Information statement

This Information Statement is published in accordance with Part 5 of the Freedom of Information Act 1992 (WA) (FOI Act).

The purpose of this Statement is to:

• assist the public to understand the functions and operations of Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA).
• describe the kinds of documents held by the Institute;
• explain how information may be accessed; and
• outline arrangements for applying for access to documents under the FOI Act.

MRIWA is committed to openness, accountability and transparency in its decision-making and operations.

Structure and functions

The Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA) is a statutory authority of the Western Australian Government established to support minerals research and innovation for the benefit of the State’s resources sector.

The Institute is governed by the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia Act 2013 (the Act) and operates in accordance with all other relevant legislation. Further information on the legislative framework is provided in the Annual Report.

MRIWA works to strengthen Western Australia’s position as a global leader in mining and minerals-related research by investing in collaborative research, fostering innovation, and supporting the translation of research outcomes into industry practice. Through targeted funding programs and strategic partnerships, MRIWA brings together industry, universities, research institutions and government agencies to address challenges and opportunities facing the minerals sector.

MRIWA’s activities focus on advancing knowledge and capability across areas including mineral exploration, mining technologies, resource extraction and processing, environmental management, mine safety, decarbonisation, critical minerals, and workforce capability development.

MRIWA is governed by a Board appointed by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum. The Board is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the organisation, overseeing its performance, and ensuring the effective stewardship of public resources.

The day-to-day operations of MRIWA are managed by the Chief Executive Officer and supported by staff responsible for research investment, stakeholder engagement, program management, communications, finance, governance and corporate services.

Except for those persons who are directly involved in assessing or undertaking the research projects, the general public is not involved in the day-to-day operations of the Institute.

Public participation

MRIWA regularly engages with representatives from industry, the research community and government organisations.

Details of the MRIWA College are provided in the Annual Report

As required by the Act,  the Minister carried out a review of the operation and effectiveness of the Act following the fifth anniversary of the commencement of the Act. This review took place in 2018-19 and included a comprehensive stakeholder consultation process. The full report is available on the MRIWA website.

The MRIWA Research Priority Plan identifies the key areas where investments will be made into high impact research and development. The 2019-20 review of the Research Priority Plan encompassed a broad range of preliminary stakeholder consultation which informed the development of a revised Plan. This was released for public consultation with all feedback considered by the Board prior to finalisation of the Plan.

MRIWA is in the process for the next review and the initial consultation closed on 17 September 2026. Feedback from this initial consultation will inform the Draft Research Priority Plan. The draft will be released for further written public comment before final endorsement by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum, later in 2026.

Types of documents held by MRIWA

The MRIWA website contains a broad range of publicly accessible documents relating to our functions and activities. This includes:

• Annual reports;
• Policies and guidelines; and
• Final project reports.

MRIWA creates documents for the operation of business activities to carry out our functions and duties. This includes documents relating to:

• Accounting and finance
• Administrative operations
• Contracts, tenders and memorandums of understanding
• Governance and compliance
• Grant administration
• Human resources
• Ministerial correspondence and briefing notes
• Policy and procedure
• Records management
• Strategy and policy documents

Procedures for obtaining access to documents not publicly available

It is the aim of MRIWA to make information available promptly and at the least possible cost. Whenever possible, documents will be provided outside the FOI process.

If information is not routinely available, the FOI Act provides the right to apply for documents held by MRIWA and to enable the public to ensure that personal information in documents is accurate, complete, up to date and not misleading.

Freedom of Information

The Act gives members of the public the right to apply for access to documents held by the Institute, subject to the provisions and exemptions contained in the Act. The Act also enables individuals to apply to amend personal information that is inaccurate, incomplete, out of date or misleading. Refer to our FOI web page to make an FOI application.

Information Available Outside FOI

Before lodging an FOI application, applicants are encouraged to review information already available on the MRIWA website, including annual reports, research publications, governance information and project information. Many documents can be provided administratively without the need for a formal FOI application.

Access and Points of Contact

The above documents are available on application by:

Contact:                                             Coordinator, Executive Services

Telephone:                                        (08) 6180 4340

E-Mail:                                               enquiries@mriwa.wa.gov.au

Mail:                                                   1 Adelaide Terrace, East Perth, WA, 6004

Website:                                            www.mriwa.wa.gov.au