Forrest, Andrew (1961-…), is an Australian mining executive and philanthropist (charitable donor). Forrest started his first mining company, Anaconda Nickel (now Minara Resources), in 1994. In 2003, he founded Fortescue Metals Group, which primarily engaged in digging up and exporting iron ore to China. The success of the company made Forrest one of Australia’s richest men.
John Andrew Henry Forrest was born in Western Australia , on Nov. 18, 1961. He is the great-great nephew of Sir John Forrest, the first premier of Western Australia. Forrest attended the University of Western Australia, where he studied economics and politics. After graduating, he became a stockbroker before founding Anaconda Nickel in his early 30’s. A stockbroker buys and sells stocks and bonds for others for a commission.
Forrest has donated much of his fortune to charitable causes in Australia. He and his wife, Nicola, have signed the Giving Pledge, a movement started by American entrepreneurs Warren Buffett and Bill Gates. Billionaires who sign the pledge give most of their fortune to charities. The Forrests founded the Australian Children’s Trust, initially to assist underprivileged children and address the needs of youth. The trust was later broadened to help needy Australians in general. Forrest has also used the resources of the Fortescue Metals Group to train members of Indigenous (native) communities for careers in the mining industry. In 2014, Forrest acquired Harvey Beef, Western Australia’s largest meat-processing company.
