The curveball decision of two mining giants to back the Uluru Statement from the Heart is being applauded by some who signed the historic proclamation, but one prominent Aboriginal leader is wary that the move is a cynical grab for Indigenous resources.

Key points: BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto have announced they support the Uluru Statement from the Heart, almost two years after it was made

BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto have announced they support the Uluru Statement from the Heart, almost two years after it was made Alice Springs town councillor Jacinta Price has questioned whether the companies were looking for a way "to look better in the eyes of Indigenous people"

Alice Springs town councillor Jacinta Price has questioned whether the companies were looking for a way "to look better in the eyes of Indigenous people" Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he remained opposed to a constitutionally enshrined Aboriginal voice in federal Parliament

Indigenous leaders gathered near Uluru in May 2017 to deliver the joint statement, which calls for a constitutionally enshrined Aboriginal voice in Federal Parliament, and for the laying of foundations for a treaty.

The statement was controversially rejected by the Coalition, with Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion saying it had "absolutely zero chance of success".

But now, almost two years on, mining giants BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto have announced they back it.

Uluru Statement signatory and Nyugar man David Collard heard BHP's boss deliver the news at an event in Perth on Thursday.

"That was absolutely fantastic, and everybody was amazed with the speech that was given," Mr Collard said.

The Coalition Government rejected the key recommendation of the Uluru Statement in October 2017 on grounds that a new Aboriginal voice would become "a third chamber of Parliament".

That was despite the Government itself commissioning the Referendum Council to undertake the process of delivering a joint position between more than 1,000 Indigenous leaders.

Mr Collard described that rejection as "a slap in the face".

"It was incorrect and it was wrong," he said.

Rio advocating for Indigenous affairs: signatory

Speaking at the launch event, BHP's chief executive Andrew Mackenzie said backing the statement almost two years after it was made was "a chance to create a new chapter in history".

"I know there are fears that a constitutionally enshrined voice confirmed by referendum will deepen cultural divisions and is undemocratic," Mr Mackenzie said.

"I don't think those fears stand up to scrutiny."

Denise Bowden, another Uluru Statement signatory, also welcomed the announcement.

"I find it's very encouraging, I really welcome this," Ms Bowden said.

"Obviously this isn't the end game by any stretch of the imagination but it certainly is a step in the right direction."

Ms Bowden is also the director of Garma Festival, which receives major sponsorship from Rio Tinto and is held each year right near Rio's bauxite mine on traditional lands in north-east Arnhem Land.

"They've got some runs on the board in terms of how they use their corporate social responsibility to advocate for Indigenous affairs," she said.

Miners want to look better in eyes of Indigenous people: Price

Rio Tinto and BHP have mining interests on traditional lands right across the country.

Not everyone is convinced their motives are pure.

Speaking to Sky News today, Central Australian Aboriginal politician Jacinta Price was cynical about the announcement.

Alice Springs town councillor Jacinta Price. ( ABC News: Sara Everingham )

"We need to have a bit more of a discussion; I don't know that simply throwing your support behind something that we're not sure what that actually looks like is helpful," Ms Price said.

"Perhaps it is a way of these companies to look better in the eyes of Indigenous people, considering it is Indigenous people's land they want to be involved in."

The mining giants' announcement comes just a few months out from a federal election.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the companies' stance won't change his opposition to the Statement.

"It doesn't make a difference one way or the other," he said.

"You assess these issues on their merits, but I've got to tell you, I'm more concerned about young Indigenous girls committing suicide."

Mr Morrison said the Government would "soon" respond to a November report from a bipartisan committee about developing an Indigenous voice to Parliament.

Federal Labor has vowed to hold a referendum on the matter if it wins Government in May.

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