Lang Hancock and Public Knowledge

LANG HANCOCK AND PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE Michael Darby 14 Nov 2006 Lang Hancock the flying prospector, 1952c A survey being conducted by West Australian Newspapers offers the opportunity of demonstrating to the citizens of this Nation, and especially to West Australians, that iron ore pioneer Lang Hancock has profoundly influenced the development and prosperity of Western Australia. John F Moyes wrote in “Hancock and Wright” (1973): Lang and his wife Hope were flying south from Nunyerry Mine in November 1952. Heavy clouds caused Lang to descend into the gorge and the dramatic flight through the valley of the Turner River enabled him to see that the walls were made of "solid iron". It was not by chance that Hancock recognised the deposits for what they were. He flew back after the "wet season" and landed in the spinifex and collected samples for 50 miles. He had them analysed and read literature on iron ore mines from around the world and realised that his find comprised ore that was at that time 2% higher than the standard blast furnace feed in the United States, then the world's greatest steel producer. He initiated and perfected a technique which has led to the discovery in the Pilbara of more than 500 separate deposits of iron ore and which earned him the title of "The Flying Prospector". Mr James R Barber of Kaiser said: “More than any one man, Lang Hancock is responsible for the Hamersley Iron development. Australia is fortunate to have such a man able to contribute to the development of its natural resources. Lang Hancock personally discovered large quantities of iron ore in the Hamersleys as early as 1952, prior to the lifting of the embargo. He collected samples and had them analysed. He knew he had made major finds which could well alter the world pattern of iron ore supply. From the start he had the vision, the comprehension and the faith that was required to set the stage for the development of these resources on a scale commensurate with their value. He thought in world terms, rather than in just national. It is this early comprehension of the order of magnitude of the scene yet to unfold that set him apart. He studied the world ore picture. He mastered the basic statistics. He noted the methods used. He was shrewd enough to realise that he needed help in bringing his dream to fruition. In the meantime, being a man of action as well, he set about doing something about moving the wheel along a little faster. He did much to ensure that an economic climate in Western Australia, conducive to the large inflow of capital which he knew would be required, was established. At times his efforts on behalf of his state and country cost him personal popularity. An agreement aimed at developing these mineral resources brought to light by Hancock and Wright was signed. This agreement is the foundation of what is now Hamersley Iron and had much to do with the subsequent merger of Rio Tinto and Consolidated Zinc into what is now CRA of Australia, a far stronger company than either of the two individually. This alone was a tremendous contribution to Australia. Hancock and Wright also encouraged participation by overseas firms such as our own. Kaiser Steel has never had stronger or more steadfast friends. Lang took Tom Price in hand when he went over to examine the ore deposits. He flew him about showing him the ore and talked to him. A great deal of Lang’s contagious enthusiasm and appreciation of the potentials involved rubbed off on Tom. Lang exerted himself in every way to help Kaiser fit into the picture. Our company owes him a deep debt of gratitude. Our participation in Hamersley Iron has made Kaiser Steel a larger and far stronger company.” • It was Lang Hancock who in 1952 first realised the export potential of Western Australia’s Pilbara iron ore reserves. • It was Lang Hancock who first persuaded overseas investors to put their money into Western Australian iron ore, Hamersley Iron being the result, despite the remoteness, lack of infrastructure and rugged terrain. • It was Lang Hancock who campaigned successfully for removal of the Federal Government’s ill-advised ban on iron ore exports, and who persuaded the WA State Government to lift their ban on the pegging of iron ore. • Iron ore exports have been one of the leading exports of West Australia for 40 years, earning Australia billions and billions of dollars of export revenue and billions of dollars of tax revenue, including some billions of royalties to the WA State Government. Lang Hancock brought forward by decades the development of the iron ore mineral wealth of North West Australia. His contribution has been truly formidable, and his positive influence on his home State and on the whole of Australia, profound in the past century and highly significant in this century, and will remain impressive in the next century. Returning to the survey being promoted this week by The West Australian, the newspaper has published a list of 100 individuals, described as the people most influential upon Western Australia. Lang Hancock is of course mentioned, but among the politicians and sporting stars the list has some surprises. These include fringe opponent of technology Jo Valentine. The West Australian asks the Question: Who do you think should be in the 100 Most Influential Jo Valentine campaigning against the production of People Top 10 List?. medical isotopes at Lucas Heights. Already the champions of various individuals on the “list of one hundred” are drumming up votes. There is a serious risk that the outcome might give the impression that only politicians, crooks, agitators and people who have not contributed to the wealth of West Australia or Australia, have in the public mind been influential upon Western Australia. Lang Hancock once famously published a book entitled “The contribution of politicians and bureaucrats to the development of Australia”. All the pages were blank. The concept was so appealing that it has been copied many times. I commend to all my friends and all my readers whom I have not yet had the opportunity to befriend, that all who respect entrepreneurs, pioneers and prospectors and value their impact upon the world should make an effort to ensure that a balanced view is presented. Accordingly I ask that each person reading this article vote for Lang Hancock. To vote, you can go to the WA News website and click to vote. Or you can simply send an email to [email protected], placing into the subject line the words “My vote for the Most Influential People Top Ten List”. In either case, you are asked to furnish your name and address. The WA Newspapers switchboard advises that it is not necessary to vote for ten persons. I have voted just “LANG HANCOCK”, and invite you to do likewise. The deadline is 4pm Monday 20 November, so please vote now. Best wishes Michael Darby PS The family contributions continue - through the energy and persistence of Lang’s daughter, Gina Rinehart, the Hope Downs Joint Venture (Rio Tinto Iron Ore and Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd) will begin production in 2007 or by early 2008. .

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