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Billionaire Profile
Robert Friedland
Global Rank
#1263

Image: Benoît Prieur | CC0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Robert Friedland

CEO, Mining
UNITED STATES
Real-Time Net Worth
$3.334B
Estimated based on Mining stock value as of March 6, 2026
-3.46% (24h)
Age
75
Source
Mining
Industry
Metals & Mining
Citizenship
UNITED STATES

Biography

Robert Friedland is a US-Canadian billionaire, and a prominent figure in the mining industry. With a net worth of $3.8 billion, he is known for founding Ivanhoe Capital Corporation and co-founding Ivanhoe Mines, which specializes in the exploration and development of energy and mineral resources. His career includes discovering significant copper, gold, and silver deposits, notably at Oyu Tolgoi in Mongolia, and also the Voisey's Bay nickel deposit in Canada. Friedland is recognized for his entrepreneurial approach and innovative technologies, particularly in challenging environments. He holds dual citizenship and currently resides in Singapore.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 3/6/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Robert Martin Friedland was born in Chicago, Illinois, on August 18, 1950. His parents were Holocaust survivors. In 1970, he was arrested for drug trafficking and served time in prison. After his release, he studied at Reed College, where he was the student body president.

Rise to Success

Friedland's career began in the 1980s with Galactic Resources Ltd., where he established a gold mine at Summitville, Colorado. A notable achievement was the founding of Indochina Goldfields in 1994, later renamed Ivanhoe Mines. Under his leadership, Ivanhoe Mines discovered significant mineral deposits, including the Oyu Tolgoi copper and gold mine in Mongolia.

Key Business Strategies

Friedland specializes in securing funding for the exploration and development of mineral resources. His strategies involve identifying and investing in promising mining projects, particularly in emerging markets. His focus has been on copper, nickel, and other metals essential for the green economy.

Philanthropy

Friedland is known for his philanthropic work, with a focus on education and healthcare. He established the Friedland Foundation, which supports various charitable initiatives.

Career Milestones

1980s

Founded Galactic Resources Ltd.

Founded the company and established a gold mine at Summitville, Colorado.

1994

Founded Indochina Goldfields (later Ivanhoe Mines)

Founded Indochina Goldfields, which later became Ivanhoe Mines, focused on mining and exploration.

2000

Oyu Tolgoi Discovery

Oversaw the discovery of copper, gold, and silver deposits at Oyu Tolgoi in Mongolia.

2016

Canadian Mining Hall of Fame Induction

Inducted into the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame.

2021

American Hall of Fame

Inducted into the American Hall of Fame.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education and Healthcare

Friedland Foundation

Undisclosed

Supports various charitable initiatives, particularly in education and healthcare.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"In the short term, we've had a big rise in the price of copper. But for the medium term, copper has really become a national security issue. It's central for what we want to do with our economy."

Leadership Principles

Visionary Leadership

Identifying and pursuing promising mining projects in emerging markets.

Innovation

Employing innovative technologies in mining operations.

Strategic Partnerships

Forming partnerships and securing funding for exploration and development.

Controversies & Challenges

1991

Summitville Mine Environmental Disaster

The Summitville gold mine, operated by Friedland's company Galactic Resources Ltd., was involved in a major scandal due to environmental contamination.

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