BHP is facing a claim for sexual embarrassment and sex discrimination against women who worked for the company between November 2003 and March 2024.
Shares in BHP, whose bid for Anglo American was rebuffed this year, shed 1.8% to R450.64 in afternoon trade on the JSE yesterday.
The claim for sexual harassment and sex discrimination against BHP was filed with the Federal Court of Australia.
“BHP has been served with a representative class action proceeding that has been filed in the Federal Court of Australia in relation to allegations of sexual harassment and sex discrimination,” said BHP in a statement.
“The claim is brought on behalf of all women who worked at BHP’s Australian workplaces at any time during the period 12 November 2003 to 11 March 2024 who were impacted by the alleged conduct.”
It added that proceedings against it were “at a preliminary stage,” with the “amount of damages sought unspecified” at this stage.
Reports alleged yesterday that the sexual harassment incidents happened at the company’s mine sites in Australia. Another global mining giant, Rio Tinto, was also facing similar allegations.
The lawyers for the alleged victims were quoted saying that the two companies also paid to silence those affected. - Tawanda Karombo.
BUSINESS REPORT