Staff of Reuters Read for 2 minutes On November 17, 2015, a truck carrying iron ore passes along a road at the Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) Christmas Creek iron ore mine, located south of Port Hedland in Western Australia’s Pilbara region. The photo was taken on November 17, 2015. REUTERS/File Photo/Jim Regan MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) – Following several incidences in Western Australia, Australia’s largest mining industry organisation issued a code of conduct for its members on Wednesday to combat sexual harassment. The Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) outlined the structure for its more than 80 miner and service provider members to certify their commitment to implementing the sexual harassment policy. According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), the new rules come after Western Australian mining sector officials convened an extraordinary media conference last month to apologize to people who have been sexually attacked or harassed on the state’s mine sites. (ab.co/3wkn5Av) The code contains prevention measures that businesses must commit to implement, such as awareness and education, as well as work environment and leadership; and reaction measures, such as support and protection for individuals who report, as well as investigation and sanctions. “Sexual harassment has serious physical, emotional, and psychological consequences for people who are subjected to it. It is unacceptable, illegal, and must be eradicated from the culture and workspaces of our industry “In a statement, the MCA stated. “The Industry Code lays out clear standards for businesses to foster a respectful culture that allows people to voice their concerns in a safe and supportive environment.” According to a 2020 report by the Australian Human Rights Commission, 74 percent of women in the mining industry had experienced some type of sexual harassment in the previous five years, largely due to the industry’s high gender imbalance. Last month, two examples of suspected sexual assault by BHP Group employees were made public. Melanie Burton contributed reporting, and Michael Perry edited the piece./n
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