Rinehart awarded honorary doctorate

Mining billionaire Gina Rinehart has been awarded an honorary doctorate from Queensland's Bond University in recognition of her contribution to the Australian economy.

The Hancock Prospecting chairman joins a list of honorary doctorate recipients at Bond including former Prime Minister John Howard, late media mogul Kerry Packer and former High Court judge Michael Kirby.

Bond vice-chancellor Tim Brailsford said few Australians had made such a significant impact on the nation.

"Gina Rinehart is a very strong leader with an astute business mind, who possesses a vision on how our country can progress and prosper," Professor Brailsford said.

"Her contribution to the mineral resources sector, public policy debate and the national economy will ensure she leaves a lasting legacy." 

Mrs Rinehart said she was honoured to receive the award and looked forward to increasing her association with Bond, which she described as an innovative and entrepreneurial university.

Hancock is targeting production at its $10 billion Roy Hill iron ore project in 2015 and is currently in the process of securing about $7 billion in debt financing for the project.