Fortescue, the iron ore miner chaired by billionaire Andrew Forrest, is facing a class action lawsuit from female workers over allegations of systemic sexual harassment, violence, and retaliation at its remote work sites. The lawsuit, filed in the Federal Court in Victoria on Thursday, includes a range of disturbing incidents, from a woman being pulled into a dark alley where a man “tried to stick his tongue down my throat” to another employee finding a male stranger in her accommodation room.
Allegations of Sexual Assault and Microaggressions
One female worker claimed she was “howled” at by male colleagues when entering a communal eating area. The class action, filed by law firm JGA Saddler and backed by UK litigation funder Aristata Capital, covers incidents from 2006 to 2025. JGA Saddler special counsel Paris Hamrey said the allegations range from “serious sexual assaults through to day-to-day micro aggressions.” She noted that one of the most disturbing reports is women being warned against washing their underwear in on-site laundries because theft of female underwear is rife.
Fortescue's Response
A spokesperson for Fortescue said it would be inappropriate to comment before proceedings begin but stated: “Fortescue is committed to providing a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace for all employees and contractors. Sexual harassment, unlawful discrimination, and other behaviour that makes people feel unsafe have no place at Fortescue.”
Industry-Wide Problem
This is the third class action JGA Saddler has filed against a major mining company, following similar claims against BHP and Rio Tinto, which remain before the courts. Hamrey said the lawsuits indicate a failure of culture in the sector. “The mining industry has a real problem with women – it’s most women, if not all, working on remote sites that have suffered some form of sexual harassment or sex discrimination,” she said. “These companies actually need to stand up and address issues ... strengthen their policies, actually enforce the policy, and provide a space where women feel safe to work.”
