Gina Rinehart

Gina Rinehart is a leading figure in the mining and agricultural industries in Australia. She is also a leading figure in Australias Olympics efforts, (being patron of 4 teams and the largest single non-government contributor to the Olympic effort in Australia’s history ), and has received the rare honour of an order of merit from the Australian Olympic organisation for her contribution.

She was born in Perth on February 9th, 1954 and spent her childhood between the Pilbara, in north-west Australia, where she lived with her parents on large sheep and cattle properties in the remote and rugged region, then from 8 years old attending boarding school at St. Hilda’s Anglican School for Girls in Perth.

Since becoming Executive Chairman of the Hancock Prospecting Group in 1992, Rinehart has transformed the Group from one that was in difficulties and financially troubled to a very successful industry-leading innovator, providing employment to many across the outback of Australia. . Under Rinehart’s leadership, the Hancock Group has diversified from prospecting to become a miner, and further investing in iron ore, copper, potash, gold, coal, cattle, dairy and property. The group has grown under her leadership to become one of the most successful private mining companies in the world, and become the most successful private company in Australia’s history.

At Hope Downs, Rinehart took the company’s tenements from a status of temporary titles – with the area having little more than a few drill holes – to State agreement and bankable feasibility study status, to then partner with Rio Tinto, and construction of four major mines, with more in the pipeline. This involved an enormous approval process and extensive high-risk expenditure both for exploration and studies, then raising money to develop these major mines and related facilities. It being noted, that unlike most major mines, which use shareholders money, and hence its directors don’t bear the risk personally, this was done by Rinehart via her private family company of which she owns directly more than 76 per cent.

Rinehart’s vision to grow and value-add Australian food has been the basis for significant investments, including the acquisition of the iconic S. Kidman and Co pastoral company. Today, the Hancock Group pastoral properties stretch across most states in Australia, plus the Northern Territory.

She is also the founder of Australians for Northern Development and Economic Vision (ANDEV), has authored two books, and arranged and funded a third one, (for agriculture), founded Australia’s Annual National Mining and Related Industries Day and National Agriculture and Related Industries Day, and is Patron of several organisations, and a governor of AmCham (Australia).

A philanthropic champion of worthwhile causes, Mrs Rinehart and the Hancock Group’s charitable objectives support a number of medical, sporting, educational, health and community organisations. She serves as Patron of Australia’s internationally renowned Olympic swimming, rowing, volleyball and synchronised swimming teams, whose Olympians provide important role models for Australians.

Rinehart’s business success, industry leadership and contribution to Australia, has been recognised in her own country and internationally. She was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Bond University, prestigious business awards from CEO Magazine’s Chairman of the Year in 2014 and 2017, and their lifetime achievement award also, much coveted mining awards from diggers and dealers, including in 2020 achieving their trifecta , prestigious international awards, such as from S & P Global Platts and Mines and Money , etc, which are in addition to numerous lifetime achievement and other awards. As an industry leader and huge contributor to Australia, she provides a role model for other women, and as many note, is an Australian patriot, who provides inspiration to many.