Gina Rinehart

Gina Rinehart AO is an Australian business tycoon who has made her fortune in the mining industry.

She heads Hancock Prospecting, a company that has become much larger and more successful since she inherited it from her father, Lang Hancock. The company's assets include a 70 per cent stake in iron ore miner Roy Hill Holdings, a 50 per cent stake in the Hope Downs iron ore mines and extensive pastoral stations.

She is considered to be the richest person in Australia and one of the richest woman in the world.

Generally reclusive, Mrs Rinehart has at times been outspoken, especially in 2010 when the then federal Labor government sought to bring in a mining tax. She has started the foundation Australians for Northern Development and Economic Vision and until recently she was also involved with anti-slavery and human exploitation group SISHA on its expert advisory board.

In 2022, Mrs RInehart was awarded an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to the mining sector, to the community through philanthropic initiatives, and to sport as a patron.