Lang Hancock On 16 November 1952, Lang Hancock discovered iron ore deposits in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Langley Frederick George "Lang" Hancock was an Australian iron ore magnate from Western Australia who maintained a high profile in the spheres of business and politics. Famous initially for discovering the world's largest iron ore deposit in 1952 and becoming one … Continue reading On this day (Australia): In 1952, Lang Hancock discovered iron ore deposits in the Pilbara region of Western Australia