Lang Hancock

Lang Hancock
Lang Hancock
Born	Template:Birth date; Leederville, Perth, Western Australia
Died	March 27, 1992 (aged 82)
Occupation(s)	Iron ore entrepreneur, mining magnate
Known for	Discovery of world's largest iron ore reserve in Pilbara, Western Australia

Langley Frederick George Hancock (10 June 1909 – 27 March 1992) was a prominent Australian iron ore entrepreneur from Western Australia, celebrated for uncovering the globe’s largest iron ore reserve in 1952 and becoming one of the nation’s most affluent individuals. He is also remembered for his contentious marriage to Rose Porteous, a Filipino former domestic worker, which sparked significant familial disputes with his daughter, Gina Rinehart, casting a shadow over his later life and persisting beyond his passing.

Early life

Born on 10 June 1909 in Leederville, Perth, Hancock was the oldest among four siblings to parents Lilian () and George Hancock. His upbringing took place on family-owned stations including Ashburton Downs and subsequently Mulga Downs Station, properties acquired by his father. His fascination with mining was kindled by his uncle John, who worked as a prospector at Ashburton Downs. Hancock’s education began at home before he attended St Aloysius Convent of Mercy in Toodyay and later Hale School in Perth from 1924 to 1927, where he was active in cricket and football. Following his schooling, he returned to assist with managing Mulga Downs.

In 1935, Hancock wed Susette Maley; they resided at Mulga Downs until their separation was finalized in 1944. That year, he assumed full management of Mulga Downs and entered into a partnership with his former schoolmate E. A. "Peter" Wright to operate the station, known for conducting transactions based solely on handshakes.

During the Second World War, Hancock served as a sergeant within the Volunteer Defence Corps' 11th (North-West) Battalion. On 4 August 1947, he married Hope Margaret Nicholas, who bore his only acknowledged child, Gina Rinehart. Their marriage lasted until Hope’s death in 1983. In 2012, allegations emerged regarding an unacknowledged daughter from an alleged extramarital relationship during Hancock’s tenure at Mulga Downs; these claims have not been substantiated.

Wittenoom Gorge

Hancock’s early mining interest was influenced by his uncle John Hancock Jr., leading to the discovery of asbestos at Wittenoom Gorge when he was just ten years old. He formally claimed mineral rights there in 1934 and commenced extraction of blue asbestos in 1938 through Australian Blue Asbestos. The operation attracted the attention of national corporation CSR Limited, which acquired the claim in 1943. Although Hancock retained a 49% ownership initially, dissatisfaction over CSR’s disregard for his contributions prompted him to sell his remaining share in 1948. The mine later became notorious due to asbestos-related health issues. While Hancock was reportedly aware of the health risks prior to divesting his interest, neither he nor his affiliated companies have accepted liability, and as of 2017 no governmental body has sought compensation.

The Pilbara discovery

On 16 November 1952, Hancock asserted that he had found the world’s largest iron ore deposit within Western Australia’s Pilbara region. During a low-altitude flight navigating the Turner River gorges amid adverse weather conditions, he observed oxidized iron formations. Although this narrative is contested by biographer Neill Phillipson, Hancock alongside prospector Ken McCamey conducted extensive exploration covering . Their findings corroborated an earlier evaluation by geologist Harry Page Woodward from 1890 indicating that the region contained sufficient iron ore reserves to supply global demand; however, initial development was hindered by low market demand.

Following limited mining activity at Yampi Sound and government-imposed export restrictions, the relaxation of these embargoes in 1960 triggered renewed exploration throughout the Hamersley Ranges. Hancock campaigned persistently to have export prohibitions lifted and publicly disclosed his discovery in 1961. By the mid-1960s, he joined forces with Peter Wright and mining conglomerate Rio Tinto Group to develop the site, naming it "Hope Downs" in honor of his wife. Rio Tinto established operations there and continues to manage the mine today, while Hancock and Wright each received annual royalties amounting to A$25 million split evenly. By 1990, Business Review Weekly valued Hancock’s net worth at approximately A$125 million.

Political involvement

Although Lang Hancock never pursued elected office, he was deeply involved in politics, holding firmly conservative principles. During the 1950s, he campaigned vigorously against governmental limitations on iron ore mining. Hancock financially supported politicians from various parties but predominantly aligned with the Liberal and National Parties of Australia. He maintained a close relationship with Queensland Premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen, contributing A$632,000 to the Queensland National Party while Bjelke-Petersen was in power. Hancock also donated A$314,000 to Western Australia’s Nationals and A$985,000 to the Western Australian Labor Party, justifying his support for Labor by stating that they "at least can't do any harm." After falling out with Sir Charles Court and the WA Liberals, Hancock opposed their return to government.

Hancock frequently provided strategic advice to politicians he supported. In 1977, he used a Telex message to urge Treasurer Sir Phillip Lynch to withhold funding from organizations such as Friends of the Earth, which he labeled as subversive entities backed by foreign interests. He further encouraged Bjelke-Petersen to advocate for federal censorship of writers like Ralph Nader and John Kenneth Galbraith, fearing their influence could undermine the Fraser administration.

In 1969, Hancock and his associate Peter Wright established The Sunday Independent, a weekly newspaper in Perth primarily intended to promote their mining ventures. Despite facing competition, the publication reportedly never achieved profitability; Hancock withdrew from involvement in the early 1970s, and Wright eventually sold it in 1984.

