Rio Tinto report uncovers multiple sexual assaults, racism and culture of bullying

A report conducted by former Australian sex discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick has revealed that 21 women have been raped or sexually assaulted on Rio Tinto sites over the last five years.

The damning report found more than a quarter of women had experienced sexual harassment while at work and that almost 50% of all employees were bullied.

Racism was also found to be rife across the mining giant's operations in Australia and South Africa, according to the eight-month study, which surveyed more than 10,000 employees.

Chief executive Jakob Stausholm said: "The findings of this report are deeply disturbing to me and should be to everyone who reads them. I offer my heartfelt apology to every team member, past or present, who has suffered as a result of these behaviours. This is not the kind of company we want to be.

"I feel shame and enormous regret to have learned the extent to which bullying, sexual harassment, and racism are happening at Rio Tinto. I am determined that by implementing appropriate actions to address the recommendations, and with the management team’s commitment to a safe, respectful, and inclusive Rio Tinto in all areas, we will make positive and lasting change and strengthen our workplace culture for the long term."

Broderick's report outlined 26 recommendations for the FTSE 100-listed firm to help it address the discrimination, assault, and generally vile workplace behaviour.

Rio vowed to implement all of the recommendations, with a focus on three main areas - a commitment from its leadership to create safe, respectful and inclusive working environments, work to ensure its camp and village facilities were both safe and inclusive, and efforts to make it as easy and as safe as possible for all people to call out unacceptable behaviours, highlight issues when they happen and receive support.

As of 0930 GMT, Rio Tinto shares were up 1.90% at 5,283.69p.