WA Mines Minister Bill Marmion officially launched the Minerals Research Institute of WA yesterday at a function hosted by CME.

It followed MRIWA's first research grant, which last March provided for $A2.6 million in funding over three years to investigate the technical challenges of exploring complex geology.

CME chief executive Reg Howard-Smith said the MRIWA represented a strategic focal point for the state government's involvement in the direct and indirect aspects of minerals research.



"The institute provides a great opportunity for the industry and stakeholders to negotiate the priorities for Western Australia's investment in minerals research," he said.

"It's fitting that Western Australia with its tremendous endowment of minerals should become a world leader of minerals research through the work of the MRIWA and other local institutions.

"With a strong commitment to research and innovation, the Western Australian resources sector will remain internationally competitive and continue to deliver real benefits and opportunities to the community of Western Australia."

The goal of MRIWA is to stimulate minerals research and to support investment and operation of a globally competitive minerals industry in the state.

Its primary function is to provide and administer funding grants to carry out research, plus undertaking and procuring research itself through collaboration with scientific institutions worldwide.

As well as directly supporting minerals research projects, MRIWA funds are available for projects, programs and events that promote public awareness and interest in minerals research and to support relevant academic activities.

MRIWA began operation last month as the successor to the long-established Minerals Energy Research Institute of WA

The state government has since provided an additional $7.5 million in funding to support the new group's work.