Gina Rinehart, Rich Woman, May Become World's Richest Person

The title of "World's Richest Person" may be assumed by a woman for the first time ever. Gina Rinehart, an Australian mining tycoon, has been evaluated by Citigroup and is predicted to eventually surpass fellow rich people Carlos Slim and Bill Gates in wealth rankings. Forbes reports that although she is currently estimated to be worth $9 billion, projections have her net worth valuation as north of $100 billion after a series of mining projects get off the ground.

Rinehart inherited Hancock Prospecting from her father and turned it into a major power in global mining. The difference between her and her mining competition is that Rinehart is the sole owner of her company; she doesn't have to divvy up profits with shareholders.

Australian journalist Tim Treadgold cites the aforementioned Citigroup evaluation as well as the rising price of ore and a group of lucrative mining projects around the world as reasons why Rinehart's personal wealth will skyrocket.

You go girl! Can we borrow a couple hundred bucks?

This Woman May Soon Be Richer Than Carlos Slim And Bill Gates [Forbes]