Authors: Penny Yeager, Erin Moch
In the recently released Fraser Institute Annual Survey on Mining Companies, Saskatchewan ranked second as the most attractive mining jurisdiction in the world, surpassing other Canadian jurisdictions such as Quebec (sixth) and Ontario (seventh).
The survey is designed to identify jurisdictions (including Canadian provinces and territories) that have the most attractive policies for encouraging investment in mining exploration. In connection with the survey, mining managers and executives from around the world evaluated 15 factors in each of the 91 jurisdictions. These factors included trade barriers, tax regimes, legal systems, labour regulations and labour availability, environmental regulations and infrastructure.
The survey participants reviewed each jurisdiction and determined that Finland was the most attractive jurisdiction, followed closely by Saskatchewan, which has secured one of the top two spots for the past four years. According to the survey, Canada as a whole is the world’s most attractive region for mining investment, based on a combined ranking of all of its provinces and territories.
The survey results indicated that Saskatchewan was ranked as a top jurisdiction for encouraging investment through its:
- administration, interpretation and enforcement of existing regulations;
- environmental regulations;
- tax regime;
- lack of regulatory duplication and inconsistencies;
- legal system;
- labour regulations;
- geological database;
- security; and
- labour availability.
Saskatchewan is rich in deposits of potash, uranium, gold, diamonds and other minerals.
Whether you are a business currently operating in Saskatchewan or a business looking to expand into Saskatchewan, MLT Aikins has significant experience advising clients on all aspects of the legal and regulatory environment in Saskatchewan. One of our lawyers with expertise in this field can assist you in navigating your mining operation through Saskatchewan’s legal and regulatory framework.
Note: This article is of a general nature only and is not exhaustive of all possible legal rights or remedies. In addition, laws may change over time and should be interpreted only in the context of particular circumstances such that these materials are not intended to be relied upon or taken as legal advice or opinion. Readers should consult a legal professional for specific advice in any particular situation.