The most recent Fraser Institute global mining survey reveals that Nevada, Western Australia, and Saskatchewan are the top three most favored places for exploration and mining activities. The annual ratings by the Toronto-based think tank are closely monitored for shifts in rankings, with notable changes this year including New Zealand and Indonesia dropping in rankings.
The 2023 survey, based on surveys conducted in 2022 among mining professionals, shows some reshuffling in the top-rated jurisdictions. Nevada claimed the top spot, moving up from third place in 2021, while Western Australia lost its top ranking and settled for second place. Saskatchewan slipped one position to secure the third spot.
In addition to Australia, Canada, and the US, the top jurisdiction outside these countries was Botswana (10th place), followed by Morocco (16th place) and Argentina’s San Juan province (19th place). Notable comparisons include Guyana surpassing New South Wales, Ecuador ranking above Idaho, and Guinea being preferred over Victoria in Australia and California.
The bottom rankings were claimed by Zimbabwe for the second consecutive year, rated worse than Mozambique (second worst), South Sudan, and Angola. Papua New Guinea ranked ninth from the bottom, just ahead of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Fraser’s Investment Attractiveness Index reveals the top 20 mining jurisdictions, with Nevada, Western Australia, and Saskatchewan taking the top three spots.
Fraser also publishes the Policy Perception Index, reflecting the views of exploration companies on regulatory matters affecting exploration activities. Nevada, Botswana, and South Australia topped the list, indicating a slightly different view from mining companies.
Jurisdictions with fewer than five company responses are excluded from the survey, as it suggests a weak mining sector or lack of interest from companies. The survey aims to identify jurisdictions with favorable policies to attract investment in mining. The latest survey reached 1,966 managers and executives worldwide.
