Fraser Institute
February22, 2018
For Immediate Release
CALGARY—Saskatchewan is the world’s second most attractive jurisdiction for mining investment after Finland, according to the latest Annual Survey of Mining Companies released today by the Fraser Institute, an independent, non-partisan Canadian public policy think-tank.
“Rich mineral reserves, competitive taxes, efficient permitting procedures and certainty around environmental regulations will still attract significant investment— even with slumping commodity prices,” said Kenneth Green, senior director of the Fraser Institute’s energy and natural resource studies.
This year’s survey of mining executives rates 91 jurisdictions around the world based on their geologic attractiveness for minerals and metals and the extent to which government policies encourage or deter exploration and investment.
Quebec ranks second in Canada (6th overall), followed by Ontario (7th), which improved its rank from 18th last year.
British Columbia (20th) and Alberta (49th) both continue to receive low marks from investors for regulatory uncertainty and concerns regarding disputed land claims.
Nationally, Canada—based on the combined rankings of all provinces and territories—is the world’s most attractive region for investment, beating out Australia for the top spot.
“Capital is fluid and one province’s loss can be another province’s gain because mining investors will flock to jurisdictions that have attractive policies,” Green said.
“Sound regulatory regimes are an absolute must for policymakers who want to attract increasingly precious commodity investments.”
To read the full report, go to https://www.fraserinstitute.org/studies/annual-survey-of-mining-companies-2017
