Today marks the release of this years BRW Rich List. As usual, a Packer is at the top of the list. But for how long? The iron ore industry is certainly stirring things up. Of the billionaires, 9 are products of the mining industry.

Strong economy, high-demand for iron ore by the Chinese and activity in the financial service industry are the key drivers behind the growth of the 2007 list and its participants wallets.

“The resources boom, driven by China’s modernisation, keeps setting records for the price of the nation’s key commodities, with the price of iron ore, in particular, surging 153 per cent since 2003.” (see: news.com.au)

Top 4:-

James Packer -$7.25 billion (media and gaming)

Frank Lowy -$6.51 billion (property)

Richard Pratt -$5.4 billion (packaging)

Gina Rinehart -$4 billion (mining)