Isabelle Wabete

MD Rio Tinto, QMM

Isabelle Wabete is the Managing Director of Rio Tinto’s ilmenite operation in Madagascar, QMM (QIT Madagascar Minerals). Isabelle holds a degree in mining engineering and brings over 20 years of experience in the mining industry, having held positions of increasing responsibility in port operations, logistics, and maintenance. She made history as both the first Kanak from New Caledonia to lead a mining company and the first woman to serve as Managing Director of QMM. Committed to fostering strong partnerships, Isabelle prioritizes building meaningful, transparent, and trusting relationships with governments and communities. At NMC, she played a pivotal role in driving organizational change and championing training and talent development initiatives. Beyond her corporate responsibilities, Isabelle is an active member of Femmes Chefs d’Entreprises de Nouvelle-Calédonie, an association that promotes female entrepreneurship in the country. She also maintains close ties with schools and universities, advocating for the importance of mining and raising awareness about career opportunities within the sector.