Dr Richards has made a distinguished contribution to exploration science, mining, and scientific research in Australia. He has lead the exploration and then the management of Aberfoyle Ltd, which successfully discovered substantial base metals deposits and tin deposits in New South Wales and Tasmania, including the rich Hellyer mine.
He has made substantial contributions to the mining industry through Chairmanship of bodies such as the Australian Mining Industry Council and the Australian Mineral Industries Research Association.. His geological publications are of note, and his contributions to public research through the Cooperative Research Centre Committee and the Board of CSIRO have been exemplary.