The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has filed criminal complaints in France and Belgium against subsidiaries of tech giant Apple, accusing the company of complicity in the use of conflict minerals sourced from its war-torn eastern region.
Acting on behalf of the Congolese government, lawyers argue that minerals such as tin, tantalum, and tungsten, extracted from mines controlled by armed groups, are being “laundered through international supply chains” before ending up in Apple’s products. They claim this practice fuels cycles of violence, funds militias, perpetuates forced child labor, and causes severe environmental damage.
The lawyers further accused Apple’s supply chain of being contaminated with “blood minerals.”
Apple, in its 2023 report to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), denied direct sourcing of primary minerals and emphasized its commitment to internationally recognized due diligence standards. The company noted that all entities in its supply chain must undergo independent third-party audits to ensure responsible sourcing. In 2023, Apple said it removed 14 smelters and refiners that failed to comply with its requirements.
The complaints will now be reviewed by authorities in France and Belgium to determine whether sufficient evidence exists to advance legal proceedings.
The mineral-rich eastern DRC has long been plagued by conflict, with global demand for its resources perpetuating wars and human rights abuses for decades.
