Saskatchewan remains Canada’s most attractive jurisdiction for mining investment

VANCOUVER—Saskatchewan remains Canada’s top-rated jurisdiction for mining investment, ranking 7^th globally in the Annual Survey of Mining Companies released today by the Fraser Institute, an independent, non-partisan Canadian public policy think-tank.

Finland is the top-ranked jurisdiction worldwide for mining investment in this year’s survey, followed by Nevada.

“The Fraser Institute’s mining survey is the most comprehensive report on not only mineral potential but also government policies that either encourages or discourages mining investment,” said Elmira Aliakbari, director of the Fraser Institute’s Centre for Natural Resource Studies and co-author of the study.

This year’s report ranks 82 jurisdictions around the world based on their geologic attractiveness (minerals and metals) and government policies that encourage or discourage exploration and investment, including permit times.

On overall investment attractiveness, Saskatchewan ranks in the global top ten for the sixth time in seven years, followed by Newfoundland & Labrador at 8^th. In terms of policy factors alone, Saskatchewan ranks in the global top three while Newfoundland & Labrador ranks sixth and Alberta ranks 9^th.

However, some Canadian jurisdictions are not capitalizing on their strong mineral potential due to a lack of a solid policy environment that would attract investment. For instance, Yukon and Manitoba, despite being among the top ten most attractive jurisdictions for mineral endowment, rank 40^th and 43^rd respectively when considering policy factors alone.

In addition, British Columbia continues to perform poorly on the policy front largely due to investor concerns over disputed land claims and protected areas.

Overall, uncertainty surrounding protected areas, land claims disputes and environmental regulations along with regulatory duplication and inconsistency continue to hinder mining investment in various Canadian jurisdictions.

“A sound and predictable regulatory regime coupled with competitive fiscal policies help make a jurisdiction attractive in the eyes of mining investors,” said Aliakbari.

“Policymakers in every province and territory should understand that mineral deposits alone are not enough to attract investment.”

Overall investment attractiveness for Canadian provinces and territories

Media Contact:
Elmira Aliakbari, Director of Natural Resource Studies Fraser Institute

To arrange media interviews or for more information, please contact:
Drue MacPherson, Fraser Institute
604-688-0221 ext. 721
drue.macpherson@fraserinstitute.org