GoKawiilApple has filed its annual conflict minerals disclosure with the SEC, detailing its supply chain checks across iPhone, Mac, and more. Here are the details.
Apple files annual conflict minerals disclosure with the SEC
For years, the issue of where Apple sources its minerals from, and whether they’re linked to human rights abuses or armed groups, has been a recurring source of scrutiny.
Last November, Apple was sued over alleged conflict mineral issues for the second time in recent years, with International Rights Advocates (IRAdvocates) claiming that the company’s supply chain still included minerals linked to child labor, forced labor, and armed groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda.
In early 2024, IRAdvocates sued Apple and four other tech companies over alleged illegal cobalt sourcing, but the suit was later dismissed.
Apple, for its part, has always denied such allegations, in addition to publishing materials and reports on its supply chain, human rights, supplier code of conduct, and responsible sourcing through a transparency hub on its website.
Separate from those allegations, Apple is also subject to ongoing supply chain disclosure requirements, including annual conflict minerals filings with the SEC.
Apple made this filing today, covering the period from January 1 through December 31, 2025.
From the document:
Based on our due diligence, including analyzing the information provided by third-party audit programs, upstream traceability programs, independent reporting, and our suppliers, we found no reasonable basis for concluding that any smelters or refiners of 3TG identified in our supply chain as of December 31, 2025 directly or indirectly financed or benefited armed groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo or an adjoining country (the “Covered Countries”). More information on Apple’s Responsible Minerals Sourcing program is available at apple.com/supply-chain/.
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