Fortescue Metals Group said on Tuesday it had suspended a senior executive pending the outcome of an investigation into sexual harassment allegations, as the company faces broader scrutiny over workplace conduct.
The suspension comes after the Australian Financial Review reported earlier this month that allegations had surfaced against the unnamed executive. Fortescue said it had engaged law firm MinterEllison to conduct an independent review of the claims. The miner did not disclose the executive’s identity or role, though energy chief Gus Pichot referenced the matter during an earnings call last week, stating that legal advice at the time did not require suspension.
The company reported 98 psychosocial breaches—including sexual harassment, ethics violations, and other incidents—across its workforce of 16,154 employees in the latest financial year, a 20% decrease from the prior period. Fortescue dismissed 11 employees during the year for code-of-conduct breaches related to discrimination and sexual harassment, with investigations confirming 13 cases of inappropriate sexual contact, 10 cases of sexual harassment, and one case of sexual assault.
The suspension follows a class-action lawsuit filed against Fortescue in July alleging systemic workplace misconduct, including sexual harassment and sex discrimination. The lawsuit was brought by law firm JGA Saddler, which has previously targeted Rio Tinto and BHP with similar claims in late 2024. Fortescue did not comment on the litigation beyond confirming the external investigation is ongoing.
Fortescue’s statement emphasized that it continues to seek external legal and governance advice throughout the process. The company has not indicated a timeline for the investigation’s completion or any potential further actions.
