FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 17, 2026
Carson City, Nev. – The Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) announced today that Nevada has been ranked the most attractive mining jurisdiction in the world in the Fraser Institute’s latest Annual Survey of Mining Companies, reinforcing the state’s position as a global leader in responsible mineral development and investment.
“Nevada stands alone as the only mining jurisdiction to consistently place in the global top three for investment attractiveness,” said Robert Ghiglieri, Administrator for the Nevada Division of Minerals. “Reclaiming the number one ranking in 2025 reaffirms that our mineral endowment and policy framework are unmatched worldwide.”
The
annual survey, which was based on responses from more than 250 mining industry executives worldwide, evaluates jurisdictions on mineral potential and public policy factors that influence exploration and investment decisions. Nevada claimed the top spot globally, surpassing Finland and leading a field of 68 jurisdictions evaluated in the 2025 report.
Nevada’s top ranking reflects its wealth of mineral resources, combined with a stable regulatory environment that supports responsible development. The state also achieved the highest policy perception score of any jurisdiction evaluated in the survey.
“As a global pioneer and innovator in mining and mineral technologies, Nevada has once again shown itself as a critical leader in this space,” said Tom Burns, Executive Director of GOED. “This ranking has proven that Nevada once again stands ready to answer the nation’s call, as we did in the 1860s, to supply critical mineral needs and support the crucial economies that follow.”
The Fraser Institute’s Annual Survey of Mining Companies is one of the most widely referenced reports in the global mining sector, polling hundreds of mining executives and evaluating dozens of areas worldwide.
Nevada produces over 70% of the gold mined in the United States and contains the only active lithium mine in the country. In addition, Nevada is home to 36 of the 60 minerals identified as critical by the U.S. Department of the Interior. Recent announcements of federal investments into the mining industry include $2.26 billion in Thacker Pass, $996 million in Ioneer, and $6.2 million in Golden Metal Resources, highlighting the significant economic value of Nevada.
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About the Governor’s Office of Economic Development
Created during the 2011 session of the Nevada Legislature, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development is the result of a collaborative effort between the Nevada Legislature and the Governor’s Office to restructure economic development in the state. GOED’s role is to promote a robust, diversified and prosperous economy in Nevada, to stimulate business expansion and retention, encourage entrepreneurial enterprise, attract new businesses and facilitate community development.
