Apple continues to be under surveillance
For several years, the origin of minerals used in electronic products has been the subject of a special attention. Manufacturers of smartphones, computers or electronic components use in particular tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold, materials often grouped under the acronym 3TG
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Part of these resources historically come from unstable regions, notably in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where mining has sometimes been associated with armed conflicts, forced labor, or even child labor. Apple has already been targeted by several complaints in recent years regarding the origin of certain minerals used in its supply chain.
No links identified with armed groups
In its new report covering the year 2025, Cupertino claims to have carried out numerous checks with its suppliers, foundries and refineries. According to her, there is no evidence to conclude that the actors identified in its supply chain have directly or indirectly financed armed groups operating in the DRC or neighboring countries.
The firm indicates that it relies on independent audits, traceability programs, third-party controls, as well as declarations from its suppliers. It also specifies that 100% of smelters and refineries identified in its supply chain must participate in independent audits each year.
Requirements that concern all Apple products
The controls relate to all product ranges : iPhone, Mac, iPad, AirPods, Apple Watch, Apple TV, Vision Pro, HomePod, Beats, as well as Apple accessories. Suppliers using 3TG minerals must complete a standardized document allowing the origin of the materials used in the manufacture of products to be identified. Apple also says that partners not meeting its requirements may be excluded from its supply chain.
But in practice, the traceability remains complex because the Californian firm does not directly purchase the minerals extracted from the mines. The company therefore depends on information provided by suppliers, refineries, smelters and auditing organizations.
As a result, Apple explains that it is not always able to identify with certainty the exact origin of each mineral present in each component. It thus admits that certain materials used in its products may come from the DRC or neighboring countries, but asserts not having found any evidence showing that the actors identified in its supply chain finance armed groups.
What do you think?
This new report obviously does not end the debates around the origin of the minerals used in the electronics industry. But Apple is once again seeking to demonstrate that its control procedures are strengthening and that its supply chain meets the standards imposed by the American authorities.
But full traceability of raw materials remains a major challenge for the entire technology industry, as global supply chains are complex and fragmented.
