Each year the Annual Survey of Mining Companies (conducted by the Canadian based Fraser Institute) identifies the top ranked jurisdictions in the world for mining investment based on factors such as the relevant Government policies ability to provide a stable regulatory environment and geological attractiveness for minerals and metals. In the latest results from the Annual Survey of Mining Companies (2020), Australia continued its history of strong performance with Western Australia being ranked 4th in the world while South Australia was 7th, Queensland 16th, the Northern Territory 19th, New South Wales 27th, Victoria 56th and Tasmania 63rd.
‘Critical minerals' are described differently across jurisdictions, but are generally understood to refer to mineral and metal elements which are critical to the development of future technologies. Examples of these technologies include batteries for energy storage, renewable energy equipment, low-emission power sources, defence equipment and
