The Round Mountain mine in Nevada
Nevada is the most attractive jurisdiction in the world for mining investment followed by Western Australia and Saskatchewan, according to the Annual Survey of Mining Companies released by the Fraser Institute on Thursday.
“The Fraser Institute’s mining survey is the most comprehensive report on government policies that either attract or discourage mining investors, and this year Nevada ranks highest of anywhere in the world,” said Fraser Institute Centre for Natural Resource Studies director and co-author of the report Elmira Aliakbari.
This year’s report ranks 62 jurisdictions around the world based on their geologic attractiveness (minerals and metals) and government policies that encourage or deter exploration and investment.
Rounding out the top five jurisdictions are Newfoundland and Labrador, and Colorado. Once again, the least-attractive jurisdiction for mining investment is Zimbabwe and, in fact, of the 10 least-attractive jurisdictions in the world, eight are in Africa.
“A sound regulatory regime coupled with competitive taxes make a jurisdiction attractive to investors,” Aliakbari said. “Policymakers across the globe should understand that mineral deposits alone are not enough to attract investment.”