Mark Creasy’s private investment vehicle was sitting on a listed share portfolio valued at more than $1 billion in the months before the wealthy mining prospector emerged as a key figure in the tussle over the future of ASX-listed lithium explorer Azure Minerals and a separate iron ore deal involving CZR Resources.

Mr Creasy’s Yandal Investments reported a net profit of $48.64 million for the 12 months to June 30, filings with the regulator show – up from $11.8 million in the previous year.