The richest people in Western Australia have built immense fortunes through mining, technology, energy, and real estate. With abundant natural resources and global demand for minerals, Western Australia has become a hotspot for billionaires. As of 2025, these individuals represent the peak of the state’s economic power. This article presents the top 10 richest people in Western Australia, including their industries and estimated net worths in Australian Dollars (AUD) and U.S. Dollars (USD).
Top 10 Richest People in Western Australia
1. Gina Rinehart
- Industry: Mining, Agriculture
- Estimated Net Worth: AUD 46.34 billion (~USD 30.5 billion)
- Overview: Australia’s wealthiest person, Rinehart chairs Hancock Prospecting and dominates the global iron ore sector.
2. Nicola Forrest
- Industry: Mining, Philanthropy
- Estimated Net Worth: AUD 16.06 billion (~USD 10.6 billion)
- Overview: Co-founder of Minderoo Foundation and Fortescue Metals stakeholder, Nicola drives major philanthropic initiatives in education and indigenous affairs.
3. Andrew Forrest
- Industry: Mining, Renewable Energy
- Estimated Net Worth: AUD 15.01 billion (~USD 9.9 billion)
- Overview: Founder of Fortescue Metals Group, Forrest is expanding into green hydrogen and large-scale philanthropy.
4. Angela Bennett
- Industry: Iron Ore Royalties
- Estimated Net Worth: AUD 4.63 billion (~USD 3.1 billion)
- Overview: Mining heiress and part-owner of Wright Prospecting, with lucrative royalty stakes in Pilbara iron ore projects.
5. Cliff Obrecht & Melanie Perkins
- Industry: Technology (Canva)
- Estimated Net Worth: AUD 14.02 billion (~USD 9.2 billion) (combined)
- Overview: Co-founders of Canva, the globally popular graphic design platform with operations partially based in WA.
6. Vikas Rambal
- Industry: Fertilizer, Industrial Projects
- Estimated Net Worth: AUD 4.8 billion (~USD 3.1 billion)
- Overview: Founder of Perdaman Industries, spearheading major urea production initiatives in Karratha.
7. Mark Creasy
- Industry: Mineral Exploration
- Estimated Net Worth: AUD 1.5 billion (~USD 1 billion)
- Overview: Legendary prospector with major stakes in multiple resource firms; instrumental in WA’s mining boom.
8. Ralph Sarich
- Industry: Engineering, Property
- Estimated Net Worth: AUD 1.57 billion (~USD 1.03 billion)
- Overview: Inventor turned property magnate, Sarich owns a substantial real estate portfolio in WA.
9. Chris Ellison
- Industry: Mining Services
- Estimated Net Worth: AUD 1.2 billion (~USD 790 million)
- Overview: CEO of Mineral Resources Ltd, Ellison oversees major lithium and iron ore operations.
10. Michael Dorrell
- Industry: Private Equity
- Estimated Net Worth: AUD 13.54 billion (~USD 8.9 billion)
- Overview: Co-founder of Stonepeak, Dorrell has grown the firm into a global infrastructure investment powerhouse, with WA interests.
Conclusion
The richest people in Western Australia are driving forces behind the state’s global mining leadership and rising influence in tech and energy. Their ventures span across continents, yet remain deeply rooted in WA’s economy. As the region evolves, these billionaires will continue shaping Australia’s future wealth and innovation landscape.
