Funding is available for projects that have at least three METS companies involved in the development of a product or solution that has clear commercial applications.

The money is part of the federal government's four-year, $15.6 million drive to support industry-led projects and improve productivity, competitiveness and social performance in the mining sector.

Projects that picked up  METS Ignited collaborative project funds in the past include one that developed sensor technology to monitor the location of people and equipment underground; one that developed an automated sensor detector for oversized rocks; and a device that gives detailed information on an operating  grinding mill.

METS Ignited acting CEO Ian Dover said facilitating solutions for mining challenges was part of METS Ignited's mandate.

"It's vital we support the development of influential future technologies by METS companies as this will maintain the competitiveness of Australian mining," he said.

"There are new software solutions, devices and facilities already in use across the industry thanks to this initiative."