The Democratic Republic of Congo has initiated criminal proceedings against Apple’s subsidiaries in France and Belgium, accusing them of utilizing conflict minerals in their supply chains. This information was confirmed by a lawyer representing the Congolese government to Reuters.
Apple has denied these claims, asserting that it effectively instructs its suppliers to avoid sourcing certain minerals from the Congo and Rwanda. The contested minerals include tin, tantalum, and tungsten, collectively known as the 3T minerals, which are essential for manufacturing electronic devices like computers and mobile phones.
The significance of this issue stems from the fact that the Congo is a leading supplier of these minerals. However, there are serious concerns regarding the conditions in artisanal mining operations, where some are controlled by armed groups accused of severe human rights violations, including violence against civilians and exploitation. Reports from UN experts and human rights organizations highlight these grave issues, raising questions about the ethical implications of sourcing such materials.