AUSTRALIA has been named the safest place in the world for mining companies to invest for the second year running, weakening claims by industry and the Federal Coalition that the government was scaring away big spending resource firms.

Mining consultants Behre Dolbear has compiled an annual report since 1999 based on information from clients who deal with its 12 international offices, including those in Mongolia, Canada, the United States, China and India.

The Behre Dolbear ranked Australia best overall for mining investment, ahead of Canada, Chile, Brazil and Mexico which made up the top five.