Saskatchewan follows Finland on the list of jurisdictions attractive for mining investment worldwide. This is according to the latest Annual Survey of Mining Companies released by the Fraser Institute which describes itself as an independent, non-partisan, Canadian public policy think tank.
Their Senior Director for energy and natural resource studies Kenneth Green says rich mineral reserves, competitive taxes, efficient permitting procedures and certainty around environmental regulations will still attract significant investment even with slumping commodity prices.
Last year Manitoba was second on the list but fell to 18th worldwide and 6th in Canada. The Institute says that’s because survey respondents expressed increased concern over political instability, taxation and uncertainty around disputed land claims and protected areas.
Green adds capital is fluid and one province’s loss can be another province’s gain because mining investors will flock to jurisdictions that have attractive policies.
