"Australia is a natural base from which to support our operations with the innovative technical solutions they will need in the future,” Rio Tinto chief executive Tom Albanese said.

“A common feature of Rio Tinto’s technical and innovation activities is their strong linkages with Australian academic and research institutions. This focus is a vote of confidence in Australia’s innovation capability.”

The new R&D centre will be led by Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte and be based at the University of Sydney’s Australian Centre for Field Robotics.

The group will also base both its newly appointed group scientist and global head of innovation in Australia. The new roles will report to Brisbane-based Rio Tinto Technology and Innovation group executive Grant Thorne.

“The Centre for Mine Automation aims to provide a substantial improvement in safety, predictability, precision and efficiency of mining through the development of automation and remotely operated mining processes,” Thorne said.

The centre will support up to 30 full-time staff and 10 research students with funding of $A5 million a year when fully staffed.