Elite mining consultants, Behre Dolbear Group, have release their annual list of the best and worst countries for mining investment. They use the following crtieria:
The 25 countries considered in this year’s survey are ranked based on 7 criteria:
- the country’s economic system
- the country’s political system
- the degree of social issues affecting mining in the country
- delays in receiving permits due to bureaucratic and other issues
- the degree of corruption prevalent in the country
- the stability of the country’s currency
- the competitiveness of the country’s tax policy
Each criterion is rated on a qualitative scale from 1 (worst) to 10 (best) that reflects conditions that promote investment growth in the mining sector. Accordingly, the maximum score attainable for a country is 70 points.
And guess where Australia ranks?
Not quite what the Minerals Council would have you think, eh?
Across the categories Australia ranks 9 for economic system, 8 for political system, 8 for management of social issues, 8 for permitting delays, 10 for corruption, 9 for currency stability and 4 for tax regime.
Next time a miner threatens you with capital flight, bid them a fond farewell.
