SEXUAL assault and harassment are commonplace in the multibillion-dollar mining sector in Australia, reported a year-long enquiry today, citing harrowing testimony of abuse, grooming and stalking from women workers.

The report documented widespread abuses against fly-in, fly-out staff, whose work requires them to stay for weeks at remote outback mining sites in Western Australia.

One woman told the parliamentary enquiry that she was knocked unconscious while returning to her accommodation at a mine site.

“When I awoke, my jeans and underpants were around my ankles. I felt sick, ashamed, violated, dirty and very confused.”

Another said she had “a complete mental and physical breakdown” after being stalked by a co-worker.

Women spoke of the exhaustion of dealing with constant harassment while staying at these remote sites – including not being able to launder their underwear as it would be stolen off the washing line.

Some spoke of security guards filming women when they showered, while others were sent “vile texts” by senior staff.

The Western Mine Workers Alliance reported that more than a fifth of its women members have been asked for sexual favours linked to their career advancement or working conditions.

The report highlighted the vulnerability of contractors to this kind of abuse of power, recounting how one woman’s supervisor demanded she perform sexual acts to “get her shirt”, meaning getting hired directly by the mining company.

“It is important that the parliament, government and broader public become aware of the magnitude of the horrendous abuse and violence to which women are exposed while going about their work,” said the enquiry’s chair, Libby Mettam.

She said while she “knew horrific stories will be brought forward”, she is “appalled and shocked well beyond expectation by the size and depth of the problem”.

Mining giants BHP, Fortescue and Rio Tinto fronted the enquiry, and all confirmed they have fired workers over inappropriate behaviour.

The report also found that “people are more likely to be moved on to another site than punished”.

It followed Rio Tinto’s global survey, released in February, which found evidence of bullying, racism and reports from 21 women workers of actual or attempted sexual assault in the past five years.

The enquiry welcomed the “ground-breaking” survey and encouraged other companies to follow suit.

It also called for an overhaul of reporting procedures and massive investment in safety on mine sites, including the installation of CCTV and lighting.

Powerful industry lobby group Minerals Council of Australia responded to the report, saying that the industry has made “substantial progress over the past two years” but “has a long way to go”. – AFP, June 23, 2022.