Maximizing Output and Government Revenues from Mining in Developing Countries

This paper investigates the determinants of mining projects, with a focus on green minerals. The research question is the effect of political risk on investment decisions, the size of projects, the volume of ore mined, and the ensuing resource rents captured by the host country. The paper shows the challenges of measuring and capturing resource rents, using a mathematical model of resource rent maximization for the host country under the constraint of a positive after-tax cash flow for investors. The analysis finds that the optimal approach for taxing extraction is a progressive profit tax on mining revenues that generates revenues for the country while minimally deterring investment. Alternatively, taxing cash flow, which can be non-distortionary, can be implemented. Using the S&P Capital IQ database, the analysis finds that the low-quality of governance, institutions, infrastructure, skills, and services dampens the exploration and exploitation of copper, a key mineral for green energy. The opportunity cost in terms of unexplored or underexploited deposits translates into suboptimal global copper production and forgone revenues for the poorest host countries. To unlock exploration, the paper proposes measures to mitigate political risk, including investing in geological surveys and institutions and designing stable tax systems. For underexploited projects, it proposes that countries not only invest in infrastructure, skills, and services, but also improve governance and institutions. This would lower the metal grade at which investors would be willing to commit, ultimately producing more metal from identified mineral deposits. Interventions from international financial institutions can help to alleviate all country risks, including political risks, that hinder credible intertemporal commitments between investors and countries.

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	Davis, Graham A., Bou Habib, Chadi, Solheim, Gaute, Lokanc, Martin
Format:	Working Paper biblioteca
Language:	English en_US
Published:	Washington, DC: World Bank 2024-11-12
Subjects:	MINING TAXATION, COPPER, CLIMATE CHANGE, RISK=BASED APPROACHES, INVESTMENT CLIMATE,
Online Access:	http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/099004311042428531/IDU179747984106fa146771af611c16144f6b01e https://hdl.handle.net/10986/42404
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