Mining risk in Australia/Oceania remains stable in 2024, despite a global shift higher – but the region is outclassed by its North American rivals in investment attractiveness, according to the MiningNews.net Research Report 2024 (MNN 2024).

The report, by Aspermont research division Mining Journal Intelligence (MJI), shows the Australia/Oceania region’s average risk held steady, rated as ‘lower moderate risk’ – but Canada and the US consolidated their positions as global leaders on the risk front.

Canada also replaced Australia as the top-pick country for new mining investments in MJI’s Investor Sentiment Survey 2024.

The MNN 2024 report provides a multi-pronged tool to help mining professionals and investors identify opportunities and risks in Australia and nearby geographies, taking a deep dive into five critical themes: top projects, C-suite priorities, risk, investor sentiment, and financing.

Findings are sourced from MJI’s World Risk, Project Pipeline, Global Leadership, Investor Sentiment and Mining Equities reports, with data updated and refocused to shed light on conditions in Australia’s mining sector in 2024.

While Australia/Oceania have more work to do if they are to close the gap on North America, there was some positive news on the investment front for 2024. Although most Australia-focused investors (66%) were disappointed by the mining industry’s performance last year, about seven-in-10 (69%) expect improved returns on their mining investments this year.

In the Project Pipeline Assets section, MNN 2024 identifies Australia’s most attractive development projects, based on our unique ranking methodology, with Liontown Resources’ Kathleen Valley lithium asset taking the top spot.

The Global Leadership section presents CEOs’ views on the rising challenges around social licence, and their strategies for improving community relations.