Congo files criminal complaints against Apple, links iPhone to DRC’s mineral wars

Phone-making giant, Apple has been hit with a fresh lawsuit filed by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) against its subsidiaries in France and Belgium.

The DRC accuses Apple of complicity in the nation’s mineral wars by using conflict minerals—specifically tin, tantalum, and tungsten (3T minerals)—in its supply chain.

Congo’s grievance with Apple

In September 2023, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi met with Amsterdam & Partners LLP to investigate illegal exports of 3T minerals.

Amsterdam & Partners LLP said that following its investigations, they intend to “engage, if appropriate, in litigation internationally on behalf of the DRC against individuals and companies involved, willingly or unwillingly, in the chain of extraction, supply and commercialization of natural resources and minerals that are pillaged from the DRC.”

The firm notified Apple CEO Tim Cook and its French subsidiaries, requesting answers within three weeks.

In a recent document seen by Reuters, Congo has filed parallel complaints with the Paris prosecutor’s office and a Belgian investigating magistrate’s office, accusing Apple’s local subsidiaries, including Apple France, Apple Retail France, and Apple Retail Belgium, of multiple offences.

Apple has been accused of directly sourcing primary minerals from conflict zones

Apple denies sourcing conflict minerals

Apple has denied directly sourcing primary minerals from conflict zones, emphasizing its commitment to ethical practices.

The company states it audits suppliers, publishes findings, and funds initiatives aimed at improving mineral traceability.

Reuters reports that in 2023, Apple filed a memo on conflict minerals to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission where it argued that none of the smelters or refiners of 3T minerals or gold in its supply chain had financed or benefited armed groups in Congo or neighbouring countries.

“We found no reasonable basis for concluding that any of the smelters or refiners of 3TG determined to be in our supply chain as of December 31, 2023 directly or indirectly financed or benefited armed groups in the DRC or an adjoining country,” Apple said in the report.

Apple has denied directly sourcing primary minerals from conflict zones, says its committed to ethical practices

Congo’s conflict minerals

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a significant source of tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold (3TGs), which are crucial for manufacturing electronics.

Artisanal mines in the DRC are often linked to armed groups, who have been reported to commit human rights abuses and fuel conflict.

Various organizations, including the United Nations, have documented these issues and their impact on regional stability.

Lawyers representing the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have alleged that Apple’s supply chain may involve minerals sourced from the DRC and sold through international markets.

They claim this connection renders Apple potentially linked to the region’s humanitarian crisis.