Andrew Forrest

Early Career

After his graduation, Forrest worked as a stockbroker at Kirke Securities and Jacksons. By the time he was in his early thirties, he had founded Anaconda Nickel, known today as Minara Resources, and become its CEO. Today, Minara Resources has become one of the largest single mineral exporters in Australia, due to the Murrin Murrin Joint Venture project.

Subsequent Career

Forrest took over Allied Mining and Processing in 2003. It was then renamed Fortescue Metals Group. Today, FMG controls major deposits in the areas of Tongolo, Cloudbreak, Christmas Creek and Mount Nicholas. Forrest remains a major shareholder through The Metal Group, which is private company that he controls. Then, in 2007, he acquired Niagara Mining.

In 2009, he bought back his family ranch, Minderoo, which had been sold off by his family in 1998 after several years of debt and drought, achieving his long-time goal with patience and hard work. In his own words, ‘every chance I got I still went back to the land’, a sentiment that he lives by to this day. In 2011, he was nominated as Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year for the Western Region. He has since branched out into the beef and medical industries with the acquisition of Harvey Beef and Allied Medical.

Other Roles

Andrew Forrest, an Australian entrepreneur and philanthropist, has significantly diversified his roles beyond founding Fortescue Metals Group (FMG). His ventures span various sectors, reflecting a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and social impact.

• Establishment of FMG: In 2003, Andrew Forrest founded Fortescue Metals Group (FMG), growing it into one of the world’s leading iron ore producers, with extensive mining operations and a private railway network in Western Australia.
• Transition to Green Energy: Forrest has directed FMG towards green energy, aiming to make it a global leader in green hydrogen production and to eliminate reliance on fossil fuels by 2030.
• Tattarang Investment Group: Forrest oversees Tattarang, his private investment group with a diversified portfolio spanning agriculture, energy, resources, property, and lifestyle sectors. Notable acquisitions include iconic Australian brands R.M. Williams and Akubra.
• Philanthropy – Minderoo Foundation: Forrest and his wife Nicola founded the Minderoo Foundation in 2001, focusing on cancer research, indigenous education, ocean conservation, and global issues, such as a $740 million initiative for Ukraine’s economic recovery.
• Advocacy and Legal Actions: Forrest has been active in addressing social issues, notably filing a lawsuit against Meta Platforms to combat scam advertisements misusing his image, highlighting his commitment to online safety.
• Recent Clean Energy Developments: In 2024, Forrest announced a major expansion of clean energy efforts via Squadron Energy, with a nearly $3 billion agreement to supply advanced turbines for wind farms in New South Wales.
• Broad Influence and Advocacy: Through these roles, Forrest continues to impact various industries, championing sustainable practices and contributing to societal progress both in Australia and globally.

Philanthropy

Andrew Forrest, an Australian mining magnate and philanthropist, has made significant contributions to various social and environmental causes through his extensive philanthropic endeavors.

Demonstrating their commitment to philanthropy, the Forrests became the first Australians to sign The Giving Pledge in 2013. This initiative, founded by Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett, encourages the world's wealthiest individuals to dedicate the majority of their wealth to charitable causes during their lifetimes. In June 2023, Andrew and Nicola Forrest made a historic donation of 220 million Fortescue Metals Group shares, valued at approximately A$5 billion, to the Minderoo Foundation. This contribution significantly increased the foundation's endowment, enabling it to expand its philanthropic activities and impact.

The Minderoo Foundation concentrates its efforts on several key areas:

• Communities: Supporting initiatives that empower individuals and strengthen community resilience.

• Gender Equality: Promoting equal opportunities and addressing systemic barriers faced by women and marginalized groups.

• Natural Ecosystems: Advocating for the preservation and restoration of natural environments to ensure sustainability for future generations.

Through these initiatives, Andrew Forrest's philanthropy reflects a deep commitment to creating a fairer and more sustainable world.

Personal Life

Forrest is married to Nicola Forrest, and they have three children together. He is a Christian by faith, and in 2014 participated in a Joint Religious Leaders Declaration Against Modern Slavery at Vatican City. His many friends include media tycoon Rupert Murdoch and Olympic Sprinter Cathy Freeman. Other than his entrepreneurial activities, he serves as Adjunct Professor at Chinese Southern University. He is also an enthusiastic amateur boxer and owns a luxury yacht.

Andrew Forrest Forum 2014