CARSON CITY, Nev. (Mar. 18, 2026) — Nevada has once again secured its position as the world’s most attractive mining investment destination, according to the Fraser Institute’s latest Annual Survey of Mining Companies. The ranking reinforces the state’s leadership in responsible mineral development, regulatory stability and resource potential at a time when global demand for critical minerals continues to accelerate.
State officials noted that Nevada remains the only mining jurisdiction worldwide to consistently rank among the top three for investment attractiveness, underscoring the strength of its mineral endowment and long-standing policy framework that supports exploration and development.
“Nevada’s return to the No. 1 position highlights the unmatched combination of world-class mineral resources and a predictable regulatory environment that investors depend on,” said Robert Ghiglieri, Administrator of the Nevada Division of Minerals. “This recognition reflects decades of commitment to responsible development and strategic resource management.”
The Fraser Institute survey, based on responses from more than 250 mining industry executives, evaluates jurisdictions across two primary categories: mineral potential and public policy factors influencing exploration and capital investment decisions. In the 2025 report, Nevada led all 68 jurisdictions evaluated, surpassing Finland and other global competitors.
Nevada’s top ranking was further supported by the state’s leading policy perception score, signaling strong investor confidence in its permitting processes, infrastructure and governance. Officials say the recognition underscores Nevada’s growing importance in the global supply chain for critical minerals essential to advanced manufacturing, clean energy technologies and national security initiatives.
“As a long-standing innovator in mining and mineral technologies, Nevada continues to demonstrate its readiness to meet evolving domestic and global demand for critical resources,” said Tom Burns, Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED). “This recognition reflects our role not only in supporting today’s industries but also in enabling the economic ecosystems that depend on secure mineral supply.”
Nevada produces more than 70% of the gold mined in the United States and hosts the nation’s only active lithium mine. The state is also home to 36 of the 60 minerals designated as critical by the U.S. Department of the Interior. Recent federal funding commitments further highlight Nevada’s strategic role in strengthening domestic mineral production, including $2.26 billion for the Thacker Pass project, $996 million for Ioneer’s lithium initiative and $6.2 million for Golden Metal Resources.
Widely regarded as a benchmark report within the mining sector, the Fraser Institute survey provides global investors and policymakers with key insights into the competitiveness of mining jurisdictions worldwide.
About the Governor’s Office of Economic Development
Established in 2011 through collaboration between the Nevada Legislature and the Governor’s Office, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development works to advance a diversified and resilient state economy. GOED supports business expansion and retention, promotes entrepreneurship, attracts new investment and fosters community development across Nevada.
