The Australian Indigenous Education Fund (AIEF) will receive a $10 million donation from mining giant BHP Billiton, which has given millions before and intends to continue doing so.

BHP has an on-going relationship with the group that provides schooling, job training, work placements and scholarships to indigenous Australians.

The latest pledge brings the total donated over three years up to $16.3 million.

The donation will reportedly allow the AIEF to provide at least 185 scholarships over the next ten years, supporting 120 high-schoolers and 60 university students.

BHP's iron ore head Jimmy Wilson said the money is going to one of Australia's most worthy causes.

“I have been privileged enough to spend time with some of the young people on our scholarship program, and their commitment and dedication to achieving their goals is inspiring,” Mr Wilson said.

“Not only does the scholarship recipient benefit, they also become role models to other young people in their communities, who can then follow in their footsteps. This ripple effect is very powerful and something that we’re incredibly proud to be associated with.”

“Over the past five financial years, we have committed more than $55 million in education initiatives through the BHP Billiton Community Development Program.”

AIEF's CEO Andrew Penfold said the substantial amount would make a big difference to one of the most under-supported groups in the country.

“One of the biggest barriers to achieving Indigenous equality in Australia is education – we know we have found a sustainable, and scalable, solution that works. We’re seeing it inaction every day... We’re very pleased to be working with BHP Billiton and, together with the students and their families, celebrating the success we are achieving each year,” Penfold said.