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The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has launched legal action in France and Belgium against subsidiaries of tech giant Apple, accusing them of benefiting from conflict minerals. The complaints, filed on Monday, allege that Apple France, Apple Retail France, and Apple Retail Belgium engaged in various offenses, including war crimes cover-ups, laundering tainted minerals, and deceptive practices.
Lawyers representing the Congolese government claim Apple is complicit in crimes linked to armed groups controlling mining operations in eastern DRC. Minerals like tin, tantalum, and tungsten from conflict zones allegedly pass through international supply chains, labeled as clean. "These activities perpetuate violence, forced child labor, and environmental destruction," the legal representatives stated.
Apple has not directly responded to these accusations but reiterated its commitment to responsible sourcing. According to its 2023 report submitted to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Apple mandates third-party conflict minerals audits for all suppliers. In the same year, it removed 14 suppliers for failing to meet ethical sourcing standards. The company asserts that it neither directly purchases nor sources primary minerals but upholds stringent due diligence protocols across its supply chain.
Eastern DRC is a significant source of valuable minerals essential for manufacturing smartphones and electronics. However, rights groups argue that the mining industry, rife with exploitation, fuels decades-long conflicts in the region. Some minerals from legitimate mines and those controlled by armed groups allegedly find their way to neighboring Rwanda before entering global markets.
Rwanda has dismissed Congo's legal claims as a “media stunt,” denying involvement in selling conflict minerals to Apple or other companies. Meanwhile, authorities in France and Belgium are reviewing the evidence to determine if further legal actions will follow.
The outcome of these lawsuits could set a precedent, influencing how big tech, other corporations and governments address the rather dire issue of conflict minerals, valuables and their impact on vulnerable communities.
