Sourcing

Rio Tinto Workplace Report Reveals ‘Deeply Disturbing’ Culture

SourcingFeb 08, 2022

Rio Tinto Workplace Report Reveals ‘Deeply Disturbing’ Culture

Employees reported instances of sexual assault and harassment, racism, bullying, and other forms of discrimination.

20220208_Rio Tinto.jpg
Rio Tinto employees in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, where the mining company owns iron ore assets. The company recently issued a report about its workplace culture, detailing accounts of sexual assault and harassment, racism, bullying, and other forms of discrimination. (Image courtesy of Rio Tinto)
Melbourne, Australia—Rio Tinto published a review of its workplace culture earlier this month, uncovering reports of sexual assault and harassment, racism, bullying and other forms of discrimination throughout the company.

The review, facilitated by former Australian Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick, was carried out as part of the mining company’s “Everyday Respect” task force.

The company launched the task force in March 2021, looking to “better understand, prevent and respond to harmful behaviors in the workplace,” according to a press release about the findings.

What the report uncovered was “deeply disturbing,” said Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm.

The study was conducted over eight months and involved asking 10,303 people to share their experiences via an online survey, which was available in 10 languages.

There were also 109 group listening sessions, held in 7 languages at nearly 20 different locations, as well as 85 confidential individual listening sessions, and 138 individual written submissions.

Looking at the last five years, the review found that bullying and sexism are systemic across worksites.

Employees said they were expected to “toughen up,” with nearly half (48 percent) of those surveyed reporting being bullied. Women (53 percent) were more likely to experience bullying than men (47 percent).

By location, employees in Australia (52 percent) and South Africa (56 percent) were the most likely to experience bullying.

Of those surveyed, 28 percent of women and 7 percent of men reported having been sexually harassed at work. Twenty-one women reported actual or attempted rape or sexual assault.

Women also reported various instances of sexism and discrimination, including fear of letting managers know they were pregnant and difficulty getting a flexible work schedule.

They also reported being denied gender-specific bathrooms, being left out of decisions and overlooked for promotions, and being asked to take notes, get coffee, or do a colleague’s laundry.

One respondent said that she “would not recommend Rio Tinto as a place to work for female friends or colleagues.”

Racism was said to be “common” in several areas, especially for those working outside of the country where they were born.

Of those who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander in Australia, 40 percent of men and 32 percent of women said they experienced racism.

“I have copped racism in every single corner of this company,” said one employee.

 Related stories will be right here … 

LGBTQI+ employees reported significantly higher rates of bullying, sexual harassment, and racism compared with employees who do not identify themselves in that way.

These employees reported not feeling safe to identify themselves as LGBTQI+ to their colleagues and, when they did, were excluded and targeted by harassment.

“Overall, their comments suggest that the same hypermasculine norms and culture that can fuel everyday sexism and sexual harassment can also fuel heterosexism, making the inclusion and safety of employees who identify as LGBTQI+ a priority in any cultural reform,” said the report.

Employees also reported “harmful behavior” between employees and leaders and pointed to a “hierarchical, male-dominated culture” as a specific risk factor.

This behavior has been tolerated or normalized, said the report, and the identities of serial offenders are often an open secret.

The report found that employees feel there is little accountability, particularly for senior leaders, who behave in this manner and that these leaders are able to avoid consequences for this behavior.

Employees also highlighted a “capability gap” among those leading and managing people across all areas of the company, but particularly on the frontline.

“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 behaviors. This is not the kind of company we want to be,” said Stausholm.

He said he felt “shame and enormous regret” at what has gone on and added that he was grateful to those employees who came forward and shared their stories.

Apologies aside, the company’s report outlined 26 recommendations to improve workplace culture and prevent discriminatory and otherwise unacceptable behavior.

The recommendations focus on five key areas, including preventing harmful behavior via training and education programs.

