As Disclosure Deadline Looms, SEC Staff Issues More Guidance on Conflict Minerals

As the deadline looms for issuers’ first conflict minerals reports, the Securities and Exchange Commission Division of Corporation Finance April 7 issued additional guidance—in the form of “frequently asked questions” (FAQs)—to help them in the disclosure requirements.

Among other questions, the FAQs addressed when the need for an independent private sector audit arises and how to treat products manufactured from a combination of minerals.

The SEC staff issued initial guidance on the requirements in May 2013 105 DER EE-17, 5/31/13.

Dodd-Frank Mandate.

Pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the SEC in August 2012 ...