Congolese Government Accuses Apple Of Covering Up War Crimes By Using ‘Blood’ Minerals
Adedokun Waliyu 
Lawyers representing the Congolese government who filed the complaints in France and Belgium, argued that Apple is complicit in crimes committed by armed groups controlling some of the mines in eastern DRC.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has filed criminal complaints against Apple subsidiaries, accusing the tech giant of using conflict minerals.
Lawyers representing the Congolese government who filed the complaints in France and Belgium, argued that Apple is complicit in crimes committed by armed groups controlling some of the mines in eastern DRC.
Apple, in its 2023 review, stated that it actively monitors its supply chain, working to mitigate risks and improve measures to trace the origin of minerals.
Authorities in France and Belgium are now evaluating whether there is sufficient evidence to pursue further legal action, BBC reports.
In a statement, the DRC lawyers described Apple’s supply chain as tainted by “blood minerals,” alleging that tin, tantalum, and tungsten extracted from conflict zones are “laundered through international supply chains”.
These activities, they claim, have fueled cycles of violence, funded militias and terrorist groups, and contributed to forced child labor and environmental devastation.
Apple has yet to respond to a request for comment from the BBC. However, in its 2023 filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, the company reaffirmed its dedication to preventing the use of conflict minerals in its supply chain.
“Although Apple does not directly purchase, procure, or source primary minerals, we are committed to meeting and exceeding internationally accepted due diligence standards for primary minerals and recycled materials in our supply chain,” the report states.
As part of its due diligence, Apple mandates that all parties in its supply chain undergo an “independent third-party conflict minerals audit.”
In 2023, Apple took decisive action by removing 14 smelters and refiners from its supply chain, citing non-compliance with responsible sourcing standards.
The eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a significant source of essential minerals, and the global demand has contributed to decades of conflict in the region.
