MINEX Forum

Tag: global rankings

  • Kazakhstan Maintains Position Among Top Copper Producers with 710,000 Tonnes in 2025

    Kazakhstan Maintains Position Among Top Copper Producers with 710,000 Tonnes in 2025

    Kazakhstan’s copper industry has reaffirmed its status as a significant player in the global market, producing 710,000 tonnes of copper in 2025. This output has secured the country a place in the top ten copper-producing nations, ranking ninth alongside Indonesia, which reported similar production figures. The data, sourced from the Energy Institute and the United States Geological Survey, highlights Kazakhstan’s continued relevance in the competitive landscape of copper mining.

    The global copper production landscape is led by Chile, which produced a staggering 5.3 million tonnes in the past year. The Democratic Republic of Congo follows in second place with 3.2 million tonnes, while Peru rounds out the top three with 2.7 million tonnes. China and Russia occupy the fourth and fifth positions, respectively, with outputs of 1.8 million tonnes and 1.3 million tonnes.

    In addition to Kazakhstan and Indonesia, other notable producers include the United States, which achieved a production level of 1 million tonnes, Zambia at 740,000 tonnes, and Australia with 730,000 tonnes. Collectively, the top ten copper-producing countries accounted for a total of 18.39 million tonnes of copper, contributing significantly to the estimated global production of over 23 million tonnes, as reported by the Energy Institute.

    Kazakhstan’s performance in copper production not only underscores its mining capabilities but also reflects the country’s strategic importance in the global supply chain for this essential metal, which is critical for various industries, including electronics and renewable energy. As demand for copper continues to rise, Kazakhstan’s position in the market may further strengthen, providing opportunities for investment and development in its mining sector.

  • Finland Tops Global Mining Investment Rankings in 2025 Fraser Institute Survey

    Finland Tops Global Mining Investment Rankings in 2025 Fraser Institute Survey

    Finland has reclaimed its position as the most attractive global jurisdiction for mining investment, topping the Fraser Institute’s 2025 Annual Survey of Mining Companies. The Nordic country soared 16 places to claim first place, pushing Nevada to second and Alaska to third in the rankings.

    The report evaluates 82 jurisdictions based on both mineral potential and policy attractiveness. According to Elmira Aliakbari, co-author of the report and director at the Fraser Institute’s Centre for Natural Resource Studies, “The Fraser Institute’s mining survey is the most comprehensive report on not just a jurisdiction’s mineral potential, but also government policies that either attract or discourage mining investors.”

    The United States dominated the top ten with four states — Nevada, Alaska, Wyoming, and Arizona — while Europe had three entries and Canada followed with two. Saskatchewan maintained its strong performance, ranking seventh globally and leading Canada. Newfoundland and Labrador joined the top ten, buoyed by improved policy perception.

    However, not all Canadian jurisdictions fared well. British Columbia, despite its rich mineral base, continued to underperform due to regulatory uncertainty, land claims issues, and environmental policy challenges. Alberta, although ranked ninth globally on policy alone, did not make the top ten in overall investment attractiveness.

    Australia, another mining powerhouse, also failed to enter the top ten. Western Australia ranked seventeenth, with South Australia, the Northern Territory, and Queensland falling into the 30s.

    Botswana held its position as Africa’s most attractive mining destination but slipped from 15th to 20th overall due to investor concerns over regulatory duplication and legal uncertainty. The policy perception score for Botswana also declined significantly from the previous year.

    At the bottom of the list, Ethiopia was ranked as the least attractive jurisdiction, followed by Suriname and Niger. Nova Scotia represented Canada among the bottom ten, alongside countries such as Mozambique, Madagascar, Bolivia, and South Africa — which continues to slide down the rankings.

    Aliakbari stressed the importance of policy in attracting investment: “A sound, predictable regulatory regime coupled with competitive fiscal policies make a jurisdiction attractive to investors. Policymakers across the globe should understand that mineral deposits alone are not enough.”

    The Fraser Institute survey, a respected benchmark for mining investment sentiment, drew responses from executives and professionals across 82 jurisdictions worldwide.