The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has launched criminal complaints against tech giant Apple, accusing the company of indirectly supporting war crimes through its use of conflict minerals.
Lawyers representing the Congolese government filed the complaints in France and Belgium, claiming that Apple is complicit in crimes committed by armed groups controlling mines in eastern DRC.
These accusations center around the use of minerals like tin, tantalum, and tungsten, which are extracted from mines in conflict zones.
The lawyers allege that these minerals are “laundered” through international supply chains, fueling violence, funding militias, and contributing to human rights abuses.
According to the lawyers, the minerals, often referred to as “blood minerals,” have been linked to forced child labor, environmental destruction, and the ongoing cycle of conflict in the region.
In its defense, Apple maintains that it actively monitors its supply chain, working to trace the origins of minerals used in its products.
In a statement issued after the complaint was filed, Apple emphasized its commitment to responsible sourcing practices.
The company’s 2023 review highlighted efforts to mitigate risks and improve measures for identifying the origins of minerals, stressing its dedication to ethical business practices.
Despite these claims, the Congolese lawyers argue that Apple’s supply chain remains tainted by conflict minerals, pointing to the involvement of armed groups in the extraction process.
The eastern DRC has long been a hotspot for armed conflict, with various militias and terrorist groups controlling mining areas to fund their operations.
Apple, in its 2023 filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, affirmed that it does not directly purchase or procure minerals from conflict zones.
Instead, the company relies on its due diligence process, which involves audits by independent third parties to ensure compliance with responsible sourcing standards.
In its statement, Apple also mentioned its decision to remove 14 smelters and refiners from its supply chain in 2023 due to their failure to meet these standards.
However, despite these actions, the DRC lawyers argue that Apple’s efforts are insufficient, as the company continues to use minerals that are sourced from conflict zones controlled by militias.
“The global demand for minerals like tin, tantalum, and tungsten has contributed to decades of violence in the region,” said one of the Congolese lawyers in a statement. “Apple must be held accountable for its role in perpetuating these abuses.”
The complaints filed by the Congolese government are part of a broader effort to hold international companies accountable for their role in fueling the ongoing conflict in the DRC.
In addition to Apple, other tech giants and multinational companies have also faced scrutiny over their supply chain practices in relation to conflict minerals.
Authorities in France and Belgium are currently evaluating whether there is enough evidence to pursue further legal action against Apple.
For now, the case remains under investigation, with both sides awaiting a decision on whether criminal charges will be brought.
The DRC’s accusations add to a growing global conversation about the ethics of sourcing minerals from conflict zones, and the role of corporations in ensuring their supply chains do not contribute to human rights abuses.
As the situation unfolds, the spotlight remains on Apple and its efforts to prevent the use of conflict minerals in its products.
The outcome of this case could set a significant precedent for how multinational companies are held accountable for their supply chain practices, especially in conflict-prone regions like the DRC.
Apple’s response to the ongoing legal challenge remains unclear, with the company not yet commenting on the latest developments.
