Thomas Kaplan may not be a household name, but behind the scenes, he’s one of the most influential figures in the world of commodities investing. A scholar turned billionaire entrepreneur, Kaplan has made a fortune in silver, gold, and natural gas — and he’s channeled his success into bold philanthropic efforts, especially wildlife conservation.
In this article, we explore Thomas Kaplan’s net worth in 2025, the business deals that built his wealth, and the passions that drive him beyond profit.
What is Thomas Kaplan’s net worth in 2025?
Thomas Kaplan has an estimated net worth of $1 billion in 2025.
The bulk of his wealth comes from shrewd investments in natural resources, especially precious metals and energy. With a knack for identifying undervalued assets and scaling them into billion-dollar enterprises, Kaplan has built an empire that spans the globe — all while maintaining a relatively low profile in the media.
What does Thomas Kaplan do for a living?
Thomas Kaplan is an investor, entrepreneur, historian, and conservationist.
He is best known as the Chairman and CEO of The Electrum Group, a New York-based firm focused on investing in gold and other natural resources. Kaplan combines deep historical knowledge with financial insight, making him uniquely adept at spotting long-term trends in commodity markets.
Beyond business, Kaplan is a passionate philanthropist who dedicates significant time and resources to wildlife preservation and cultural heritage causes.
Thomas Kaplan’s Earnings Explained
Kaplan earns his income primarily from resource-based investments, successful business exits, and strategic asset management.
🪙 Mining and Metals
Kaplan’s fortune began to take shape in the early 2000s when he founded Apex Silver Mines Ltd., a company that financed Bolivia’s San Cristobal deposit — one of the world’s largest silver-zinc mines. By 2004, Kaplan had exited the company, which had grown to a valuation exceeding $1 billion.
Shortly afterward, he co-founded Leor Exploration & Production LLC, focused on natural gas exploration in the U.S. The company’s assets were sold to EnCana in 2007 for $2.55 billion, delivering a massive return on investment.
He also made a savvy investment in African Platinum Plc, which netted him an additional $580 million when sold.
💼 The Electrum Group
Kaplan now leads The Electrum Group, which manages large-scale investments in gold and other natural resource projects around the world. His long-term bullish stance on gold has proven prescient, especially during times of market volatility.
📊 Corporate Leadership and Board Memberships
Kaplan has served in leadership roles at several publicly traded companies, including NovaGold Resources Inc., Golden Minerals Company, NovaCopper Inc., and Electrum Ltd. These roles have not only expanded his influence but also contributed significantly to his overall earnings.
