James Foots
Sir James William Foots | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Jamieson, Victoria, Australia |
| Died | August 21, 2010 (aged 94) Caloundra, Queensland, Australia |
| Occupation(s) | Mining engineer, university chancellor |
| Known for | Chairman of Mount Isa Mines; Chancellor of the University of Queensland |
Sir James William Foots (12 July 1916 – 21 August 2010) was a distinguished Australian mining engineer who served as Chairman of Mount Isa Mines and Chancellor of the University of Queensland.
Early life
James Foots was born on 12 July 1916 in Jamieson, Victoria. He was the son of William Foots, a specialist in explosives used within gold mining. Following the early passing of his mother, his upbringing was overseen by his grandparents. Demonstrating strong academic ability at Coburg High School, he secured a scholarship to the University of Melbourne, where he completed a degree in Mining Engineering in 1937.
Career
Foots commenced his professional journey at the Zinc Corporation mine located in Broken Hill. In 1939, he married Thora Thomas. During the Second World War, he contributed to constructing underground fuel storage facilities in Darwin, despite ongoing bombing attacks. By 1946, he had resumed mining roles at Captain's Flat and Broken Hill. His association with Mount Isa Mines began in 1952, and by 1955 he had advanced to general manager. Subsequently, he took on the roles of chief executive and chairman of MIM Holdings Ltd. Throughout his tenure, he oversaw significant growth in the output of lead, silver, copper, and zinc.
In the academic sphere, Foots became a member of the Senate at The University of Queensland in 1970. He chaired its Foundation from 1982 until 1985 and was instrumental in founding the Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre, aimed at fostering mining innovation. His chancellorship spanned from 1985 to 1992, after which he led Uniquest from 1993 through 1997.
Foots also held prominent leadership positions outside the mining industry: he chaired Westpac between 1987 and 1989; served as president for both the Australian Mining Council and Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy in 1974; and participated on boards such as Castlemaine Toohey's Limited (1983–1985), National Mutual Life Association (1982–1985), and ASARCO Incorporated (1985–1987).
He died on 21 August 2010 in Caloundra, Queensland. His wife Thora had predeceased him earlier that year.
Legacy
Foots created scholarship programs to assist students pursuing Mining, Chemical, and Metallurgical Engineering disciplines. In recognition of his contributions, a building at The University of Queensland’s St Lucia campus and a bridge constructed in Mount Isa in 2009 bear his name.
Honours
- 1972 – Medal from Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy
- 1975 – Knight Bachelor title awarded for contributions to mining
- 1975 – Kernot Memorial Medal from University of Melbourne
- 1976 – Elected Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (FTSE)
- 1979 – John Storey Medal from Australian Institute of Management
- 1982 – Honorary Doctorate of Engineering awarded by The University of Queensland
- 1982 – Gold Medal from J.P. Thompson Foundation
- 1984 – Advance Australia Award recipient
- 1984 – Honorary Fellowship from Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (HonFAusIMM)
- 1985 – Distinguished Auxiliary Service Cross from The Salvation Army
- 1986 – Commander’s Cross, Order of Merit from Federal Republic of Germany
- 1987 – Gold Medal from Mining and Metallurgy (UK)
- 1989 – Gold Medal awarded by Company Director's Association of Australia (Qld)
- 1992 – Officer of the Order of Australia (AO)
- 1993 – Beryl Jacka Award from Aus I.M.M.
- 2001 – Centenary Medal recipient
- 2004 – Civilian Service Medal for service during 1939–1945 (Darwin Service)
Additional distinctions include:
- 1972 – Paul Harris Fellow from Rotary International
- 1977 – Honorary Fellowship from Institution of Mining and Metallurgy, London
- 1987 – Life Membership with Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy
- 2001 – Life Membership at Australian Prospectors and Miners Hall of Fame
- 2003 – Inductee into Australian Prospectors and Miners Hall of Fame
Memberships
- 1956 – Served as a council member for The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy
- 1960 – Appointed to the Advisory Council of C.S.I.R.O.
- 1971 – Participated on the Red Shield Appeal Committee for The Salvation Army in Brisbane
- 1989 – Joined the Trust Board of Mater Hospitals