Billionaire Profile
Gina Rinehart
Global Rank
#99

Image: Minister for Trade and Investment The Hon Andrew Robb AO MP | CC BY 4.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Gina Rinehart

CEO, Mining
AUSTRALIA
Real-Time Net Worth
$25.74B
Estimated based on Mining stock value as of April 20, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
72
Source
Mining
Industry
Metals & Mining
Citizenship
AUSTRALIA

Biography

Gina Rinehart is an Australian billionaire businesswoman and mining magnate, currently ranked as the wealthiest person in Australia. As the Executive Chairman of Hancock Prospecting, she transformed her father's financially distressed company into a major player in the global mining industry. Her wealth stems from iron ore mining, particularly the Roy Hill project. Rinehart is also involved in agriculture, with significant cattle holdings, and has expanded into natural gas and rare earth minerals. She is recognized for her leadership, philanthropy, and advocacy for the mining and agricultural sectors.

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

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Georgina Hope Rinehart, born on February 9, 1954, in Perth, Western Australia. She is the only child of Lang Hancock and Hope Margaret Nicholas. Her early life was spent in the Pilbara region, where her family had strong ties to the mining industry. She attended St Hilda's Anglican School for Girls and briefly studied economics at the University of Sydney before leaving to work with her father at Hancock Prospecting.

Rise to Success

After her father's death in 1992, Rinehart inherited Hancock Prospecting, which was then in a difficult financial state. She became the executive chairwoman and spearheaded the company's growth. Rinehart focused on expanding and developing mining projects, including the Roy Hill iron ore project, which became a major asset. The iron ore boom of the 2000s significantly increased her wealth, making her a billionaire in 2006.

Key Business Strategies

Rinehart's key business strategies include expanding into the natural gas and rare earth minerals sectors, and diversifying investments. She has invested heavily in Australian agriculture, and has been a proponent of cutting costs and increasing production in the mining industry. Rinehart also made substantial investments in the media, taking stakes in media outlets.

Philanthropy

Rinehart is known for her philanthropic efforts, including supporting education, sports, and medical research. She is a patron of several Olympic sports, including swimming and rowing, and has supported the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Career Milestones

1992

Executive Chairwoman of Hancock Prospecting

Succeeded her father, Lang Hancock, and took control of the company.

2006

Became a Billionaire

Achieved billionaire status due to the iron ore boom.

2015

Roy Hill Mine Ships to Asia

The Roy Hill mining project began shipments to Asia, becoming a major asset.

2022

Officer of the Order of Australia

Appointed as an Officer of the Order of Australia for her service to the mining sector, community, and sport.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Sports

Olympic Sports Sponsorship

Undisclosed

Significant financial support for Australian Olympic teams, including swimming, rowing, and volleyball

Health

Royal Flying Doctor Service

Undisclosed

Supports the Royal Flying Doctor Service to purchase aircraft

Health

Cancer Research

Undisclosed

Supports cancer research initiatives

Community

Soldier On Australia

Undisclosed

Supports veterans and their families

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"There is no monopoly on becoming a millionaire. If you're jealous of those with more money, don't just sit there and complain. Do something to make more money yourself - spend less time drinking or smoking and socialising, and more time working."

Leadership Principles

Hard Work and Investment

Advocates for hard work, investment, and creating opportunities to build wealth and employment.

Support for Mining and Agriculture

Highlights the importance of the mining and agricultural sectors to Australia's economy.

Innovation and Expansion

Encourages the growth and expansion of businesses and industries in Australia.

Controversies & Challenges

1984

Comments by Lang Hancock

Gina Rinehart's father, Lang Hancock, made controversial comments regarding Indigenous Australians.

2011-Present

Family Trust Dispute

A prolonged legal battle with her children over the family trust.

2023

Allegations of Fraud

Allegations that Rinehart committed fraud in relation to the transfer of mining licenses.