WA leaps back up table of best mining destinations, but South Australia the big winnerSean SmithThe West AustralianMon, 2 March 2026 7:40AMEmail Sean Smith
WA has soared back up a list of the globe’s best mining spots but it has still been overshadowed by South Australia’s rapid rise.
The Canadian-based Fraser Institute’s annual mining survey shows WA improved its ranking from a surprisingly low 17th in 2024 to sixth last year, with respondents citing easing concerns over land claim disputes, red tape and infrastructure.
However, South Australia was the big Australian mover, emerging as the country’s best mining jurisdiction after an extraordinary turnaround that catapulted it to fourth in the global rankings from 35th in 2024.
Nevada topped the list, up from second previously, usurping Finland.
It was followed in order by Ontario, Saskatchewan, South Australia, Arizona, WA, Botswana, Norway, Sweden and Saudi Arabia.
The institute ranks mining destinations by measuring their practices, mineral potential and regulatory and fiscal policies based on a survey of more than 2300 companies.
However, its 2025 findings on 68 jurisdictions were informed by just 256 responses, meaning rankings can change dramatically from year to year based on just a handful of negative experiences.
The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies chief executive Warren Pearce said the latest results “highlight how quickly sentiment can shift and speak to the flighty nature of global investment sentiment”.
“While the results in the Fraser Institute survey are always interesting, it’s important to note that investment incentive can also change suddenly depending on geopolitical events,” he said.
“Industries that rely on mobile capital need to be aware how individual events can change their fortunes.”
The Fraser Institute ranked China as the least attractive jurisdiction in the world, along with Burkina Faso, Egypt, the Philippines, Mali, Chubut, Neuquen, Bolivia, Northern Ireland,and Guinea.
“A sound, predictable regulatory regime coupled with competitive fiscal policies make a jurisdiction attractive to investors,” survey co-author Elmira Aliakbari said.
“Policymakers across the globe should understand that mineral deposits alone are not enough to attract investment.”
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