Robert Friedland

$2.96 B

Ranked #1396 in World

About Robert Friedland

Renaissance financier Robert Martin Friedland, born to survivors of the Holocaust in Chicago in 1950, emerged as a pioneering force in the mining sector as the founder of Ivanhoe Capital Corporation and co-chairman of Ivanhoe Mines. Despite legal setbacks in his early years, Friedland's innovative approach led to significant copper discoveries, particularly in Mongolia's Oyu Tolgoi. A benefactor of heap leaching technology, he now focuses on copper in the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Africa from his base in Singapore. His legacy includes transforming the tech world indirectly through a connection with Steve Jobs and significant contributions to mining tech advancements.

Born

August 18, 1950 in Chicago, Illinois, US

Age

75 years

Source Of Wealth

Mining

Industries

Metals & Mining

Citizenship

United States

Residence

Singapore

Education

Bachelor of Arts/Science, Reed College

Spouse

Darlene M. Friedland

Children

Robert Martin Friedland was born on August 18, 1950, in Chicago, Illinois, to immigrant parents. His father, a Holocaust survivor from Auschwitz, and his mother, who worked as a forced laborer during the Holocaust, instilled in him a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for freedom.

Friedland's early life was marked by a rebellious spirit. In 1970, he resigned from Bowdoin College after an LSD arrest and served two years in prison. After his release on probation, he enrolled at Reed College, where he graduated in 1974 with a degree in political science. During his time at Reed, he served as student body president.

Robert Friedland: Family

Robert Friedland is married to Darlene Friedland, and they have three children together. His son, Govind Friedland, is a geologist.

Robert Friedland: Career Highlights

Friedland's career in the mining industry began in the 1980s when he founded Galactic Resources Ltd. As CEO, he raised over $300 million in investments and established a gold mine at Summitville, Colorado. However, his use of heap leaching technology during snowy winter conditions caused significant environmental damage, leading to the bankruptcy of Galactic Resources in 1992.

Friedland's most notable achievement came in 1994 when he founded Indochina Goldfields, which was later renamed Ivanhoe Mines and then Turquoise Hill Resources. As chairman and later executive chairman until 2011, he oversaw the discovery of copper, gold, and silver deposits at Oyu Tolgoi in Mongolia. Oyu Tolgoi began commercial production in 2013 and is projected to become one of the world's largest copper and gold mines.

Friedland has held numerous other corporate leadership positions, including CEO of Ivanhoe Capital Acquisition Corp., co-chairman of SK Global / Ivanhoe Pictures, chairman and CEO of High Power Exploration, chairman of Gold X Mining Corp., co-founder, executive co-chairman, and CEO of Ivanhoe Energy Inc., chairman of Sunwing Holding Corporation, co-chairman of Clean TeQ Holdings, executive chairman of Ivanplats Limited, chairman and non-executive director of Ivanhoe Australia Ltd., chairman of Potash One Inc., and founder and co-chairman of Diamond Fields Resources Ltd.

Robert Friedland: Companies

Robert Friedland has been involved with numerous companies throughout his career, including:

Ivanhoe Capital Corporation
Ivanhoe Mines
Galactic Resources Ltd.

Ivanhoe Capital Acquisition Corp.
SK Global / Ivanhoe Pictures
High Power Exploration
Gold X Mining Corp.
Ivanhoe Energy Inc.
Sunwing Holding Corporation
Clean TeQ Holdings
Ivanplats Limited
Ivanhoe Australia Ltd.
Potash One Inc.
Diamond Fields Resources Ltd.

Robert Friedland: Major Achievements

Friedland's major achievements include:

Founding and chairing Ivanhoe Capital Corporation and Ivanhoe Mines.
Discovering copper, gold, and silver deposits at Oyu Tolgoi in Mongolia.
Developing Oyu Tolgoi into one of the world's largest copper and gold mines.
Inducting into the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame (2016) and American Hall of Fame (2021).

Robert Friedland: Awards & Achievements

Friedland has received numerous awards and recognitions for his contributions to the mining industry, including:

Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award (1996)
PDAC's Developer of the Year Award (2007)
Mining Journal's Lifetime Achievement Award (2011)
Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum's (CIM) A.O. Dufresne Award (2012)
BMO Capital Markets Global Metals & Mining Conference's Lifetime Achievement Award (2013)
Financial Times' Mining Person of the Year (2014)
Wood Mackenzie's Metals & Mining Hall of Fame (2015)
Canadian Mining Hall of Fame (2016)
American Hall of Fame (2021)

Robert Friedland: Personal Life & Legacy

Friedland holds dual US and Canadian citizenship and currently resides in Singapore. He is married to Darlene Friedland, and they have three children. His son, Govind Friedland, is a geologist.

