Independent think tank Fraser Institute has released the findings of its 2021 Annual Survey of Mining Companies, revealing that Western Australia is the most attractive jurisdiction for mining investment in the world.

The non-partisan group compiled 290 responses to the survey to evaluate 84 global jurisdictions. It examined geologic attractiveness for minerals and metals, as well as government policies “that encourage or deter” mining investments and exploration efforts.

Western Australia, moved up from fourth place in 2020, knocking out Nevada (USA) from the top spot. Rounding out the top three attractive regions in the latest report were Saskatchewan (Canada), second place, and Nevada, third place.

South Australia took 10th place in the listing.

Zimbabwe ranked as the least attractive jurisdiction in the world for investment followed by Spain, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Mali.

"Asia, which features once again in our analysis for the first time since 2018, and Europe, both contribute with one jurisdiction each in the bottom 10," said the report's authors. Those regions were China and Spain, respectively.

The report can be read in full here.

Source: Fraser Institute