Infrastructure-for-resources deals have been widely criticized, based on few data. But host countries can rigorously compare them with alternatives. Better analysis would lead to better decisions and might convince critics that they can be beneficial, for their financial contributions and for...

Host governments have often sought some equity in mining and other foreign investment projects, but as shareholders they have rarely gained what they anticipated. Only in special cases might the benefits to governments outweigh the risks and often unanticipated costs governments encounter.

Gone are the days when governments could easily renegotiate natural resource contracts if investors reaped bonanzas from rising resource prices, surprisingly rich discoveries, or terms that were too favorable. Today, international investment agreements protect investors from renegotiation. Now,...

When a country has "critical minerals," certain issues require special attention in the country's mining legislation or while negotiating contracts with potential mining investors. As well, to obtain maximum benefit the government should prepare for negotiations with investors' home governments,...

Efforts to build specialized skills in government for negotiating international investment contracts often have little value for reasons discussed in this Perspective; even private firms hire advisors for skills needed infrequently. However, the Perspective proposes special circumstances and...