THE Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia has gained a new board member with the appointment of the Department of Mines and Petroleum’s Michelle Andrews announced this week.

Ms Andrews will be joining six resource industry leaders on the board of the Institute, which helps fund research projects that encourage the expansion of Western Australia’s minerals and energy industries.

In a statement released this week, mines and petroleum minister Bill Marmion welcomed Ms Andrews’ appointment.

“I know that she sees this as an honour and a great opportunity to ensure WA continues to have a robust resources sector,” Mr Marmion said.

“The board will make very good use of the knowledge and skills she has gained during her extensive experience working in the State Government.”

Board members accompanying Ms Andrews include BHP Billiton’s senior manager of research and development Dr Peter Lilly and Rio Tinto’s general manager of human systems integration Dr Andrew Shook.

“The new team will bolster the institute’s key objective of promoting the long-term international competitiveness of WA’s minerals industry,” Mr Marmion said.

“I am confident that the combined expertise of this new team will give fresh impetus to crucial areas of pre-competitive research.

“Top quality research improves the likelihood of commercial success for new mining and resource extraction projects in WA.”

AREEA congratulates Ms Andrews on her new role with the board of the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia.