DR Congo accuses Apple of using conflict minerals
The Democratic Republic of Congo has filed criminal complaints in France and Belgium against tech giant Apple’s subsidiaries, accusing it of using conflict minerals.
Acting on behalf of the Congolese government, lawyers have argued that Apple is complicit in crimes committed by armed groups that control some mines in the east of DR Congo.
In a 2023 review of this issueApple said it monitors its supply chain and works to improve measures to reduce risks as well as trace the source of minerals.
Authorities in France and Belgium will now look at whether there is enough evidence to pursue legal action.
in a statementDR Congo lawyers said Apple’s supply chain was contaminated with “blood minerals”.
They allege that tin, tantalum and tungsten are taken from conflict zones and then “looted through international supply chains”.
“These activities have fueled cycles of violence and conflict by funding militias and terrorist groups and contributed to forced child labor and environmental destruction.”
Apple has not responded to the BBC’s request for comment, but in its report to the US Securities and Exchange Commission detailing its actions on the issue in 2023, the company highlighted the measures it has taken to ensure That she is not using conflict minerals.
“Although Apple does not directly procure, buy or source primary minerals, we are committed to meeting and exceeding internationally accepted due diligence standards for primary minerals and recycled materials in our supply chain.”
As a result, everyone involved in the supply chain must participate in an “independent third-party conflict minerals audit.” Apple said that in 2023 it will eliminate 14 “smelters and refiners” that will not participate or do not meet responsible sourcing requirements.
The eastern part of DR Congo is a major source of minerals and the global thirst for them has fueled wars there for decades.
Rights groups have long alleged that large quantities of minerals from legitimate mines as well as facilities run by armed groups are transported to neighboring Rwanda and end up in our phones and computers.
Rwanda has in the past described the Congolese government’s legal action against Apple as a media stunt.
It has denied selling any dispute minerals to the tech company.
