The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has brought criminal allegations against Apple, charging the tech giant with the illegal use of conflict minerals, often referred to as “blood minerals.” These are minerals sourced from illegal operations that employ child labor and fund armed conflicts through their sales.
The complaints have been lodged in Belgium and France, countries known for their robust judicial systems regarding corporate accountability…
Apple and Conflict Minerals
The key minerals linked to human rights violations include tin, tantalum, tungsten—commonly grouped as the 3T minerals—and gold. Collectively, these are termed 3TG.
Although Apple does not directly procure these minerals, they are purchased by companies lower down in the supply chain, who use them to manufacture components sold to Apple. The company conducts audits aimed at ensuring its supply chain remains clear of these issues.
For instance, in 2019, Apple directed its suppliers to exclude five smelters and refiners that did not pass the audit verification. Apple stated it had no concerns about the other suppliers in its chain.
Evidence Presented to Tim Cook in April
International lawyers representing the DRC informed Apple this year, providing evidence that conflict minerals may still be present in the company’s supply chain.
On April 22, Congo’s lawyers communicated to Apple CEO Tim Cook regarding serious concerns related to its supply chain and reached out to Apple subsidiaries in France, demanding a response within three weeks. The firm Amsterdam & Partners LLP has been investigating allegations that minerals extracted from Congo by various companies and armed groups are being smuggled out through neighboring countries, including Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi.
While the Cupertino-based company did not issue a public statement at that time, they told the US Securities and Exchange Commission last year that none of the smelters or refiners in their 3TG supply chain utilized conflict minerals.
Criminal Complaints Filed
Reuters reports that the DRC has officially filed criminal complaints in both France and Belgium.
Lawyers from Congo assert that Apple utilizes minerals that have been illegally extracted from the nation and laundered through global supply chains, which they claim implicates the company in crimes occurring in the DRC.
In the complaints submitted to the Paris prosecutor’s office and a Belgian investigating magistrate’s office on Monday, the DRC alleges that local branches, Apple France, Apple Retail France, and Apple Retail Belgium, have committed multiple offenses.
The allegations include concealing war crimes, laundering contaminated minerals, handling stolen goods, and employing deceptive commercial practices to convince consumers that their supply chains are free of guilt.
Judicial authorities in both nations will now evaluate the presented evidence to determine the validity of the criminal charges.
Stock photo of mining vehicle by Arno van Rensburg on Unsplash.
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