Billionaire Profile
Clive Palmer
Global Rank
#1062

Image: ClivePalmerChristmasCharityLunch2012withVolunteer.JPG: Benjamin J MacDonald derivative work: IgnorantArmies | CC BY-SA 3.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Clive Palmer

CEO, Mining
AUSTRALIA
Real-Time Net Worth
$4.079B
Estimated based on Mining stock value as of April 20, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
71
Source
Mining
Industry
Metals & Mining
Citizenship
AUSTRALIA

Biography

Clive Frederick Palmer (born March 26, 1954) is an Australian billionaire businessman and politician, primarily known for his ventures in the mining industry. His net worth is estimated at $4.0 billion as of 2024. Palmer's wealth stems from his ownership of Mineralogy, a company with significant iron ore, nickel, and coal holdings. He has a career that includes real estate, founding the Palmer United Party, and serving as a Member of Parliament. Palmer is also known for his various business ventures, including the Palmer Coolum Resort and attempts to replicate the Titanic.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/20/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Clive Frederick Palmer was born on March 26, 1954, in Footscray, Victoria, Australia. He was raised in Melbourne before his family moved to the Gold Coast, Queensland, due to his asthma. He attended Aquinas College and Southport State High School. Palmer briefly studied law and journalism at the University of Queensland, but did not complete his degree. He later earned a Diploma of Law through the Queensland Bar Board.

Rise to Success

Palmer began his career in real estate in the early 1980s, achieving success during the Gold Coast property boom. He then ventured into mining, founding Mineralogy in 1984. Mineralogy acquired significant iron ore reserves. A major financial boost came in 2006 when Mineralogy signed a deal with CITIC, worth $415 million, to develop a portion of its iron ore deposits. He also acquired Waratah Coal and Queensland Nickel.

Key Business Strategies

Palmer's business strategy has focused on acquiring and developing mineral resources, particularly iron ore, and also diversifying into related sectors such as coal and nickel. He has also engaged in property development and invested in ventures like the Palmer Coolum Resort. Furthermore, Palmer has shown a propensity for entering new markets and opportunities, as indicated by his ventures into politics.

Philanthropy

Information regarding Clive Palmer's specific philanthropic endeavors and amounts is limited in the search results. However, he has supported various conservative political causes.

Career Milestones

1984

Founded Mineralogy

Established the mining company that would become a major source of his wealth.

1986

Acquired Cape Preston Magnetite tenements

Mineralogy acquired exploration leases for magnetite tenements in Western Australia.

2006

Signed deal with CITIC

Signed a deal with CITIC to develop a portion of Mineralogy's iron ore reserves.

2013

Founded Palmer United Party

Established a political party and entered federal politics.

2013

Elected to Parliament

Won the seat of Fairfax in the Australian federal election.

2019

Net Worth Increased

His fortune soared after a court ordered a flow of iron ore royalties to his company, Mineralogy, to resume.

2025

Launched Trumpet of Patriots

Launched the political party with plans to field candidates for all lower house and senate seats.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Social Welfare

Christmas buffet lunch for disadvantaged people

Unknown

Palmer hosted a Christmas buffet lunch for disadvantaged people.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"“I realised that in a lot of failures, there is a lot of opportunities.”"

"“I retired when I was 30 and I was bored shitless.”"

Leadership Principles

Opportunity Recognition

Palmer emphasizes identifying opportunities in failures and challenges.

Independent Thinking

Palmer values his own judgment and independent thought.

Controversies & Challenges

2014

Comments about Chinese Companies

Palmer called Chinese companies 'mongrels' and made controversial statements about Chinese people.

Ongoing

Dispute with CITIC

Palmer has been involved in a long-running legal dispute with CITIC over royalties.

2024

Criminal Proceedings

Palmer has been involved in legal battles, including allegations of fraud and dishonesty.