John Gustafson, outstanding geologist and mining executive, contributed enormously to the development of many great ore bodies.​

His career began in Canada, where he worked as geologist for Hollinger Consolidated Gold Mines, Ltd. He then headed for Australia to serve with Western Mining Corporation in Kalgoorlie, where he was involved in the development of several gold mines. He was in charge of the Central Geological Survey making a detailed study of the Broken Hill district in New South Wales. He returned to Canada to lead Hollinger Exploration’s first expedition into Labrador-Ungava iron ore areas.​

In 1944, he was sent to Arizona by Newmont Mining Company, where he acquired options on the San Manuel copper properties and directed the first exploration there. He was the first Director of Raw Materials for the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission. In 1950, he joined Hanna Mining Company as consulting geologist, progressing to Vice President. There, he directed the development of Brazilian iron ore and bauxite deposits, Colombian and Guatemalan nickel properties, and iron ore in Canada. In 1961, he became President and Director of the Homestake Mining Company and served as Chairman of the Board and CEO for many years. Under his leadership, the company extended its interests in uranium, silver, potash, and  Missouri lead and zinc operations.​

In 1971, he was awarded the prestigious Daniel C. Jackling Award for “his outstanding application of scientific methods and administrative skills. . . to the discovery and development of mineral resources on four continents.”​

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