Gina Rinehart AO
Philanthropist and Business Leader
Executive Chairman, Hancock Prospecting

Mrs Gina Rinehart AO is a leading figure in Australian mining and a strong advocate for the industry’s contribution to the nation. She founded and now co-chairs National Mining and Related Industries Day, held annually on November 22.

Since becoming Executive Chairman of Hancock Prospecting in 1992, Mrs Rinehart has transformed the company from severe difficulty into Australia’s largest private business, expanding into mining and agriculture and driving major innovation.

Her flagship achievement is the Roy Hill project in WA’s Pilbara – exploring, financing, constructing, and operating the mega iron ore operation. In 2014, she personally secured $7.2 billion in project finance as the largest debt package in Australia at the time, despite early resistance from banks to backing a female-led greenfield mine.

Beyond business, Mrs Rinehart mentors emerging female leaders through the Georgina Hope Foundation and industry forums, championing STEM pathways for young women. A noted patriot and philanthropist, she received the Australian Olympic Committee’s Order of Merit (2014) and was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (2022). She is the first woman to receive the GJ Stokes Memorial Award (2020), the first woman to top the BRW Rich List, and the 2023 AFR Business Person of the Year. Her trailblazing legacy continues to inspire women to defy expectations and shape industries in their own way.