“The Fraser Institute’s mining survey is the most comprehensive report on government policies that either encourages or discourages mining investment, and Saskatchewan remains not only the top choice in Canada, but third overall globally,” said Elmira Aliakbari, director of the Fraser Institute’s Centre for Natural Resource Studies and co-author of the study.
The Fraser Institute, a Canadian public policy think-tank, has released its Annual Survey of Mining Companies, revealing that Saskatchewan remains the top-rated jurisdiction for mining investment in Canada. The report ranks 62 jurisdictions worldwide based on geologic attractiveness and government policies affecting exploration and investment, including permit times.
Nevada has been named the top-ranked jurisdiction globally for mining investment, followed by Western Australia. Saskatchewan came in third overall, followed by Newfoundland & Labrador at fourth and Quebec at eighth.
Elmira Aliakbari, the director of the Fraser Institute’s Centre for Natural Resource Studies and co-author of the study, stated that the mining survey is the most comprehensive report on government policies impacting mining investment and that Saskatchewan continues to be the top choice in Canada and third globally.
However, some provinces and territories are not fully capitalizing on their strong mineral potential due to a lack of favorable government policies. Ontario and Manitoba, despite having strong mineral potential, ranked 18th and 24th respectively when considering policy factors alone. Similarly, Yukon ranked 10th for its mineral potential but 31st on policy factors.
British Columbia has also performed poorly in the report, largely due to investor concerns over disputed land claims and protected areas.
Aliakbari emphasized the importance of a sound and predictable regulatory regime and competitive fiscal policies in attracting mining investment, stating that mineral deposits alone are not enough. Policymakers in every province and territory should understand this to attract investment.
Overall Investment Attractiveness for Canadian Provinces and Territories
(out of 62 worldwide)
| Province | Rank | Province | Rank |
| Saskatchewan | 3 | Yukon | 20 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 4 | New Brunswick | 21 |
| Quebec | 8 | Alberta | 24 |
| Ontario | 12 | Nunavut | 41 |
| Manitoba | 14 | Nova Scotia | 42 |
| British Columbia | 15 | Northwest Territories | 43 |
