Top 10: Mining leaders in Australia
Australia is a major player in the global mining industry, ranking as one of the world's largest exporters of minerals and metals.
The country is rich in resources like iron ore, coal, gold, copper, and rare earth elements. Mining contributes significantly to Australia's economy, accounting for a substantial portion of its GDP and export earnings.
The industry employs thousands of workers and drives economic growth in remote regions. Australia's mineral exports are crucial for global manufacturing, energy production, and technology sectors.
The following are the leaders of Australia's largest mining companies.
Lawrie Conway
Company: Evolution Mining
Market Cap: $3.5bn
Metals/minerals: Gold, copper
Evolution Mining operates gold mines across Australia and Canada. The company expanded its portfolio through the acquisition of Red Lake in Ontario. It focuses on low-cost production and has implemented initiatives to reduce water usage and carbon emissions.
Lawrie Conway became Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer in 2023. He previously served as Chief Financial Officer and Finance Director. He has led efforts to improve operational efficiency and maintain the company's position as a low-cost gold producer.
Andrew Cole
Company: OZ Minerals
Market Cap: $6.5bn
Metals/minerals: Copper, gold
OZ Minerals produces copper from its Prominent Hill and Carrapateena mines in South Australia. The company is developing the West Musgrave project, which will be one of Australia's largest copper-nickel mines. OZ Minerals has invested in renewable energy to power its operations.
Andrew Cole joined OZ Minerals as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer in 2014. He has overseen the development of the Carrapateena mine and led the company's expansion into nickel. He serves on the board of the MineralsCouncil of Australia.
Chris Ellison
Company: Mineral Resources
Market Cap: $8bn
Metals/minerals: Iron ore, lithium
Mineral Resources operates iron ore mines in Western Australia's Pilbara region and lithium projects in partnership with other companies. The firm has diversified its revenue streams by expanding into mining services and logistics.
Chris Ellison founded Mineral Resources in 1992 and serves as Managing Director. He has guided the company's growth from a mining contractor to a diversified mining house. He is known for his hands-on approach to management and industry advocacy.
Dale Henderson
Company: Pilbara Minerals
Market Cap: $8.7bn
Metals/minerals: Lithium, tantalite
Pilbara Minerals owns the Pilgangoora lithium-tantalum project in Western Australia. The company has rapidly scaled up production to meet growing demand for lithium. Pilbara Minerals has formed partnerships with battery manufacturers to secure offtake agreements.
Dale Henderson was appointed Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Pilbara Minerals in 2022. He previously held senior roles within the company. He has focused on optimising operations and positioning Pilbara Minerals to benefit from the electric vehicle boom.
Graham Kerr
Company: South32
Market Cap: $10bn
Metals/minerals: Aluminium, manganese, silver, lead, zinc
South32 was formed in 2015 as a spin-off from BHP. The company operates alumina refineries, aluminium smelters, and manganese mines globally. South32 has divested its thermal coal assets and increased investment in base metals projects.
Graham Kerr has been Chief Executive Officer of South32 since its inception. He led the company through its demerger from BHP and subsequent listing and has championed South32's sustainability efforts and its pivot towards future-facing commodities.
Stuart Tonkin
Company: Northern Star Resources
Market Cap: $12.6bn
Metals/minerals: Gold
Northern Star Resources operates gold mines in Western Australia and Alaska. The company merged with Saracen Mineral Holdings in 2021, creating a top-10 global gold producer. It has invested in exploration to extend mine life.
Stuart Tonkin became Chief Executive Officer of Northern Star Resources in 2021 following the merger with Saracen. He previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Northern Star, and has focused on integrating the merged companies and driving operational synergies.
Sandeep Biswas
Company: Newcrest Mining
Market Cap: $14bn
Metals/minerals: Gold, copper
Newcrest Mining is Australia's largest gold producer, with operations in Australia, Canada, and Papua New Guinea. The company has invested in block cave mining technology to access deep orebodies. Newcrest has expanded its copper production to diversify its portfolio.
Sandeep Biswas joined as CEO in 2014. He has led the company's efforts to improve safety performance and reduce costs. He has championed innovation in mining techniques and serves on the International Council on Mining and Metals.
Dino Atranto
Company: Fortescue Metals Group
Market Cap: $35bn
Metals/minerals: Iron ore
Fortescue Metals Group is a major iron ore producer in Western Australia's Pilbara region. The company has invested in automation and green hydrogen production. Fortescue Metals Group aims to achieve net zero emissions from its operations by 2030.
Dino Atranto has been its CEO since August 2023. Prior to that he was Fortescue’s Chief Operating Officer iron ore. With 20 years’ experience in the resources industry, spanning a range of commodities and operations across the globe, he brings significant operational, technical and financial expertise and a strong focus on safety, values and employee engagement.
Jakob Stausholm
Company: Rio Tinto
Market Cap: $85bn
Metals/minerals: Iron ore, aluminium, copper, diamonds
Rio Tinto is a multinational mining company with operations spanning iron ore, aluminium, copper, and diamonds. Rio Tinto is investing in lithium projects to supply the electric vehicle market.
Jakob Stausholm became CEO in 2021. He has prioritised rebuilding trust with stakeholders following the Juukan Gorge incident, which saw rock shelters destroyed on the land of the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura people in Western Australia. Stausholm is leading Rio Tinto's efforts to decarbonise its operations and improve its ESG performance.
Mike Henry
Company: BHP Group
Market Cap: $130bn
Metals/minerals: Iron ore, copper, coal, nickel
BHP Group is the world's largest mining company by market capitalisation. It focuses on iron ore, copper, coal, and nickel production. BHP Group has divested its petroleum business and is increasing its exposure to future-facing commodities.
Mike Henry was appointed CEO in 2020 and has accelerated the company's shift towards commodities needed for the energy transition, as well as setting ambitious targets for increasing female representation in BHP's workforce.
