Full-service investment dealer Raymond James Ltd. has released an extensive report on the Latin America mining landscape and investment opportunities in the region.

The 165-page report is a detailed analysis of seven countries in the region and their relative attractiveness for mining investment, as well as investment cases for companies in the Raymond James research coverage universe that have exposure to the region.

“Latin America remains integral to the mining industry’s ability to meet the growing global demand for base metals and minerals,” says Tom Meyer, Raymond James analyst. “Our report is meant to provide investors with an overview of various mining jurisdictions in the region, as well as our best investment ideas. It underscores the fact that Latin America continues to be an important destination for mining investment.”

In ranking the various countries in the report, six different criteria were used: mining taxation, regulatory and tax stability, political stability, infrastructure, power availability and labour climate.

On a scale of one to 10, every country except Ecuador ranked above five. Mexico ranked number one with a score of 8.3, followed by Brazil, Argentina and Chile (tied), Peru, Colombia and Ecuador. And, on a long term basis, the report names Mexico, Brazil and Chile as the top three Latin American countries for mining investment.

The report points out that beyond mineral wealth, investment decisions are based on a myriad of other factors including environmental considerations, availability of supporting infrastructure, the political atmosphere, and the status of the taxation regime, royalty structure and the legal standing on property rights.

With these factors in mind, the report provides extensive insights and recommendations on 17 mid-cap growth firms. They include:

  • Amerigo Resources (ARG);
  • Antofagasta (ANTO);
  • Aura Minerals (ORA);
  • Candente (DNT);
  • Centenario (CCT);
  • Chariot Resources (CHD);
  • Coro Mining (COP);
  • Corriente (CTQ);
  • Eldorado Gold (EGO);
  • Frontera Copper (FCC);
  • Global Copper (GLQ):
  • Greystar Resources (GSL);
  • Inca Pacific (IPR);
  • International Royalty Corp. (IRC);
  • MAG Silver (MAG);
  • Pan American Silver (PAAS);
  • Quadra Mining (QUA); and
  • Silver Wheaton (SLW).

Those singled out as having the best upside potential include, Frontera Copper Corp., Pan American Silver Corp., and Quadra Mining.