Nevada has reclaimed the top spot on the Fraser Institute's Investment Attractiveness Index, according to the 2025 edition of the Annual Survey of Mining Companies, released on February 26, 2026. The survey, which polled 256 mining industry respondents whose companies spent a combined US$4.2 billion on exploration in 2025, ranks 68 jurisdictions on mineral potential (weighted 60%) and policy (weighted 40%). Nevada's mineral potential ranked fourth globally, and the state posted a perfect 100 on the Policy Perception Index, a "report card" executives give governments on regulation, taxation, infrastructure, and permitting. This combination propelled Nevada from second place last year to first on the Investment Attractiveness Index.
The ranking matters because jurisdiction can determine whether a mining project gets built. A world-class deposit in a country with unstable mining codes may sit undeveloped for decades, while a modest oxide resource in a stable jurisdiction can be permitted, financed, and poured. Lahontan Gold Corp. (TSX.V: LG) (OTCQB: LGCXF), a pure-play Nevada developer dual-listed on the TSX Venture Exchange and OTCQB, is advancing the past-producing Santa Fe Mine in the Walker Lane. The company's Santa Fe project hosts 2.385 million ounces of pit-constrained gold equivalent, up 22% from the 2024 estimate, and its Phase One oxide plan is now in Nevada state mine permitting.
Lahontan is also pursuing the acquisition of Emergent Metals, which would deliver 100% of West Santa Fe, remove two 1% royalties, and expand its Walker Lane claim package to more than 93 square kilometers. These moves position the company to capitalize on Nevada's improved standing. For investors, the Fraser survey underscores the importance of jurisdiction in mining equities. Nevada's top ranking may boost confidence in developers like Lahontan, which is already navigating the permitting process. As the industry continues to prioritize stable jurisdictions, Nevada's performance could attract further exploration and investment dollars.
The latest news and updates relating to LGCXF are available in the company's newsroom at http://ibn.fm/LGCXF. The Fraser Institute survey is widely followed by mining executives and investors, and Nevada's return to the top spot signals a favorable environment for mining companies operating in the state. For more details on this story, see the full coverage on MiningNewsWire.
MiningNewsWire is a specialized communications platform focused on the global mining and resources sectors. It is one of 75+ brands within the Dynamic Brand Portfolio at IBN, which provides wire solutions via InvestorWire, editorial syndication to 5,000+ outlets, press release enhancement, social media distribution, and corporate communications solutions.
