Perth-based AROSE is a not-for-profit, industry-led consortium, chaired by David Flanagan, with a vision for Australia to be the trusted leader of remote operations on Earth and in space.

It counts Woodside Energy and Curtin University among its members.

AROSE CEO Leanne Cunnold said Rio's world-leading experience in remote operations would increase the collective knowledge of the consortium.

"Currently AROSE is working on the Lunar Service Rover feasibility study for the Australian Space Agency," she said.

"This study is the first step in building an Australian-made lunar rover to be deployed during NASA's exciting return to the Moon in the coming years.

"The rover is being designed to collect lunar soil, which will be processed to extract oxygen to enable a sustained lunar presence and so support NASA's Artemis project of returning to the Moon.

"Rio Tinto is now part of helping Australian know-how get to the Moon and those advancements will also benefit industries and economies back here on Earth just as the original NASA space missions did so many decades ago."

Rio chief scientist Nigel Steward said Rio Tinto was looking forward to collaborating with other AROSE consortium members on advancing Australia's world-leading position in remote operations.

"We are proud and excited to be the newest member of AROSE and are looking forward to contributing to the programs supported by AROSE," he said.

"Our knowledge and experience spans a broad skill base and our team is well-positioned to support the application of robotics, automation and remote operations. 

"We are also looking forward to learning more from other members to understand how we can improve what we do at our operations today as we deliver the materials needed to help address climate change and support the associated energy transition."