The Western Australian Government has announced the formation of a new resources research institute aimed at driving innovation.

 

The Minerals Research Institute (MRI) will be established with $7.5 million in state funding over the next three years.

 

State Mines and Petroleum Minister Norman Moore said the initiative would focus on researching new technologies that fostered improved exploration techniques and promoted new processing methods.

 

“This research will promote the long-term international competitiveness of WA’s minerals industry through innovation, increased productivity and investment attraction,” Mr Moore said.

 

Mr Moore said the new institute would continue the work of the existing Minerals and Energy Research Institute of WA (MERIWA) scholarship program, building on its achievements.


“The institute will provide a better resourced organisation with stronger governance and board arrangements to oversee the research programs and with representatives from industry and universities on the board to ensure research programs target and deliver long-term benefits for WA’s resources sector,” he said.


“The mining sector is a finite industry and its long-term survival depends on the discovery of new resources and the development of new technologies.”