Friedland is known for his philanthropic work, particularly in the areas of education and healthcare. He has established the Friedland Foundation, which supports various charitable initiatives.

Robert Friedland: Trivia

Friedland met Steve Jobs at Reed College, and they shared an interest in Eastern spirituality.
He was the caretaker of an apple farm owned by his millionaire uncle Marcel Muller, where Jobs helped with the apple orchard, which is said to have inspired the name Apple Inc.
Friedland turned the orchard into a commune called All One Farm, where followers worked without pay.

Wealth History

Timeline

August 18, 1950

Robert Martin Friedland is born in Chicago, Illinois, to immigrant parents.

1970

Friedland resigns from Bowdoin College after an LSD arrest and serves two years in prison, later released early on probation.

1974

Friedland graduates from Reed College with a political science degree and serves as student body president.

1992

Friedland's company, Galactic Resources Ltd., goes bankrupt after implementing heap leaching technology at a gold mine in Summitville, Colorado, causing environmental damage.

1994

Friedland founds Indochina Goldfields, later renamed Ivanhoe Mines and then Turquoise Hill Resources.

2011

Friedland steps down as chairman of Ivanhoe Mines.

2013

Oyu Tolgoi, a copper, gold, and silver mine in Mongolia discovered by Ivanhoe Mines, begins commercial production.

2016

Friedland is inducted into the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame.

2021

Friedland is inducted into the American Hall of Fame.

Robert Friedland : FAQs

What is Robert Friedland's current net worth?

Robert Friedland's current net worth is $2.96 billion.

What is Robert Friedland's current global rank among billionaires?

Robert Friedland holds the 1396th position globally among billionaires.

What is Robert Friedland's current ranking within the United States?

Robert Friedland holds the 502nd position in United States.

What was the change in Robert Friedland's net worth compared to the previous year?

Robert Friedland's net worth decreased by 625.95 million dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 3.58 billion dollars.

What is the recent change in Robert Friedland's net worth?

Robert Friedland's net worth decreased by 134.62 million dollars recently, a 4.55% decrease, with his net worth standing at 2.96 billion dollars.

What are Robert Friedland's main sources of wealth?

Robert Friedland's main source of income comes from Mining.

In which industry does Robert Friedland primarily operate?

Robert Friedland is primarily involved in the Metals & Mining industry.

What is Robert Friedland educational background?

Robert Friedland holds a Bachelor of Arts/Science from Reed College.

How old is Robert Friedland?

Robert Friedland is 75 years old.

How many children does Robert Friedland have?

Robert Friedland has 3 children.

Who is Robert Martin Friedland and what is his significance in the mining industry?

Robert Martin Friedland is an American-Canadian billionaire financier, renowned for his significant contributions to the mining industry as the founder and chairman of Ivanhoe Capital Corporation and the founder and co-chairman of Ivanhoe Mines, which are involved in various mining projects globally.

How did the All One Farm commune relate to Robert Friedland and Steve Jobs?

The All One Farm commune has a notable connection to Robert Friedland as he was its caretaker and turned it into a collaborative commune. Steve Jobs, the future co-founder of Apple Inc., worked on the apple orchard at the farm, and it is often cited as the inspiration behind the name of Apple Inc.

What are some of Robert Friedland's notable achievements and controversies in his career?

Robert Friedland's career is marked by both achievements and controversies. He served as the CEO of Galactic Resources Ltd., raising over $300 million in investments and establishing a controversial gold mine at Summitville, Colorado. After environmental damage caused by the mine and the company's bankruptcy, he resigned. Friedland then took on leadership roles in various entities including Ivanhoe Mines Ltd., focusing on copper production in the DRC and South Africa, and has been inducted into both the Canadian and American Mining Halls of Fame.

Can you provide an overview of Robert Friedland's personal life and family background?

Robert Friedland holds dual US and Canadian citizenship and is a resident of Singapore. He is married to Darlene Friedland, and they have three children. His son, Govind Friedland, has followed in his footsteps to become a geologist. Friedland's diverse cultural and geographical connections have significantly influenced his global business perspective.