$1.4 billion (US) in net worth
Age: c.80
DOB: c.1943
Birthplace: Australia
Angela Bennett is a formidable mining heiress and businesswoman with a remarkable success story. Currently the third richest woman in Australia, she has not only secured her family’s legacy for generations but also made a significant impact on the Australian mining industry. All that on top of having seven children!
Bennett was born around 1943 in Western Australia into a family deeply connected to the mining industry. Her father, Michael Wright, was one of the original stakeholders in the highly profitable Pilbara iron ore mining operation, which laid the foundation for her family’s wealth. Additionally, her grandfather, Peter Wright, was a close business partner of Lang Hancock – a pioneering figure in Australian mining. These family connections gave Angela Bennett a unique perspective on the mining industry from a young age.
While Angela Bennett was born into privilege, she did not rest on her family’s laurels. Her upbringing instilled a strong work ethic, and she was determined to make her own mark in the business world. After completing her education, she began her professional career, eventually focusing on the mining industry – just like her family before her.
Angela Bennett’s most significant success in the mining industry came through her involvement with AMAX, an American mining company. In the late 1980s, she negotiated a deal to sell her family’s mining assets to AMAX – which included substantial stakes in iron ore projects. This transaction transformed Angela Bennett’s financial situation and allowed her to amass a considerable fortune. The deal also marked a turning point in her career – establishing herself as a powerful and independent businesswoman.
Following the AMAX deal, Angela Bennett continued to be an active participant in the mining industry. She made several strategic investments and acquisitions, including a significant stake in the prominent Australian mining company, Normandy Mining Limited. Her involvement with Normandy Mining allowed her to gain exposure to gold mining – a sector that was booming at the time. This subsequently helped to further increase her net worth.
One of the most notable achievements in Angela Bennett’s career was her role in the merger of Normandy Mining Limited with Newmont Mining Corporation, a major global mining company. This merger created one of the largest gold mining companies in the world. Angela Bennett played a crucial part in the negotiations and discussions leading to the merger, demonstrating her acumen in the business world. The successful merger elevated her status in the mining industry and further increased her wealth.
While Angela Bennett’s career in the mining industry has been marked by significant accomplishments, it has not been without challenges. She faced legal battles and disputes – including a high-profile one with Gina Rinehart – some of which were related to her family’s mining assets. However, her resilience and determination have enabled her to navigate these obstacles and continue building her legacy in the mining world.
In addition to her successful mining ventures, Angela Bennett has been involved in various philanthropic activities and community initiatives over several decades. She has regularly used her wealth to good effect – contributing millions to charitable causes that are important to her while demonstrating admirable compassion.
Overall, as one of Australia’s wealthiest individuals, Bennett should be seen as a trailblazing figure in the mining industry. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring businesspeople, particularly women, who aim to succeed in traditionally male-dominated sectors. Ultimately, Angela proves that where there is a will there is a way.