Police in Western Australia have charged a 35-year-old man with two counts of rape, following allegations a woman working at BHP’s South Flank mine was sexually assaulted in employee accomodation.
The alleged incident took place at the mine site in the Pilbara in November 2020, police said.
The man, from Vasse, was charged with two counts of sexual penetration without consent and refused bail to appear at the Perth magistrates court on Wednesday.
The WA police minister, Paul Papalia, said that women had the right to be safe “at work and home”. “I encourage any victim of sexual assault to come forward to police so they can be supported and the matter investigated.”
Guardian Australia understands BHP conducted an investigation after it was notified of the allegation, which resulted in a dismissal.
BHP would not comment on the specific allegations but said it had a zero tolerance approach to sexual harassment and assault. About 40% of employees at South Flank are women.
“Sexual assault or harassment is unacceptable at BHP, full stop,” a BHP spokesperson said.
“We are absolutely clear on this, and all employees, contractors and those that come to our sites are made aware of their obligation to support a safe and respectful workplace.
“Any allegation of sexual assault or harassment is investigated by an independent central investigations team, and we encourage people to report any incidents that occur to authorities. If substantiated, disciplinary action is taken. Central to our response is to support the impacted person or people including through any investigation, outcomes, reporting and return to work.”
The mining company said it viewed sexual harassment and assault as a “fundamental health and safety issue”.
It said it had in recent years introduced “mandatory company-wide training dedicated to respectful behaviours, improvements to facilities such as lighting, signage and CCTV coverage, increased security presence and stricter controls on alcohol consumption”.
BHP will limit drinking at its mining camps to four standard drinks a day from July, but said that policy was introduced in line with Australian health guidelines not in response to reports of disrespectful behaviour.
People who stay at the camps are able to request a security escort to walk back to their room at night. That program has been in place for a year, BHP said, and is part of a broader push to make the camps inclusive and safe.
In Australia, support is available at 1800-RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au.
