The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has initiated criminal proceedings against tech giant Apple, accusing its subsidiaries in France and Belgium of complicity in illegal mineral exploitation.
The lawsuit, filed in Kinshasa, marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing scrutiny of multinational corporations' involvement in conflict zones.
The DRC's legal action centers on allegations that Apple's supply chain is tainted with "blood minerals" sourced from conflict-ridden areas in eastern Congo.
These minerals—tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold—are essential components in the production of electronic devices such as smartphones and computers.
According to Robert Amsterdam, a lawyer representing the DRC, "Apple could not have been unaware" of the origins of these minerals, which are allegedly laundered through international supply chains.
The minerals in question are primarily extracted from the Kivu region, where armed groups, including the Rwandan-backed M23, exert control over mining operations. Reports from United Nations experts indicate that M23 generates approximately $300,000 monthly through illegal taxes imposed on local mining activities.
This financial influx is believed to fuel ongoing violence and conflict in the region. The case raises critical questions about the effectiveness of mineral traceability systems, such as the International Tin Supply Chain Initiative program, which lost its validation from the Responsible Minerals Initiative nearly two years ago.
Despite this, some companies continue to cite it as proof of compliance. Apple, in response to the allegations, has acknowledged that it indirectly sources minerals from Congo and neighboring Rwanda through a complex network of intermediaries, including trading posts, refineries, and smelters.
The company insists that these intermediaries are expected to adhere to traceability standards set by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). However, Apple has "strongly disputed" the claims, asserting its commitment to responsible sourcing.
The legal proceedings in France and Belgium will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to advance the case. Meanwhile, the Congolese government accuses Apple of complicity in war crimes, money laundering, and consumer deception.
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