Fortescue Fires Senior Executive After Sexual Harassment Probe

Fortescue, Australia's third-largest miner, said Wednesday it fired a senior executive following an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment and bullying. The probe, conducted by law firm MinterEllison, found conduct that breached company policies and values, a Fortescue spokesperson said. The company did not name the executive or detail the findings. The board sub-committee overseeing the matter ceased the individual's contract, the statement said. The investigation was made public in August by the Australian Financial Review. Fortescue suspended the person later that month after initially saying legal advice indicated it was not necessary. The miner was also served with a class action suit in July alleging workplace misconduct, including sexual harassment and sex-based discrimination. Sexual harassment has been a persistent issue at mine sites in Western Australia and sparked a state enquiry in 2021.