Dr Vanessa Torres is the new chair of the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA), with the appointment having taken effect from 1 January 2026.
West Australian Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael announced Dr Torres will serve an initial three-year term, succeeding Miriam Stanborough AM, who chaired the MRIWA Board since January 2020.
Dr Torres joins the MRIWA following more than 25 years in the global resources industry, including senior leadership roles spanning operations, strategy, technology and business development. She is currently a director of the Committee for Economic Development of Australia and the Minerals Council of Australia.
Her academic credentials include a Doctorate in Minerals Engineering, alongside executive education at INSEAD, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and London Business School. In 2025, Dr Torres was recognised with the AFR Women in Leadership Award.
Michael said Dr Torres’ experience would be critical as MRIWA responds to major structural shifts in the resources sector.
“Dr Torres brings exceptional leadership experience across operations, strategy, technology and business development that will be invaluable as MRIWA navigates the opportunities presented by the global energy transition and critical minerals boom,” he said.
Several additional changes to the MRIWA board will also take effect in early 2026. Existing board member Mr Gerard Danckert will assume the role of deputy chair from 1 March 2026, replacing Dr Linda Tompkins. Dr Michelle Carey has been appointed for a three-year term commencing 1 March 2026, while Mr Rylee Campbell and Ms Michele Spencer have both been re-appointed for three-year terms from 1 February 2026.
The appointments come as MRIWA continues to support minerals research, while legislation currently before Parliament seeks to expand the institute’s remit to include clean energy and emissions reduction research.
Michael also acknowledged the contribution of outgoing chair Miriam Stanborough, who has led the board for the past six years.
“Miriam has been instrumental in strengthening MRIWA’s collaborative partnerships between industry, academia and government and her leadership has positioned the Institute to support Western Australia’s transition to a clean energy future,” he said.
Stanborough’s service to the sector was formally recognised in 2023 when she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for her significant contribution to the mining industry and the community.