During World War II, he was engaged by the federal government as Deputy Controller of Minerals Production. This resulted in ventures such as extracting scheelite from King Island. He joined the boards of various BHP-controlled companies and directed the expansion of WMC's operations in Western Australia and Victoria. He became Chairman of WMC in 1952, retiring in 1974. The bauxite deposits in the Darling Range (WA) were proven under his watch. He became chairman of Alcoa Australia Pty Ltd on its foundation in 1961, and his efforts led to the creation of the integrated aluminium industry in Australia. He was involved in the first exports of iron ore to Japan, the discovery of nickel and the development of a nickel industry, and the discovery of uranium deposits at Roxby Downs in South Australia.