“Rio Tinto places considerable and critical importance on safety and risk minimization. It is considered that this should extend to the prevention of harmful behaviors,” said the report.

Another key area of focus is leadership, with the report suggesting the company recruit and promote people with both subject matter expertise and people management ability.

The report also highlighted the need for a “caring and human-centered response to disrespect and harmful behavior,” suggesting the formation of an independent, confidential, and discrete unit that can respond to reports of harmful behavior and take a “trauma-informed” approach to supporting those affected.

The report noted the importance of providing employees with safe and appropriate facilities and the benefit of evaluating the company’s progress toward reform.

“Whilst progress is occurring at Rio Tinto, the challenge now is to ensure that this cultural shift—embedding everyday respect, eradicating harmful behaviors and ensuring consequences for those who use them—is replicated at all levels of the organization,” said the report.

The report recommended the company have an independent review of its progress within two years of implementing the recommendations.

“This report is not a reason for reduced confidence in Rio Tinto,” said Elizabeth Broderick.

“By proactively commissioning this study, one of the largest of its kind within the resources industry, it demonstrates a very clear commitment to increased transparency, accountability and action.”

Rio Tinto’s leadership team is motivated to change, said Broderick, and recognizes that a new approach needs to be taken to combat these serious issues.

There is also a high level of confidence among employees that significant changes can be made over the next two years, Broderick added.

Stausholm said, “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.”

The full report can be found here.

The Latest

Emily P. Wheeler Ombré Collection Campaign
CollectionsOct 08, 2025
Emily P. Wheeler Shifts Into Neutral for Latest ‘Ombré’ Collection

The champagne colorway in her newest “Ombré” collection combines white and trendy brown diamonds, a departure from her usual vibrant hues.

MRK x MFA Tsuba Charm Necklace Collection Campaign
CollectionsOct 08, 2025
Tsuba Designs Inspire Monica Rich Kosann’s New Charms

Kosann partnered with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, to create a set of necklaces inspired by the artwork on samurai sword handguards.

Stock image of a gavel and law books
CrimeOct 07, 2025
Men Who Posed as Utility Workers Found Guilty in Jeweler’s Murder

Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo face life in prison for the October 2024 murder of 72-year-old Detroit-area jeweler Hussein Murray.

ja_fall_2024_by_headshot_stories_6824.jpg
Brought to you by
JA New York Fall Is Right Around the Corner

The upcoming show provides savvy retailers with the opportunity to stock their cases with best sellers in advance of the holiday season.

Zoë Kravitz Wearing Jessica McCormack Tempest Sapphire Pendant and Tempest Diamond Necklace
CollectionsOct 07, 2025
Jessica McCormack Looks to Sea Spirits for ‘Tempest’ Collection

The brand’s first high jewelry collection, “Tempest” plays with movement while calling to mind the folklore of the sea.

Weekly QuizOct 02, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Stuller 2025 S.E.R.V.E. Star Awards winners
MajorsOct 07, 2025
Stuller Names Its S.E.R.V.E Stars for 2025

Stuller said the recipients embody the company’s core values, which include community participation and personal and professional growth.

All four models of Citizen’s new Rainell watch
WatchesOct 06, 2025
This Fall, Citizen’s Forecast Calls for Rain

Citizen’s new “Rainell” women’s watch has a raindrop-shaped case and is available with a silver-, gold-, purple-, or green-colored dial.

gia-edu main image.png
Brought to you by
A Brilliant Future Is Here

Online education from GIA experts.

Mercedes Gleitze Rolex Oyster 1926
AuctionsOct 06, 2025
The ‘Rolex That Made Rolex’ Heads to Auction at Sotheby’s

The “Mercedes Gleitze Rolex Oyster,” named for the British endurance swimmer who made it famous, will go up for sale next month.

Amit Pratihari GIA India
GradingOct 06, 2025
GIA India Names Former De Beers Exec as New Managing Director

Amit Pratihari was previously the managing director of De Beers India and Forevermark India.

