Lang Hancock Biography: Age, Company, Net Worth, Wife, Children, House, Story, Family Tree

Biography

Langley Frederick George Hancock, better known as Lang Hancock, was a celebrated Australian iron ore magnate whose life was marked by ambition, wealth, and controversy.

Born in 1909, Hancock discovered the world’s largest iron ore deposit in 1952, propelling him to become one of Australia’s richest men. Renowned for his outspoken views and contentious lifestyle, his legacy remains as vibrant as it is polarizing.

Lang Hancock‘s later years were particularly notable for his high-profile marriage to his much younger maid, Rose Porteous, and his continuous involvement in various political and business ventures that kept him in the public spotlight until he died in 1992.

Lang Hancock
Wiki Facts & About Data
Real Name:	Langley Frederick George Hancock
Stage Name:	Lang Hancock
Born:	10 June 1909 (age 82 years old)
Place of Birth:	, Perth, Australia
Died:	27 March 1992 (age 82 years), Town of Mosman Park, Perth, Australia
Nationality:	Australian
Education:	Hale School
Height:	1.61 m
Parents:	George Hancock, Lilian Yielding Mabel-Prior
Siblings:	Eva Hancock, George Hancock, John Hancock
Spouse:	Rose Porteous (m. 1985–1992), Hope Margaret Nicholas (m. 1947–1983), Susette Maley (m. 1935–1942)
Girlfriend • Partner:	N/A
Children:	Gina Rinehart
Occupation:	Businessman
Net Worth:	$125 million (USD)

Early Life & Education

Lang Hancock, born on June 10, 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, hailed from a line of British settlers who arrived in Australia in the 1830s. This heritage made Lang a proud Aussie through and through, with a dash of British ancestry thrown in for good measure.

Growing up in the vast expanses of Western Australia, young Lang was surrounded by the rugged beauty of the outback. He spent his formative years at his family’s Mulga Downs station, where he learned the ropes of the pastoral industry. His education was a mix of practical experience and formal schooling at Hale School in Perth, where he was known for his love of adventure and his knack for finding trouble.

As for religion, Lang Hancock‘s family was part of the Church of England, though it’s unclear how devout he was. He once quipped, “I believe in God, but I’m not sure he believes in me.”

Lang‘s siblings included two brothers, George Hancock and John Hancock, and a sister, Eva Hancock. They were a tight-knit bunch, but Lang‘s restless spirit often led him to wander off independently, exploring the vast wilderness of Western Australia.

Career

Lang Hancock‘s career was as vibrant and impactful as the iron ore deposits he discovered. Born in 1909, he spent his early years on his family’s property in Western Australia before embarking on a transformative journey in the mining industry.

In 1952, a serendipitous change in flight direction due to bad weather led Hancock to discover the richest iron ore deposit in the world in the Pilbara region. Despite lacking formal education and mining experience, he had the vision to recognize the potential of his find. Convincing others of its magnitude, however, was a formidable challenge.

Hancock‘s persistence paid off in 1963 when he finalized an agreement that enabled the development of the Pilbara region. This agreement brought in royalties of $50,000 a day, shared with his partner, Peter Wright.

Lang Hancock faced numerous challenges throughout his career and made powerful enemies, yet his determination and vision remained steadfast. He passed away 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 interest in mining led to the formation of Australian Blue Asbestos and the discovery of the world’s largest iron ore deposit. Despite facing challenges and controversies, particularly with the state government over lease agreements, Hancock‘s legacy endures through Hancock Prospecting, a major player in the Australian mining industry.

Lang Hancock‘s legacy continues to thrive in Australia through his daughter, who has propelled Hancock Prospecting to even greater success. Her hard work and determination have solidified the company’s place as a major force in the Australian business landscape.

Personal Life

Lang Hancock, a prominent figure in the Australian mining industry, had a colourful personal life that often intersected with his business endeavours. Born in 1909, Hancock‘s romantic history includes several significant relationships and marriages.

Hancock was married thrice. His first marriage was to Hope Margaret Nicholas, with whom he had one daughter, Gina Rinehart, who would later become Australia’s wealthiest person. The couple divorced in 1983.

After his divorce from Hope, Lang Hancock married his second wife, Rose Porteous, in 1985. Rose was a Filipino-born Australian socialite who worked as Hancock‘s housekeeper before marriage. The union was controversial due to 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 intertwined with his business dealings, particularly his second marriage to Rose Porteous. Their relationship was the subject of much public scrutiny and legal battles, especially after Hancock died in 1992.

Cause Of Death

Lang Hancock, the Australian iron ore magnate, passed away on March 27, 1992. The cause of his death was attributed to natural causes, specifically arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, as determined by a post-mortem examination.

Despite some controversies and speculations surrounding his death, the official record indicates that he died of heart disease.

Net Worth

Lang Hancock passed away in 1992, making it impossible to accurately determine his 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 someone’s wealth at a specific time and can change throughout their life.