A firm proponent of limited government, Hancock resisted Commonwealth intervention in Western Australian matters. At a 1991 state Royal Commission, he declared, "the best government is the least government," emphasizing that governmental actions often hinder or destroy business rather than support it.

Hancock also financially backed a secessionist party during the 1970s that failed to gain traction and authored Wake Up Australia in 1979, advocating for Western Australia's independence. The book's launch was supported by Gina Rinehart and Bjelke-Petersen.

Views on Aboriginal people

Hancock expressed that "Mining in Australia occupies less than one-fifth of one percent of the total surface of our continent and yet it supports 14 million people. Nothing should be sacred from mining whether it's your ground, my ground, the blackfellow's ground or anybody else's. So the question of Aboriginal land rights and things of this nature shouldn't exist."

In a 1984 interview, Hancock made a controversial proposal regarding unemployed indigenous Australians—specifically targeting "the ones that are no good to themselves and who can't accept things, the half-castes"—suggesting they be required to collect welfare at a centralized location while adding a substance to the water supply intended to induce sterility and thus "breed themselves out in the future."

Rose Porteous

Rose Lacson (later Porteous) arrived in Australia in 1983 on a short-term working visa and began employment as a maid for Lang Hancock, who had recently been widowed; this arrangement was made by his daughter Gina Rinehart. Hancock and Porteous married on 6 July 1985 in Sydney; it was the third marriage for both individuals. Porteous was nearly four decades younger than Hancock and faced accusations of gold digging and infidelity. Gina Rinehart, heir to Hancock’s estate, notably did not attend the ceremony.

At first, Hancock was enamored with Porteous, providing her financial support along with investments in Sydney real estate. Porteous assisted Hancock in rejuvenating his appearance through updated styling and grooming. Together they created "Prix d'Amour," an extravagant mansion spanning sixteen blocks with views over the Swan River, inspired by Tara from Gone with the Wind. The residence became a venue for numerous high-profile social gatherings.

Their relationship eventually soured. Rinehart later alleged that Porteous neglected Hancock during his health decline and made financial demands. Despite frequent disputes, they remained married until Hancock passed away in 1992.

Less than three months following Hancock’s death, on 25 June 1992, Porteous wed William Porteous, a longtime friend of Hancock’s, which provoked strong disapproval from Rinehart.

The Prix d'Amour mansion, constructed in 1990, was demolished in March 2006. Western Australian finance minister Max Evans recalled Hancock’s bemusement regarding his wife’s preference for such an expansive home: "He'd say, 'Mr Evans, I don't know why Rose wants this house, I'd be happy sleeping in a transportable.'" Porteous reportedly expressed interest in residing there but not undertaking its maintenance.

Death and inquest

Lang Hancock passed away in March 1992 at the age of 82 while living at the Prix D'Amour guesthouse. His daughter characterized the passing as "unexpected," despite his notable determination to survive. An autopsy established that the cause of death was arteriosclerotic heart disease, with no indications of anything other than natural causes. Nevertheless, Hancock’s daughter accused her stepmother of accelerating his demise. After two coroners declined to hold an inquest, one was eventually authorized in 1999 by Western Australia’s Attorney-General, Peter Foss.

The 2001 inquest, originally scheduled for five weeks and involving 63 witnesses, concentrated on allegations that Porteous had subjected Hancock to emotional abuse. Porteous refuted these claims, commenting, "For others it might be a tantrum; for me, it’s simply raising my voice." During Hancock’s final days, Porteous exerted pressure on him to alter his will; in response, he secured a restraining order against her. The proceedings were temporarily suspended due to accusations of witness bribery and perjury but resumed with a reduced number of witnesses. Ultimately, the inquest determined that Hancock’s death resulted from natural causes and was not influenced by Porteous’ conduct.

Confronted with legal expenses totaling A$2.7 million, Rose and William Porteous initiated a lawsuit against Gina Rinehart; this dispute was resolved through an out-of-court settlement in 2003.

Legacy

Gina Rinehart, Hancock’s daughter, serves as chairperson of Hancock Prospecting, which continues to broaden its mining ventures throughout Western Australia and other regions. In 2011, the company recorded revenues near A$870 million. Rinehart holds the distinction of being Australia’s wealthiest individual and was previously recognized as the world’s richest woman, with an estimated net worth of A$29.17 billion in 2012; by 2019, her fortune was valued at approximately US$14.8 billion according to Forbes.

The Hancock Range, situated about 65 kilometers northwest of Newman in Western Australia, commemorates the family’s significant contributions to developing pastoral and mining sectors within the Pilbara region.

Bibliography

Duffield, Robert. Rogue Bull: The Story of Lang Hancock, King of the Pilbara. Sydney: Collins, 1979. Hardback. 231 pages. ISBN 0-00-216423-X.
Hancock, Lang. Wake Up Australia!. Sydney: E J Dwyer, 1979. ISBN 0-85574-163-5.
Marshall, Debi. Lang Hancock. Sydney: Allen & Unwin, 2001. Hardback. 288 pages. ISBN 978-1-86508-415-2.
Phillipson, Neill. Man of Iron. Melbourne: Wren, 1974. Hardback. 206 pages. ISBN 0-85885-079-6.
Wainwright, Robert. Rose. Sydney: Allen & Unwin, 2003. Hardback. 338 pages. ISBN 1-86508-934-6.

External links

Hancock Prospecting website
Why Gina just got richer, ABC North-West WA, 8 July 2005
Book review of Robert Wainwright's Rose, aussiereviews.com