DCWC 2025 Board of Directors
SourcingOct 06, 2025
SoCal 24 Karat Club Integrates Into Diamond Club West Coast

Members of the Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California will gain access to expanded services, resources, and connections, DCWC said.

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco Wedding, Jacob & Co. Watch
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco Tie the Knot Wearing Diamonds, White Metals

Gomez’s jewelry included Tiffany & Co. drop-style earrings while Blanco stacked diamonds from Jacob & Co. on his wrist.

HRD Antwerp CEO Paul De Wachter
GradingOct 03, 2025
Grading Lab HRD Antwerp Names New CEO

Diamond industry banking veteran Paul De Wachter will take on the role in January 2026.

Taylor Swift Kallati sapphire ring
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Piece of the Week: Kallati’s Pink Sapphire Ring

Taylor Swift flaunts an Elizabeth Taylor-esque gemstone in promo for her new album, “The Life of a Showgirl.”

Boucheron Quatre Sand Collection
CollectionsOct 02, 2025
Boucheron Debuts Cuffs Crafted With 3D-Printed Sand

Its “Quantre Sand” capsule was made using a 3D sand printing technique borrowed from the automotive and aeronautics industries.

Stock image of crime scene tape
CrimeOct 02, 2025
$1M in Jewelry Stolen in Northern California Smash and Grab

Four individuals have been charged in the “takeover-style” robbery of Heller Jewelers last month, and additional charges are expected.

Neil Lane and Boucheron bow tie brooch
MajorsOct 02, 2025
Neil Lane Jewelry Exhibition Coming to Toledo Museum of Art

“Radiance and Reverie” will showcase more than 150 jewels from Lane’s personal collection by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and more.

Just Jules opal necklace
TrendsOct 02, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Colorful Show

The month’s birthstones, tourmaline and opal, complement the palette of autumn.

Peter Smith National Jeweler columnist
ColumnistsOct 01, 2025
Peter Smith: Why Vendor Success Starts With Self-Reflection

Smith shares the importance of looking at your company with openness and honesty to identify opportunities you may be missing.

Plah Black Swan Earrings
EditorsOct 01, 2025
Playing Favorites: The Best Jewelry From Vicenzaoro

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco visited Italy to spot jewelry trends at the September Vicenzaoro show and share her top finds.

People shopping in a mall
SurveysOct 01, 2025
Consumer Confidence Hits 5-Month Low in September

Respondents were concerned about job availability and rising prices.

Gemfields rough emeralds
SourcingOct 01, 2025
Gemfields’ H1 Revenue Falls 47%

Its latest interim financials revealed a challenging first half due in part to production troubles at its mines.

Pandora executives Alexander Lacik and Berta de Pablos-Barbier
MajorsSep 30, 2025
Pandora CEO to Retire in 2026, Hand Reins to CMO

Alexander Lacik has led Pandora since 2019. Berta de Pablos-Barbier will succeed him, the first woman to head the company.

Gavel near stacks of books
CrimeSep 30, 2025
2 Suspects Charged in $300K Sleight-of-Hand Jewelry Store Scam

Two men allegedly used counterfeit bills to purchase luxury watches and jewelry from a North Carolina jeweler.

Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell John Hardy Lovestruck Collection
CollectionsSep 30, 2025
Billie Eilish, Finneas Partner with John Hardy

The “Lovestruck” collection, designed with the Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings, is the brand’s first lab-grown diamond offering.

Spinelli Kilcollin Market Highland Park
IndependentsSep 30, 2025
Spinelli Kilcollin Announces Residency in Dallas

The brand, celebrating its 15th anniversary, has popped up at Market, a luxury fashion destination in Highland Park Village.

Nina Pugliese Henne Jewelers
IndependentsSep 29, 2025
Nina Pugliese, Longtime Henne Jewelers Employee, Dies at 65

She was remembered as a creative and generous woman of faith, who also had a sweet tooth.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy