Vale Sir Roderick Carnegie AC

AusIMM expresses its sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Sir Roderick Carnegie AC who passed away on 14 July in Melbourne. 

Sir Rod was a giant of the Australian mining industry and an influential business leader. He served as Conzinc RioTinto of Australia Limited (CRA) Chief Executive, Chairman and Managing Director during the 1970s and 80s and was an AusIMM Fellow for 35 years.

Under his leadership, Rio Tinto discovered the Argyle Diamond Mine in Western Australia, rapidly doubling world diamond production and supplying virtually the entire world’s source of rare pink, red and violet diamonds.

The company also forged strong relationships with China and continued to develop its flagship Iron Ore business in the Pilbara, including becoming the first Australian company to export iron ore to China.

Sir Rod was made a Knight Bachelor in 1978 "in recognition of service to industry" and a Companion of the Order of Australia in the 2003 Queen’s Birthday Honours “in recognition of service to the promotion of innovative leadership and to the development of competitive practices in business, both national and international, and to the community, particularly in the health and arts fields.”

Sir Rod counselled and inspired many who came after him, and he will be deeply missed.