A giant of Australia's mining industry, Sir Arvi Parbo, has died aged 93.
The man credited with leading the development of the nation's greatest resources developments died on Wednesday.
"Sir Arvi Parbo will be fondly remembered as the most influential 20th century figure of the Australian resources industry," Steve Knott, chief executive Australian Resources and Energy Group AMMA said.
Sir Arvi fled war-torn Estonia in 1944, aged 18, and spent time in a refugee camp in Germany before emigrating to Australia in 1949.
Sir Arvi is credited with playing a key role in establishing Australia's aluminium and nickel industries after joining Western Mining Corporation in 1956 and later becoming its managing director and chairman.
"Arvi's well-regarded leadership and vision has made Australia a stronger and wealthier nation and helped improved the lives of thousands," federal resources minister Matt Canavan said.
Sir Ariv was involved in notable projects like Olympic Dam, the Kambalda nickel mine and the aluminium industry where he was a towering figure as the head of WMC.
"The resources industry will sadly miss the remarkable life and contribution of Sir Arvi Parbo," Senator Canavan said.
Former prime minister John Howard paid tribute to Sir Arvi at a gala dinner last year, describing him as "a towering figure of the industry" who "epitomised the great migration to Australia after World War Two.
"He epitomised that generation that did so much to build modern Australia," Mr Howard told the dinner.
"He was an outstanding example of the sort of entrepreneurs that the mining industry of Australia produced."
Sir Arvi was also chairman of Alcoa of Australia and chairman of BHP, alongside his role as executive chairman and non-executive chairman of WMC.
He's survived by his wife, Lady Saima Parbo, and his three children.
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