Biography
Langley Frederick George Hancock, also known as Lang Hancock, was a prominent Australian iron ore magnate whose life was ambitious, wealthy, and controversial.
Born in 1909, Hancock discovered the world’s largest iron ore deposit in 1952, making him one of Australia’s richest men. Known for his outspoken views and controversial lifestyle, his legacy remains as vivid as it is divisive.
Lang Hancock’s later years were particularly notable for his high-profile marriage to his much younger maid, Rose Porteous, and his continued involvement in various political and business activities that kept him in the public eye until his death in 1992.
Australian tycoon
Lang Hancock |
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 Lang Hancock: History ‧ Biography ‧ Photos |
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| Wiki Events & About Data | |
| Real name: | Langley Frederick George Hancock |
| Stage name: | Lang Hancock |
| Born: | June 10, 1909 (age 82) |
| Place of birth: | Perth, Australia |
| Deceased: | 27 March 1992 (age 82), Mosman Park Town, Perth, Australia |
| Nationality: | Australia |
| Education: | Hale School |
| Height: | 1.61 meters |
| Parents: | George Hancock, Lilian yielded to Mabel-Prior |
| Siblings: | Eva Hancock, George Hancock, John Hancock |
| Couple: | Rose Porteous (married 1985–1992), Hope Margaret Nicholas (married 1947–1983), Susette Maley (married 1935–1942) |
| Girlfriend • Partner: | Do not have |
| The children: | Gina Rinehart |
| Job: | Businessmen |
| Net worth: | $125 million (USD) |
Early life and education
Lang Hancock, born on 10 June 1909 in the quaint suburb of Leederville in Perth, Western Australia, was the eldest of four children. His parents, George Hancock and Lilian Lilian Yielding Mabel-Prior, were descended from British settlers who had arrived in Australia in the 1830s. This heritage made Lang a proud Australian, with a dash of British ancestry thrown in for good measure.
Growing up in the vastness of Western Australia, the young Lang was surrounded by the rugged beauty of the outback. He spent his formative years on his family’s Mulga Downs plantation, where he learned the ropes of animal husbandry. His education was a combination of hands-on experience and formal education at Hale School in Perth, where he was known for his love of adventure and ability to cause trouble.
Religiously, Lang Hancock’s family was part of the Church of England, although it is unclear how devout he was. He once joked, “I believe in God, but I’m not sure if God believes in me.“ .
Lang’s siblings included two brothers, George Hancock and John Hancock, and a sister, Eva Hancock. They were a close-knit group, but Lang’s restless spirit often led him to wander alone, exploring the vast wilderness of Western Australia.
Career
Lang Hancock’s career was as eventful and influential as the iron ore deposits he discovered. Born in 1909, he spent his early years on the family estate in Western Australia before embarking on a transformative journey in the mining industry.
In 1952, a fortuitous change of course due to bad weather led Hancock to discover the world’s richest iron ore deposit in the Pilbara region. Despite his lack of formal education and mining experience, he had the vision to realise the potential of his find. However, convincing others of its magnitude was a huge challenge.
Hancock’s persistence paid off in 1963 when he finalised a deal to develop the Pilbara region. The deal brought in royalties of $50,000 a day, which were split with his partner, Peter Wright.
Lang Hancock faced many challenges throughout his career and made powerful enemies, but his determination and vision remained steadfast. He died in 1992, leaving behind a legacy that transformed Western Australia’s mining industry and made him one of the country’s wealthiest individuals.
His early passion for mining led to the formation of Australian Blue Asbestos and the discovery of the world’s largest iron ore deposit. Despite challenges and controversy, particularly with state governments over lease agreements, Hancock’s legacy lives on through Hancock Prospecting, a major player in Australia’s mining industry.
Lang Hancock’s legacy continues to thrive in Australia through his daughter, who has led Hancock Prospecting to even greater success. Her hard work and determination have cemented the company’s position as a major force in the Australian business landscape.
Personal life
Lang Hancock, a prominent figure in Australia’s mining industry, had a colourful personal life that often intersected with his business endeavours. Born in 1909, Hancock’s romantic history included several significant relationships and marriages.
Hancock has been married three times. His first marriage was to Hope Margaret Nicholas, with whom he had a daughter, Gina Rinehart, who later became Australia’s richest person. The couple divorced in 1983.
After divorcing Hope, Lang Hancock married his second wife, Rose Porteous, in 1985. Rose was a Filipino-Australian socialite who had worked as Hancock’s housekeeper before their marriage. The marriage was controversial because of their significant age difference (Hancock was 76 and Porteous was 36 at the time of their marriage). They later divorced and Lang married Susette Maley.
There have been rumours and speculation about Hancock fathering children with Aboriginal women during his time in the Pilbara region, but these claims have not been substantiated.
Hancock’s relationships and marriages were often tied to his business dealings, especially his second marriage to Rose Porteous. Their relationship was the subject of much public scrutiny and legal battles, especially after Hancock’s death in 1992.
Cause of death
Lang Hancock, an Australian iron ore magnate, died on March 27, 1992. His cause of death was ruled natural causes, specifically atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, as determined by autopsy.
Despite some controversy and speculation surrounding his death, official records show that he died of heart disease.
Net worth
Lang Hancock died in 1992, making it impossible to determine his exact net worth at the time of his death. However, based on estimates from 1990, his net worth was at least $125 million. It is important to note that net worth measures a person’s wealth at a specific point in time and can change over the course of their lifetime.
