Fraser Institute News Release: Australia top spot for mining investment; Nevada and Alaska ranked best in U.S. [Saskatchewan and Quebec first/second in Canada]

http://www.fraserinstitute.org/

Click here for the mining survey: http://www.fraserinstitute.org/sites/default/files/survey-of-mining-companies-2015.pdf

TORONTO—Australia is the world’s most attractive region for mining investment, according to an annual global survey of mining executives released today by the Fraser Institute, an independent, non-partisan Canadian policy think-tank.

“Despite a global downturn of commodity prices, governments worldwide can offer competitive, transparent, and stable mining policies to encourage exploration and investment,” said Kenneth Green, Fraser Institute senior director of energy and natural resources and director of the Fraser Institute Survey of Mining Companies, 2015.

The annual survey rates 109 jurisdictions around the world based on geologic attractiveness and the extent government policies encourage or deter exploration and investment.

Western Australia ranks as the number one jurisdiction in the world for mining investment. In addition to being blessed with an abundance of mineral potential, miners give the jurisdiction’s government credit for having transparent mining policies, a strong legal system, clear regulations and skilled labour force.

In total, three Australian jurisdictions finished in the top 10 worldwide: Western Australia (1), Northern Territory (7) and South Australia (10).

Canada and the United States also fare prominently in this year’s survey. Saskatchewan is the top-ranked Canadian province—second overall—while Nevada is the top U.S. state placing third. Five out of the top 10 worldwide jurisdictions are, in fact, in North America.

Two European jurisdictions complete the top 10 list—Ireland (4) and Finland (5).

“Europe’s median investment attractiveness score experienced a notable increase. As in previous years, a number of European countries continue to be praised for their attractive policy environments, which include clear licensing policies and efficient permitting processes,” said Taylor Jackson, Fraser Institute policy analyst.

Chile, ranks 11th overall, remains the most attractive jurisdiction for mining investment in Latin America and the Caribbean Basin while Honduras (107th) and Venezuela (108th) continue to be among the least attractive jurisdictions in the world for investment.

The African continent, as a whole, continues to better its performance since 2012, buoyed by Burkina Faso (29th). As a region, Africa now ranks ahead of Oceania, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean and Argentina for its investment attractiveness.

Worldwide investment attractiveness rankings (Top 10):

1. Western Australia
2. Saskatchewan
3. Nevada
4. Ireland
5. Finland
6. Alaska
7. Northern Territory
8. Quebec
9. Utah
10. South Australia

Worldwide investment attractiveness rankings (Bottom 10):

109. La Rioja (Argentina)
108. Venezuela
107. Honduras
106. Greece
105. Solomon Islands
104. Chubut (Argentina)
103. Guinea (Conakry)
102. Kenya
101. Mendoza (Argentina)
100. Rio Negro (Argentina)

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Dr. Kenneth P. Green, Senior Director, Natural Resource Studies
Fraser Institute

For interviews with Dr. Green, please contact:

Aanand Radia, Media Relations Specialist, Fraser Institute
Tel: (416) 363-6575 Ext. 238
E-mail: aanand.radia@fraserinstitute.org

The Fraser Institute is an independent Canadian public policy research and educational organization with offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Montreal and ties to a global network of think-tanks in 87 countries. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for Canadians, their families and future generations by studying, measuring and broadly communicating the effects of government policies, entrepreneurship and choice on their well-being. To protect the Institute’s independence, it does not accept grants from governments or contracts for research. Visit www.fraserinstitute.org