A senior manager is suing Mineral Resources and CEO Chris Ellison, for allegedly taking action against him for “blowing the whistle” on Mr Ellison’s alleged improper conduct, including instructions to destroy evidence in a legal case and bringing illegal coronavirus products into the country.

Former MinRes contracts manager Steven Pigozzo’s unlawful dismissal claim, filed in the Federal Court on Wednesday, also alleges Mr Ellison directed him to work during company time on the $6 million refurbishment of his house and do tasks related to the CEO’s super yacht.