Saskatchewan, Quebec top Canadian jurisdictions for mining investment

The province of Saskatchewan is the most attractive jurisdiction for mining investment in Canada, according to the annual global survey of mining executives released by the Fraser Institute on Thursday.

The Fraser Institute, an independent, non-partisan Canadian public policy think-tank, rates 109 jurisdictions around the world based on a combination of their geologic attractiveness for minerals and metals and their policy attractiveness. For the second consecutive year, Saskatchewan ranks as the top jurisdiction in Canada and finishes second worldwide behind Western Australia.

"While Saskatchewan is blessed with potash and uranium reserves, miners also appreciate it's approach to mining policy. Compared to other jurisdictions, the province is perceived to have a competitive tax regime, efficient permitting procedures and clarity around land claims," said Kenneth Green, Fraser Institute senior director of energy and natural resources and director of the Survey of Mining Companies.

Quebec ranks second in Canada and is the only other Canadian jurisdiction in the top 10 worldwide for overall investment attractiveness, according to the Survey of Mining Companies, 2015.

Two of Canada's other large jurisdictions-British Columbia and Ontario-improved in this year's rankings. Internationally, Ontario places 15th and B.C. ranks 18th.

Canada's overall investment attractiveness-based on the combined rankings of all Canadian jurisdictions-dropped slightly in 2015. Australia overtook Canada as the number one most attractive region in the world for mining investment, although that's more of a function of Australia improving faster than Canada. Endit