From the AFR:
The Fraser Institute annual survey of mining companies showed Western Australia slipped to No. 5 last year from being the world leader in 2013, replaced by Finland as the most desirable mining jurisdiction based on investment attractiveness, factoring in perceptions of policies and geological potential. Saskatchewan, Nevada and Manitoba placed ahead of Western Australia. Queensland placed No. 27 on the list, behind the African nations of Namibia and Botswana.
…The impact of royalty payments on miners’ bottom lines last year was a likely reason that Australia was seen as a less-attractive destination for mining investment, said Minerals Council of Australia chief executive Brendan Pearson. The “stalemate in the political process through the Senate” as well as the growing “tax burden” on mining companies also weighed on investors’ minds.
Didn’t we just abolish the carbon and mining taxes?