This handbook addresses the theme of stewardship, which is one theme in the Leading Practice Sustainable Development Program. The program aims to identify key issues affecting sustainable development in the mining industry and provide information and case studies that illustrate a more sustainable basis for the industry. This handbook has been written to encourage mine and marketing managers, as well as customers, to apply the principles of stewardship and play a critical role in continuously improving the mining industry’s sustainable development performance. At the mine, the stewardship aspects of exploration, feasibility, design, construction, operation and closure are important. Beyond the mine gate, the stewardship of minerals products in the marketplace is also crucial. While the principles guiding leading practice are often generic, they can be used to support site-specific sustainability planning. In addition, people with an interest in leading practice in the mining industry particularly environmental officers, mining consultants, governments and regulators, non-government organisations, mine communities and students will find this handbook relevant. It has been written to encourage these people to play a critical role in continuously improving the mining industry’s sustainable development performance.