According to Bloomberg (WARNING auto play video), Apple is in talks with mining companies to buy cobalt directly from them rather than letting their battery suppliers who would normally do this. Apparently, Apple is wanting to ensure they have a good supply of cobalt for the next five years or more so they won’t have battery supply issues. However, they are going to be competing with the foresaid battery suppliers as well as carmakers. Regardless, they have plenty of cash so I’m sure they aren’t going to have any issues gaining their own supply.



Apple is seeking contracts to secure several thousand metric tons of cobalt a year for five years or longer, according to one of the people, declining to be named as the discussions are confidential. Its first discussions on cobalt deals with miners were more than a year ago, and it may end up deciding not to go ahead with any deal, another person said.

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Source: [H]ardOCP – Apple Wants to Buy Cobalt Directly From Miners