media platforms.
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