The wealthiest woman in Australia has recently become the wealthiest woman in the world.

Mining magnate Gina Rinehart's fortune has reached a net worth of $29b, thanks in part to her iron-ore company becoming a stand-out player in Australia's booming mining sector.

As the price of iron-ore has shot up, so has Rinehart's wealth.

Al Jazeera's Andrew Thomas reports from Australia.