19 July 2016: The UN Development Programme (UNDP), World Economic Forum (WEF), Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment (CCSI) and Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) have released the final version of an “atlas” that maps how mining and the extractive industry sector can contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in resource-rich countries. The white paper, titled ‘Mapping Mining to the Sustainable Development Goals: An Atlas,’ shares examples of good practice, knowledge and resources in the mining sector that could be replicated or scaled up to support the SDGs.

SDSN and its partners launched a draft of the report for public consultation in January 2016. Organizations and individuals submitted hundreds of comments that are reflected in the revised draft. The revised report also accounts for in-person discussions with multi-stakeholder groups. The atlas aims to increase understanding of the relationship between mining and the SDGs, raise awareness of the opportunities and challenges posed by the mining industry, and promote multi-stakeholder dialogue and collaboration.

The report highlights three overall conclusions, which the authors suggest can stimulate action and further research and debate. First, the report underscores the mining industry’s opportunity and potential to positively contribute to each of the 17 SDGs, and maps roles and responsibilities across the Goals. Second, the report demonstrates how the mining industry can minimize environmental impact and ensure sharing of social and economic benefits. Finally, the report recognizes the challenges of achieving sustainable development, and recommends that the mining industry scale up its engagement, partnership and dialogue with other industry sectors and stakeholders.

The Atlas includes a chapter for each of the SDGs, examining how the mining industry can contribute to that Goal through its operations and collaboration with stakeholders. Infographics display opportunities for integrating Goals into the mining sector’s core business and opportunities for collaboration and leverage. On SDG 1 (End poverty in all its forms everywhere), for example, the report highlights opportunities for the mining sector to integrate public disclosure, equitable employment opportunities, land access preservation, and other policies into its core business and to collaborate to leverage resources for poverty alleviation and support non-mining livelihood options. [Publication: Mapping Mining to the SDGs: An Atlas] [SDSN Press Release] [IISD RS Story on Draft Report]