Rio Tinto reports increase in allegations Of rape ancl assault

Rio Tinto has said the number of its employees who reported they have experienced actual or attempted sexual assault or rape has increased over the past two years, despite efforts to improve its workplace culture.

- Mostafa Rachwani Mark Sweney

A report on the Anglo-Australian mining company, by the former Australian sex discrimination commissioner Elizabeth Broderick, found "mixed results" in its efforts to change its culture to eradicate sexual assault, bullying and racism.

Broderick's 76-page report on the company, which employs 57,000 people globally, noted a rise in bullying against women was in part "retaliation" at efforts to "promote gender diversity and inclusion".

The report revealed eight allegations of rape or attempted rape in the past 12 months, up from five cases in 2021. The report also found 32 employees reported experiencing pressure or requests for sex or sexual acts, down from 37 people in 2021.

Overall, 39% of survey respondents had experienced bullying in the past 12 months, up from 31% in 2021.

"Generally, while reports of bullying increased across all genders, the largest increase between 2021 and 2024 was against women," the report said.