Man charged with raping woman at BHP mine site indicates he’ll fight the allegations

A man charged with sexually assaulting a woman at a BHP mine site has indicated he will fight the allegations.

A man charged with sexually assaulting a female colleague at a BHP mine site in Western Australia’s north has indicated he intends to fight the allegations.

Police allege the incident happened at the South Flank iron ore mine in the Pilbara region in November.

The sex assault squad has charged the 35-year-old man with two counts of sexual penetration without consent.

He faced Perth Magistrates Court on Wednesday where his identity was suppressed, and he was granted bail with a $10,000 personal undertaking and a $10,000 surety.

The man is next due to appear in court on July 21.

It is alleged the woman was raped at a mine in the Pilbara. Picture: BHP

BHP terminated the man’s contract following the alleged incident.

The miner previously said in a statement this week that sexual harassment and assault were treated as a fundamental health and safety issue.

“Sexual assault or harassment is unacceptable at BHP, full stop,” the company said.

“We are absolutely clear on this, and all employees, contractors and those that come to our sites are made aware of their obligation to support a safe and respectful workplace.

“Any allegation of sexual assault or harassment is investigated by an independent central investigations team, and we encourage people to report any incidents that occur to authorities.”

In the past year, BHP has established a “walk to room service” to escort people scared of returning to their donga.

The mining giant is also planning to introduce alcohol restrictions in July, limiting workers to four drinks per day.