James Staples

Non-Executive Director

James Staples is an accomplished engineering leader who built a mid-sized, innovation-driven design capability delivering complex outcomes for mining clients. He pairs deep technical expertise in mining, mineral processing and plant and machine design with commercial leadership—overseeing P&L, corporate governance, contract and risk management, client development, and ensuring technical quality, regulatory compliance and predictable project delivery.

As a WA Kaolin board member, James brings that operational and technical experience to guide strategy and capital projects. His extensive onsite engineering, construction and commissioning background across Australia, Africa, Latin America and Asia informs pragmatic, scalable implementation and change management. He strengthens governance and risk oversight to protect shareholder value, and leverages workforce development, HSE leadership and advanced engineering tools to lift productivity, safety and long‑term operational performance.