The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has filed criminal complaints against Apple and its subsidiaries in France and Belgium, accusing the tech giant of complicity in using conflict minerals.
These materials, including tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold, are crucial for manufacturing electronics but often originate from illegal mining operations in the DRC’s conflict-ridden eastern regions.
The lawsuit alleges that Apple’s supply chain indirectly benefits armed groups that exploit local mining operations, imposing illegal taxes and fueling violence.
The M23 rebel group, reportedly backed by Rwanda, is among those profiting from these activities.
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According to UN estimates, M23 earns around $300,000 monthly from mining-related extortion.
Apple’s subsidiaries in France and Belgium face accusations of covering up war crimes, laundering tainted minerals, handling stolen goods, and deceiving consumers by falsely portraying its supply chain as ethically clean.
Lawyers representing the DRC argue that Apple could not have been unaware of the origins of these minerals, citing evidence from UN and NGO reports.
The legal team claims that Apple benefits from a flawed mineral traceability system, the International Tin Supply Chain Initiative (ITSCI), which has faced criticism for enabling the laundering of conflict minerals. Despite losing validation from the Responsible Minerals Initiative, ITSCI remains a key figure in Apple’s compliance processes.
While Apple denies these allegations, stating it audits its supply chain and prioritizes recycled materials, the company has acknowledged sourcing minerals indirectly from high-risk areas like the DRC and Rwanda. It insists that its suppliers follow strict standards, suspending sourcing from the region when due diligence cannot be assured.
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The DRC’s lawsuit is part of a broader campaign to hold multinational corporations accountable for perpetuating conflict through unethical sourcing. The legal team has also sought dialogue with the EU, urging stronger measures to prevent the exploitation of African resources.
