- Experienced mining executive to lead State's premier minerals research body
- Vanessa Torres succeeds Miriam Stanborough in role
- Appointments drive innovation and research excellence in Western Australia
Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael today announced the appointment of Dr Vanessa Torres as the new chair of the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA).
Dr Torres will assume the role on 1 January 2026 for an initial three-year term.
She succeeds Miriam Stanborough AM, who has led the MRIWA Board since January 2020.
Dr Torres joins MRIWA following a distinguished career of more than 25 years across the global resources industry, including senior leadership roles.
She is a current director of the Committee for Economic Development of Australia and the Minerals Council of Australia.
Dr Torres holds a Doctorate in Minerals Engineering along with executive education from INSEAD, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and London Business School and was the winner of the 2025 AFR Women in Leadership Award.
A number of other changes will be made to the MRIWA board in the new year with:
- existing board member Mr Gerard Danckert assumes the role of Deputy Chair on 1March 2026, replacing Dr Linda Tompkins in the role;
- Dr Michelle Carey being appointed for a three-year term from 1 March 2026; and
- Mr Rylee Campbell and Ms Michele Spencer each being re-appointed for three-year terms from 1 February 2026.
These appointments come as MRIWA continues to support minerals research while legislation to expand its research scope to include clean energy and emissions reduction research is currently before Parliament.
As stated by Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael:
"I congratulate Dr Torres and the other board members on their appointment and look forward to working with them as MRIWA continues to drive innovation and research excellence in Western Australia.
"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.
"I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to Miriam Stanborough for her outstanding service as MRIWA chair over 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.
"Her contribution to the minerals sector was rightfully recognised in 2023 when she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for her significant service to the mining industry and the community."
