Editor’s Note
The Democratic Republic of Congo has filed criminal complaints in France and Belgium against Apple subsidiaries, alleging the use of conflict minerals from regions controlled by armed groups. Apple strongly disputes the allegations, stating its commitment to responsible sourcing. This case highlights the ongoing legal and ethical challenges surrounding mineral supply chains in the tech industry.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has filed criminal complaints in France and Belgium against subsidiaries of the technology giant Apple, accusing it of using conflict minerals.
Acting on behalf of the Congolese government, lawyers alleged that Apple is complicit in crimes committed by armed groups that control some mines in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Apple stated that it “strongly disputes” these allegations and is “deeply committed to responsible sourcing” of minerals.
French and Belgian authorities will now examine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed with the legal action.
In a statement, the lawyers for the Democratic Republic of Congo referred to the contamination of Apple’s supply chain by “blood minerals.”
They claim that tin, tantalum, and tungsten are extracted from conflict zones and then “laundered through international supply chains.”
Apple rejected these accusations, stating that its “suppliers adhere to the industry’s strictest standards.”
A spokesperson told the BBC:
Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is a major source of minerals, and the global demand for them has fueled the wars that have been ongoing there for decades.
Human rights groups have long claimed that large quantities of minerals from legitimate mines, as well as from facilities run by armed groups, are channeled to neighboring Rwanda and end up in our phones and computers.
In the past, Rwanda has described the Congolese government’s lawsuit against Apple as a publicity stunt.
It has denied selling conflict minerals to the technology company.