RE:RE:Fraser Institute Global Rankings 2016Alvarez,
At least some Canadian provinces are in the top ten consistently every year, year after year. Congo made Ito 29 once, in 2016. I wouldn't describe it as a trend, although they have shown steady improvement. Hopefully, this positive momentum will continue, and Congo becomes one of the best mining jurisdictions in the world. It would certainly make it easier for IVN to realize their objectives. The mine at K-K will last 29 years plus 4 years of construction. One year at the 29 spot doesn't bring long term certainty for investors. But yes, it's looking better.
This illustrates the difficulty of the mining industry in general. It used to be you could go in, dig up what you want, poison the environment, and leave a huge clean up bill for the government. That's now become very uncommon. Many countries have become highly nationalistic, demanding an ever greater share of the proceeds in taxes or as partners. In most places, it's become difficult to implement any mine scenario rapidly. I think the average is about ten years jumping through all the red tape. If Congo can maintain their favourable mining policies, there is no reason they can't stay at 29, or even move into the top ten.