Helen Degeling is a geologist and recognised, influential advocate for minerals development that delivers positive ESG outcomes and meets the demands of a just transition towards decarbonisation. She has previously held roles as a researcher, exploration and mine geologist, and exploration manager for junior precious, base and critical metal explorers, as well as leadership positions in critical minerals and sustainable mining across government and industry. Helen is now Director of Geoscience and Sustainability at Mining3, where she combines her traditional geological expertise and passion for circularity, sustainability and traceability to drive innovation and deliver practical solutions for the resources industry’s ‘next generation’ challenges.

Appointed Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer in November 2018, Nicole joined MRIWA after spending 15 years at the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia coordinating industry input on a variety of government regulatory and policy issues and facilitating collaboration within the resources sector. Nicole holds a Master of Science in Industrial and Organisational Psychology from the University of Western Australia (UWA) and a Master of Risk Management from the University of New South Wales (UNSW). She is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Professor Ismet Canbulat is a mining engineer with over 30 years of experience in research, consultancy, management, on-site and academia. He has BSc, MSc and PhD degrees. He is currently Professor and Kenneth Finlay Chair of Rock Mechanics at the School of Minerals and Energy Resources Engineering, UNSW Sydney. His principle research interests and expertise lie in rock mechanics theory and application, ground control and rock mass classification, design of ground support systems, numerical modelling in addition to other areas in mining engineering including mine design, layout selection and geotechnical impact assessment, risk management and advanced risk based design and evaluation, ground stability aspects of mine closure and subsidence assessment. Ismet is a Fellow of the Institute of Engineers Australia and the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and, a member of the Australian Geomechanics Society, International Society for Rock Mechanics, Society of Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (USA).

Mr O’Rourke is the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Powering Australia, with a mission to grow Australia’s clean-tech manufacturing industry and deliver better outcomes for First Nations Australians in the clean energy transition. Powering Australia is a Commonwealth Government funded industry growth centre with a mission to build Australia’s manufacturing industry across transmission, distribution, solar, wind, batteries, industrial decarbonization, carbon and clean transport. As the former Chief Executive Officer of Future Battery Industries Cooperative Research Centre, Mr O'Rourke led a national research collaboration of 74 industry, government and academic participants, and around 180 researchers to deliver a $120 million dollar research program across the entire critical minerals and battery value chain. The FBICRC’s work resulted in National Battery Strategy, a $520 million Battery Breakthrough Initiative, and $475 million in common user facility commitments across the country. Mr O’Rourke’s career spans almost 30 years in energy, and he is also a Member of the WA State Training Board, and the Clean Energy National Skills Centre of Excellence Board.

Appointed Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer in November 2018, Nicole joined MRIWA after spending 15 years at the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia coordinating industry input on a variety of government regulatory and policy issues and facilitating collaboration within the resources sector. Nicole holds a Master of Science in Industrial and Organisational Psychology from the University of Western Australia (UWA) and a Master of Risk Management from the University of New South Wales (UNSW). She is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Since completing a PhD in radiation chemistry and spectroscopy 37 years ago, Chris has been performing and leading applied R&D in minerals processing and refining, principally hydrometallurgy, both in industry and for the last 28 years, at CSIRO. His experience in leading CSIRO’s processing program has given him a broad understanding of the application of R&D to almost every mineral commodity in Australia. Chris is currently Chief Research Consultant at CSIRO, specialising in critical minerals, and with a view to downstream processing. He chairs the National Critical Minerals R&D Hub’s Operations Group and Advisory committees, is a member of two Standards Australia committees, and contributes broadly to the national conversation on developing critical minerals and associated value-adding industries.

Dr Vanessa Guthrie AO is an experienced Non-Executive Director with an executive career spanning thirty years in the resources sector, in a variety of diverse minerals and energy resources. Vanessa is Non-Executive Director of ASX-listed companies Santos Ltd, Lynas Rare Earths Ltd and Orica Limited. Vanessa is also Chancellor of Curtin University and Deputy Chair of Cricket Australia. Vanessa has qualifications in geology, environment, law, and business management including a PhD in Geology. She was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science from Curtin University in 2017 for her contribution to sustainability, innovation, and policy leadership in the resources industry. She is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) and the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM). Vanessa's contribution to the mining industry has been recognised globally, and in 2021 she was awarded an Officer in the Order of Australia for distinguished service to the minerals and resources sector, and as a role model for women in business.

Chris has more than 30 years’ experience in operational and corporate leadership roles in the petrochemical, processing and mining industries in South Africa, Australia and Papua New Guinea. Prior to joining ASM as Chief Operating Officer, Chris was President and CEO of Superior Gold, a gold mining company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. He has also held senior leadership roles within Newcrest Mining, BHP and several South African based companies.

David Michael grew up in Tuart Hill and is dedicated to serving the community. He has lived locally his entire life and went to Tuart Hill Primary School and Servite College. He is a life member of the Tuart Hill Cricket Club, a board member of Tuart Hill Primary School, and a patron of the Osborne Park Bowling Club. David studied Economics at the University of Western Australia and while at University he joined both the Australian Labor Party and the Australian Republican Movement. At 25 years old, David was voted in as the youngest Councillor the City of Stirling has ever had. He held that role for 12 years, including two years as Deputy Mayor, before being elected to State Parliament as the Member for Balcatta in March 2017. In 2021 David was appointed as the Cabinet Secretary and Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier after previously serving as the Government Whip in the Legislative Assembly for his first term of Parliament. In June 2023, David was appointed as Minister for Ports; Local Government; Road Safety; and Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport. In December of that year, he was handed the portfolio of Mines and Petroleum while relinquishing Local Government. In March 2025, following the success of the incumbent Cook Labor Government at the WA State Election, David was appointed Minister for Finance; Electoral Affairs; Goldfields-Esperance and was given the role of Leader of the House. He also retained responsibility for Mines and Petroleum.