Forrest heads the list, with an estimated $US4.1 billion net worth (including family holdings), with the second richest mining identity Gina Rinehart (number seven on the full list) lagging his wealth by more than $US2.1 billion, with an estimated $US2 billion net worth.
Angela Bennett and Michael Wright, the children of Lang Hancock’s former partner Peter Wright, take more than $US100 million in royalties from Rio Tinto, and fall just short of the $US1 billion net wealth mark at $US975 million.
They come in at number 14 on the Forbes list, followed by Macarthur Coal founder Ken Talbot ($US820 million) at number 21.
Worley Parsons’ John Grill ($US740 million) makes his appearance at number 23 (just behind Kerry Stokes – who should perhaps count as a mining figure thanks to WesTrac, but is more commonly known as a media magnate), followed by Clive Palmer ($600 million) at a subdued number 36.
Paul Fudge is the only new entrant from the mining sector, according to Forbes, coming in at 38, after selling a coal seam gas exploration permit to Origin Energy for $466 million last year.
