Billionaire Andrew Forrest has inserted himself into another potential takeover stoush by becoming the biggest shareholder in the explorer that is being closely watched by Australia’s biggest gold miner Newcrest Mining.

Dr Forrest’s private company Wyloo Metals has agreed to spend $60 million buying 8.6 per cent of London-listed Greatland Gold, which holds the key to the future of Newcrest’s Telfer mine after discovering the exciting Havieron gold and copper deposit in Western Australia’s Paterson Province.