Sir George Fisher CMG

Sir George Fisher is known for his monumental contributions in Australia’s mining sector, and in particular, the mining boom in the Mount Isa region.

Born in Gladstone, South Australia in 1903, Sir George went on to attend Prince Alfred College in Adelaide before completing his studies at the University of Adelaide with a Bachelor of Engineering (mining). He quickly established his career at Broken Hill, before working in Darwin during World War II installing tunnels to safeguard fuel supplies in the event of bomb raids.

He commenced work for Mount Isa Mining in 1952, significantly increasing exploration and opportunity for the local community. Within four years of his appointment as Chairman of Mount Isa Mining, Sir George had grown total underground development by 250 per cent. He was founding president of the Australian Mining Industry Council (now the Minerals Council of Australia), and in total spent 70 years in the mining industry.

In 1961, Sir George was made a Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George, and in 1964 he received a Doctor of Laws honoris causa from The University of Queensland. In 1967 he received a Knighthood in the annual Queen’s Birthday Honours.

In 2000 the George Fisher Mine, named in Sir George’s honour, officially opened with Sir George in attendance at the age of 97. Sir George passed away on 13 July 2007 at the age of 104.

Awards

Doctor of Laws honoris causa
1964