Mining executives aren't optimistic about B.C., according to a 2009/2010 Fraser Institute survey released today.
The province ranked 38th out of 72 possible mining jurisdictions on six continents around the world.
That's a 14-place drop from last year when B.C. ranked 24th.
Executives cited too much regulation, little co-ordination between government agencies and uncertainty about aboriginal land claims as reasons why the province was less attractive for mineral exploration and development.
The annual survey compiles the opinions of 670 mining executives and managers around the world about mining policy and mineral endowment.
Not surprisingly, Quebec ranked as the number one mining jurisdiction in the world for the third year in a row, while New Brunswick took 2nd up from 6th last year and Alberta maintained its 4th place spot.
In all, Canadian jurisdictions dominated six of the top 10 spots.
B.C. ranked behind places such as Namibia, Burkina Faso and Ghana, but ahead of Peru, China, Russia and South Africa.
Venezuela bottomed out in last place for the second year in a row, and California fell to 63rd place from 54th last year where respondents said the state's staunch environmentalist policies remain a strong deterrent.