The proposed 40 per cent resources super profits tax (RSPT) gained the support of a group of prominent Australian economists in the midst of mining giants' campaign against it.

The group of 20 leading academics and economists, including the former chairman of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Allan Fels, issued a statement today supporting the planned RSPT, saying the resources sector should fork over more of its profits.

The group said that ongoing debate over the RSPT has been dominated by misinformation. They argued that the RSPT is a more efficient way to tax the mining sector without causing a slowdown in the industry. They also countered claims that the planned tax measure would result to a rise in the cost of living.

"We're really trying to emphasise the fact that this is a superior tax to current taxes on offer," said Fels. "Mining is different from other industries. It exploits our natural resources. The Australian public should share in that benefit."

Fels said the group issued their statement of support for the RSPT to counter the mining industry's campaign against the tax.

Fels said the group of economists is bipartisan and he is not linked to any political party.

Executives from giant mining companies including Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton have criticised the RSPT publicly. Some mining executives have encouraged their shareholders to write the government about the possible implication of the planned tax on the mining industry.