A new Australian Research Council Training Centre is aiming to transform cultural heritage management in the resources sector.

Based at Flinders University in collaboration with The University of Queensland and Southern Cross University, the ARC Training Centre for Advancing Archaeology in the Resources Sector will for the first time bring together Traditional Owners, resources companies, archaeologists and cultural and heritage experts, as well as the peak body for mining professionals, AusIMM.

Together they are set to train a new generation of cultural heritage professionals and create new approaches to safeguard Indigenous cultural heritage, while advancing sustainable, culturally-informed resource management.

Centre Director and Flinders University archaeologist Professor Liam Brady says there is a long history of tension between Traditional Owners and mining operators around the protection and management of cultural heritage both in Australia and overseas.

"We urgently need new approaches to address this situation," Mr Brady said.

"Having industry partners who are open and dedicated to working together to train a new generation of highly-skilled professionals who can navigate these challenges is both unique and exciting".

The program will also aim to address the under-representation of Traditional Owners working in the cultural heritage management industry by creating training courses co-designed with industry partners.

Flinders University says the new generation of professionals will acquire "high-level skills required to navigate tensions in the cultural heritage-mining industry space" as well as "pioneer new ways of communicating the significance of cultural heritage to operational and executive-level decision makers".

Each trainee will gain valuable real-world experience by undertaking a 12-month placement with partner organisations, ensuring a comprehensive environment for research and training activities and exposure to high-level industry networks.

The Centre's three Traditional Owner partner organisations, the PKKP Aboriginal Corporation, Palyku-Jartayi Aboriginal Corporation and Yandruwandha Yawarrawarrka Traditional Land Owners, will be contributing extensive knowledge and guidance to the Centre's activities and time of their Rangers, Elders and infrastructure in research projects.

Yandruwandha Yawarrawarrka Traditional Land Owners chairperson, Rob Singleton, said as partnering stakeholders, YYTLOAC have felt the effects of mining and exploration in their country for 60 years.

"This significant impact on our culture and heritage continues to this day," Mr Singleton said.

"We are committed to improved ways of doing business and are very excited to be a partner in this initiative."

A spokesperson from the PKKP Aboriginal Corporation said PKKP is proud to be a partner institution in this Training Centre.

"PKKP cultural heritage is regularly at risk from mining, and we have had to learn the hard way about how to get good outcomes for our community and our Country," they said.

"We look forward to sharing our knowledge with the researchers and students, and learning from them in return".

Major resources companies including Rio Tinto, BHP, South32, Newmont and MMG have also pledged significant cash and in-kind support of professionals in their social performance, Indigenous engagement and cultural heritage portfolios.

Southern Cross University Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Mary Sponberg said it is both heartening and inspiring to see this Centre funded.

"It gives me genuine hope for the preservation of Australia's cultural heritage and this acknowledgement of our deep history," Professor Sponberg said.

"Southern Cross University is so proud to be part of this collaboration, actively setting new benchmarks for research, preservation, and engagement with our shared heritage.

"We look forward to working together with such an amazing collection of partners."

Leading cultural heritage management firms Terra Rosa Consulting, Australian Heritage Services and Niche Environment and Heritage have also had extensive involvement with Traditional Owners and resource companies.

They too have pledged funding and support, including investing in technological development to improve archaeological survey outcomes and supply essential infrastructure for research activities.

The Centre's Deputy Director, Professor Deanna Kemp from The University of Queensland, said the Centre is an opportunity to build greater engagement between mining, Indigenous knowledge and social science.

"The Centre is uniquely placed to safeguard Indigenous cultural heritage, and advance sustainable, culturally-informed resource management in the context of Australia's critical minerals strategy," Professor Kemp said.

Flinders University says while progress has been made, there is still "a need for more robust and meaningful frameworks and standards" among cultural heritage practitioners and within the mining industry to ensure this heritage is respectfully protected and preserved.

Flinders University Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Raymond Chan, says the establishment of the Training Centre recognises the world-class expertise of Flinders' archaeologists and their commitment to supporting both industry and Traditional Owners in achieving mutually beneficial outcomes.

"Now more than ever, it's critical for universities to collaborate with industry to generate new knowledge and elevate best practice," Professor Chan said.

"This Centre is a key platform for training generations of researchers to undertake industry training and strengthen the capabilities of industry and research end-users.

"Flinders is honoured to lead the only SA-led Centre funded in this round."