The Western Australian Government has committed $900,000 to support minerals research through five 2027 Minerals Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA) PhD scholarships.
The scholarships will support research to tackle WA’s biggest challenges and opportunities in the resources sector.
Research topics include looking into safer and more efficient mining practices, the state’s critical minerals, emission reductions, and green steel.
From the five scholarships promised, two will be dedicated to supporting women in minerals research fields with the intention of building a more diverse pipeline of skilled researchers.
Scholarships available include one MRIWA Odwyn Jones PhD Scholarship for research into precision and low-impact mining, and two MRIWA PhD scholarships. The latter two will support research into alternative use for mine tailings and waste, as well as net zero emissions mining and green steel.
Importantly, the final two are MRIWA PhD Scholarships for Women to support women-led research targeting MRIWA’s priority areas, including net zero emissions mining and green steel.
Scholarships will provide more than $45,000 each year for up to 3.5 years, along with a research and travel allowance of more than $6,000 per annum. This will include access to professional development, training, and networking opportunities.
Through the MRIWA Education and Workforce Development Program, scholars will also gain valuable connections with industry, universities, and the broader research community.
Applications for the scholarships close on 2 November 2026.
Mines, Petroleum, and Exploration Minister Daniel Pastorelli says the state will continue to be a global resources powerhouse by investing in the “people and ideas that will shape the industry’s future”.
“These scholarships will give some of our brightest researchers the opportunity to tackle real-world challenges facing our resources sector — from improving safety and productivity to reducing emissions and making better use of mining waste,” Pastorelli adds.
“Backing research and innovation here in WA helps keep our resources sector competitive, creates opportunities for Western Australians, and ensures more of the expertise that drives our industry is developed right here at home.”
WA for a critical mineral future
Western Australia has the most significant and diverse critical minerals deposits globally. According to the Western Australian Government, the state hosts virtually all of the minerals listed on the country’s critical minerals list.
The state is known for being a leading supplier of lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, mineral sands, and rare earths, along with its existing reputation in the iron ore and gold industries.
Reach Resources (ASX:RR1) is one critical mineral explorer focused on fast-tracking its Murchison South Gold Project with a portfolio of critical mineral assets in Western Australia.
The company hosts numerous assets in the lithium, rare earth, niobium, and manganese space, emphasising the motto, “Gold today. Critical minerals tomorrow”.
At Murchison South, Reach Resources is fully funded to achieve production near the historical gold town of Payne’s Find.
Murchison South hosts two key deposits: Blue Heaven and Pansy Pit.
The Blue Heaven deposit hosts a JORC-compliant resource of 844,000 tonnes @ 3 grams per tonne gold for 80,000 ounces of contained gold.
Mineralisation at Blue Heaven is described to extend from surface, remaining open and along strike while also at depth.
Reach Resources is fully funded to guide Blue Heaven into production, after executing a binding option agreement with Andel Resources in May 2026.
Andel Resources is responsible for funding all pre-mining, mining, haulage, and processing costs at the project upfront, with ore then processed at its nearby Kirkalocka Mill.
Profits will be split evenly after processing at Kirkalocka, located just 75km from the project.
Reach Resources began a 5,200m grade control drilling campaign at the proposed NW Pit within Murchison South late last month.
The program comprises approximately 200 reverse circulation drill holes on a 10m by 10m grid, targeting the first five proposed mining benches from surface.
Reach Resources is a Perth-based explorer and developer with an immediate focus on fast-tracking Murchison South to production.
Write to Maddison Elliott at Mining.com.au
Main Image: MRIWA
