SYDNEY, Dec 12, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - A group of Australian women has lodged lawsuits against Rio Tinto and BHP, alleging widespread discrimination and sexual harassment while working for the mining giants
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Two separate cases were lodged in an Australian court on Wednesday afternoon, representing women who worked for the miners in the past 20 years.

"These class actions will give a voice to these women, many of whom have been too afraid to speak out for fear of losing their jobs or of workplace reprisals," said lawyer Joshua Aylward.

"We have heard reports of everything from unwanted touching and sexual harassment to rape, violence and physical threats, as well as gender discrimination and pregnancy discrimination."

Neither BHP nor Rio Tinto commented specifically about the contents of the lawsuits.

The lead applicant in the case against Ango-Australian company Rio Tinto alleges she was sent "unsolicited sexually explicit messages, videos and pictures" while working as a security guard.

Asking to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals, she said she was "overlooked for opportunities to upskill" after she complained.

"Standing up and saying something has come at a huge professional and personal cost but until women in mining join together and say, 'no more' these big companies will continue to cover it up," she said in a statement provided by her lawyer.

The lead applicant in the case against Australian miner BHP -- who also requested anonymity -- alleged she was subjected to a constant barrage of sexual and derogatory comments.

When she refused the advances of a colleague, he allegedly "walked up behind her in a carpark and urinated on her", a statement from her lawyer said.

"She made a complaint but was never contacted about it and her contract was ended, while her co-workers were kept on."

More than 45,000 women were working in Australia's mining industry in 2022, an increase from 8,700 in 2002, the latest government data shows.

A BHP spokesperson said there was "no place" for sexual harassment.

"We are committed to providing a safe and respectful workplace for everyone," they told AFP on Thursday.

"We deeply regret and apologise unreservedly to anyone who has ever experienced any form of harassment at BHP."

The spokesperson said the miner would treat all reports "seriously and take strong disciplinary action".

Rio Tino told national broadcaster ABC it treated claims of sexual harassment with the "utmost seriousness".

"We do not tolerate any form of sexual harassment or sex-based harassment."