Australian mines continue to rank as the world's top investments in terms of political risk, despite the looming introduction of the mining tax.

In its annual political risk assessment of the mining industry, global resources consulting firm Behre Dolbear placed Australia at the top of its 25-nation ranking, ahead of Canada, the US and Brazil.

Behre Dolbear chief executive Karr McCurdy says Australia has topped the list for several years.

Any investor concerns about the mining tax are mitigated by the quality of Australia's resources and the ease and transparency of approvals, Mr McCurdy says.

"There's no place better than Australia to put your investment dollars at work with respect to the underlying political, if you will, risk," he said.

And while Australia has led the way with the passage of the mining tax, Mr McCurdy says many other countries are considering similar taxes.

"I don't think you are going to see the sector shut down as a result," he said.

The survey examines how nations' political policies and business conditions promote investment growth in the mining sector.

It does not consider economic returns or other investment factors as part of its assessment.