Minerals are essential ingredients of the Sustainable Development Goals, but in contrast to other natural resources, they are missing from the goals and targets. This Perspective explores why and examines the narratives that shape the role of minerals in development. We share the findings of global consultations conducted under the mandate of the United Nations Environment Assembly to strengthen international cooperation on mineral governance, and we introduce the concepts of ‘development minerals’, ‘mineral security’ and ‘mineral poverty’ to better integrate minerals into the Sustainable Development Goal agenda.