The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has accused tech giant Apple of using “illegally exploited” minerals from the nation’s war-torn region in its products. Lawyers representing the African country have alleged that Apple purchased minerals smuggled from the DRC into neighbouring Rwanda, where they are laundered and integrated into the global supply chain.
In response to these allegations, DRC lawyers have sent Apple a formal cease and desist notice, warning the company of legal action if it continues its alleged practice. The lawyers highlighted the grave human rights violations, sexual violence, armed attacks, and widespread corruption reported at the mineral sites providing materials to Apple, claiming that products like Macs and iPhones are “tainted by the blood of the Congolese people.”
French lawyers William Bourdon and Vincent Brengarth, representing the DRC, have also sent a formal notice to two Apple subsidiaries in France and to Apple’s lawyer at the company’s US headquarters. Apple, however, has pointed to its 2023 annual corporate report, stating that their due diligence efforts found no evidence that the smelters or refiners in their supply chain directly or indirectly financed armed groups in the DRC or neighbouring countries.
The accusations against Apple have sparked controversy and raised concerns about the use of conflict minerals in high-tech products. The tech giant’s response and the ongoing legal battle with the DRC will be closely monitored as the story unfolds.