BHP Group Limited (NYSE:BHP) faced a class action filed in Australia’s Federal Court alleging sexual harassment and sex discrimination.

The claim represents all women who worked at BHP’s Australian workplaces between November 12, 2003, and March 11, 2024, and were affected by the alleged conduct.

The case is in its early stages, with no specified damages sought. BHP emphasizes its zero-tolerance policy for harassment and prioritizes the safety and well-being of its people.

This claim against BHP follows a recent report from rival Rio Tinto, which revealed an increase in employee reports of attempted sexual assault or rape at its operations over the past two years, despite measures to address such behavior, reported Financial Times.

A 2022 Rio Tinto report revealed that 21 women had reported experiencing actual or attempted rape or sexual assault over five years.

According to the report, BHP disclosed in 2021 during a parliamentary inquiry in Western Australia that it had terminated 48 employees for sexual harassment at its “fly-in, fly-out” mines since 2019, including six confirmed cases of sexual assault.

Investors can gain exposure to the stock via Exchange Traded Concepts Trust Optica Rare Earths & Critical Materials ETF (NYSE:CRIT) and VanEck Natural Resources ETF (NYSE:HAP).

Price Action: BHP shares are down 0.47% at $50.76 at the last check Wednesday.

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