Gina Rinehart’s Week: From Cattle Sales to Gold Rushes and Political Clout
SYDNEY, 31 January 2026 – Australia’s wealthiest individual, mining magnate Gina Rinehart, has dominated business headlines over the past week with a series of high-stakes moves. From divesting agricultural assets and expanding her mining empire into gold to navigating shifting international mineral policies and wielding significant political influence, the billionaire’s activities highlight her central role in the nation’s resources and investment landscape.
Land Tax Triggers Major Agricultural Sale
Ms Rinehart, alongside a Chinese investment partner, has placed a significant Queensland cattle property portfolio on the market, directly blaming the state’s foreign land tax. The S. Kidman & Co joint venture’s “Rockybank Aggregation” near Roma is being sold, with reports citing an annual tax burden approaching $1 million as the primary catalyst. This move underscores the tangible impact of state-level fiscal policies on large-scale agricultural investment.
Diversifying the Fortune: The Gold Rush
While iron ore built her fortune, Ms Rinehart is now aggressively pursuing gold. Through her private company Hancock Prospecting, she was recently awarded prized exploration tenements in Western Australia in partnership with Sierra Nevada Gold, an ASX-listed junior miner. This follows reports that she and fellow iron ore billionaire Andrew Forrest are both expanding into the precious metal as its price soars.
Key Facts & Financial Moves
| Asset / Venture | Recent Development |
|---|---|
| Liontown Resources | Hancock Prospecting remains the largest single shareholder with a ~16.3% stake, as other investors sold into a lithium price rally. |
| Ballard Mining | A Rinehart-backed company, it completed a $61 million placement to accelerate drilling at its Mount Ida gold project in WA. |
| Arafura Rare Earths (Nolans Project) | The critical minerals project, central to an Australia-US agreement, counts Ms Rinehart as a key financial backer. |
| Stake in SGQ | Hancock Prospecting holds a strategic stake in the explorer, which reported a cash balance of ~$52 million at the end of December. |
Political Influence and Policy Landscape
Ms Rinehart’s influence extends beyond boardrooms. Her reported donations, including $300,000 split between three One Nation senators, have sparked political controversy. Analysts note her support is a significant factor in the improved funding and polling of Pauline Hanson’s party. Furthermore, her ventures are intertwined with international policy; the US administration’s recent step back from guaranteeing a minimum price for critical minerals has caused volatility in related stocks, though the Australian government insists its own $1.2 billion strategic reserve plan remains on track.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Gina Rinehart selling her cattle stations?
Ms Rinehart and her joint-venture partner are selling the “Rockybank Aggregation” cattle stations, citing Queensland’s foreign land tax as the primary reason. They claim the tax imposes an unsustainable annual cost of approximately $1 million on the operation.
Is Gina Rinehart still investing in mining?
Absolutely. While divesting from some agricultural assets, she is actively expanding her mining portfolio. Recent moves include new gold exploration tenements in WA, a major capital raise for gold-focused Ballard Mining, and maintaining a dominant stake in lithium producer Liontown Resources.
What is Gina Rinehart’s net worth?
Estimates from recent reports place Gina Rinehart’s net worth at approximately $46.3 billion, cementing her position as Australia’s richest person. Her wealth is primarily derived from iron ore, but is now diversifying into gold, lithium, and rare earths.