16 Facts About James Foots

Sir James William Foots was an Australian mining engineer and Chairman of Mount Isa Mines and Chancellor of the University of Queensland.

James William Foots was born in Jamieson, Victoria on 12 July 1916, the son of William Foots, who worked as an explosives expert in the Jamieson gold mines and his wife Ethel Allen.

James Foots's mother died when he was three, and he and his brother were raised by their grandparents.

James Foots attended Coburg High school where he completed his studies as the Dux of the school.

James Foots won a scholarship to attend the University of Melbourne, but was compelled to complete another matriculation year, when it was felt he was too young to attend university.

James Foots graduated with a degree in Mining Engineering in 1937.

James Foots rose to the position of general manager of Mount Isa Mines Limited in 1955, succeeding George Fisher.

James Foots continued to lead the company later as chief executive and chairman of MIM Holidings Ltd, where he helped the group to expand metal production of lead, silver, copper and zinc.

James Foots was appointed to the Senate of The University of Queensland in 1970, and held the position of Inaugural Chairman of The University of Queensland Foundation from 1982 to 1985.

James Foots was a governor of the foundation until 1992.

James Foots helped to establish the Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre in 1970, in recognition of Kruttschnitt's work in Mt Isa and in helping to develop the Silver Mine acquired by the university in Indooroopilly.

James Foots was chancellor of The University of Queensland from 1985 to 1992.

James Foots was director of Uniquest from 1993 to 1997.

James Foots was a chairman of Westpac from 1987 to 1989.

James Foots was president of the Australian Mining Council and the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy in 1974.

James Foots established a number of scholarships to support students in Mining Engineering, Chemical Engineering and Metallurgical Engineering.