Sam Chong

CEO, Jellinbah Group

Real-Time Net Worth

$2.1B

As of December 2025

Age

Source

Mining

Industry

metals-mining

Citizenship

Biography

Sam Chong, a Malaysian-born, is a prominent figure in the Australian mining industry, with a net worth of $2.1 billion as of December 5, 2025. His wealth stems primarily from his strategic investments in coal mines, making him a key player in Queensland's resource sector. Chong, at 82 years old, is the co-owner of Jellinbah Group, which operates coal mines in Queensland. His career, which began after training as a mining engineer in Taiwan, has been marked by significant achievements, including the recent purchase of Anglo American's stake in Jellinbah.

Wealth Over Time

Portfolio Holdings

Jellinbah Group

Queensland, Australia

0 employees

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Sam Chong was born in Malaysia and trained as a mining engineer in Taiwan. He moved to Australia in 1972, marking the beginning of his journey in the mining industry.

Rise to Success

Chong's rise to success is attributed to his strategic investments in Queensland coal mines. He is the co-owner of Jellinbah Group, which operates two coal mines in Queensland. In November 2024, Chong acquired Anglo American's one-third stake in Jellinbah for A$1.6 billion, further solidifying his position in the industry. He became Australia's first Malaysian-born billionaire in 2012.

Key Business Strategies

Chong's key business strategy revolves around investing in and operating coal mines in Queensland. His company, Jellinbah Group, has seen substantial profits, especially with the increasing demand for Australian coking coal from Chinese steel manufacturers.

Philanthropy

Details on Sam Chong's philanthropic activities are not readily available in the search results.

Career Milestones

1972

Moved to Australia

Moved to Australia after training as a mining engineer in Taiwan, beginning his career in the mining industry.

2012

First Malaysian-born billionaire in Australia

Became the first Malaysian-born billionaire in Australia.

2024

Purchased Anglo American Stake

Inked a deal to buy out Anglo American's one-third stake in Jellinbah for A$1.6 billion.

Controversies & Challenges

2021

Political Donations

The Queensland Liberal National party accepted more than $30,000 in donations from a company owned by Sam Chong, despite deeming the company a "prohibited donor" two years prior.