The Atlas maps the relationship between mining and the SDGs by using examples of good practice in the industry and existing knowledge and resources in sustainable development that if replicated or scaled up could make useful contributions to the SDGs. Mining companies, their staff, management and boards are the primary audience for the Atlas. The Atlas is also intended to advance the conversation about how mining companies, can work collaboratively with governments, communities, civil society and other partners to contribute to achieve the SDGs.

The Atlas contains a chapter for each of the SDGs focusing on the contribution the mining industry can make to that goal through its business operations as well as identifying opportunities for how mining companies can collaborate with other stakeholders. Each chapter also includes case studies on which to draw in building innovative, systematic and sustained collaborative efforts.

Some overall conclusions that can stimulate action as well as further debate and research include:

This report was initially launched as a draft for public consultation on January 13, 2016. The revised, final version takes into consideration hundreds of comments submitted by dozens of organizations and individuals, as well as several in-person discussions of the document with multi-stakeholder groups.