A new report from Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX:RIO) (LSE:RIO, ASX:RIO, OTC:RTNTF) has revealed that 39% of its workers experienced bullying in the past year, up from 31% in 2021.
These concerning figures follow the mining giant’s pledge to address toxic workplace cultures deterring women and non-white employees.
The findings, based on a survey of more than 10,000 employees across nations including Australia, the United States and Canada, also show unchanged rates of sexual harassment and racism at 7%.
“While reports of bullying increased across all genders, the largest increase between 2021 and 2024 was against women,” the report said.
“This change can be explained by a range of factors including increasing retaliation in the form of gendered bullying as a response to Rio Tinto’s efforts to promote gender diversity and inclusion.”
The report highlighted ongoing under-reporting of harmful behaviours, with only 10% of affected respondents filing complaints. First Nations people reported higher rates of racism, particularly in Australia, where the figure stood at 39%.
Chief executive for Australia Kellie Parker remarked, “We’re at the tip of the iceberg in regards to getting victims to report their abuse. We are changing by the fact that we’re being transparent.”
Rio isn’t alone
Rio Tinto's latest report follows a landmark inquiry released in June 2022 by the Government of Western Australia. The inquiry revealed numerous disturbing cases of alleged sexual harassment and abuse of women workers across companies such as BHP (ASX:BHP) Group, Woodside Petroleum (ASX:WDS), Fortescue Metals (ASX:FMG) Group and Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX).
Pressure continues to mount on the mining industry as investors, governments and society attempt to mitigate its impact on local communities and the broader environment.
A key area of focus has been fostering safer work environments for women and minorities, particularly at remote mining sites where Fly In-Fly Out (FIFO) workers are stationed for extended periods.
Rio Tinto's externally commissioned review marks its second major assessment of workplace culture.
In 2022, the company took the unprecedented step of publicly releasing detailed findings from a prior report, which outlined 26 recommendations for improvement. To date, 17 of these measures have been implemented, with the remaining nine still in progress.
Rio to go ahead with acquisition
Meanwhile, Rio Tinto announced progress on its acquisition of Energy Resources of Australia Ltd (ERA). Following a successful entitlement offer raising A$766.5 million for rehabilitation activities at the Ranger Project Area, Rio Tinto intends to proceed with the compulsory acquisition of remaining ERA shares.
Parker stated, “Our utmost priority and commitment is to complete this important rehabilitation project in a way that is consistent with the wishes of the Mirarr People.”
If compulsory acquisition is completed, Rio Tinto has no intention to invest in mining or development of the Jabiluka deposit.