DR Congo sues Apple over alleged illegal mineral exploitation

AFP | Paris, France
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has filed a criminal case against the European subsidiaries of tech giant Apple, accusing the company of illegally using "blood minerals" in its supply chain.

According to the DRC, Apple has allegedly purchased contraband minerals from conflict-ridden areas in the country's east and neighboring Rwanda. These materials are claimed to be mined illegally, integrated into global supply chains, and ultimately used in tech devices.

Apple’s French and Belgian subsidiaries are also accused of employing deceptive practices to convince consumers that its supply chains are ethical, as stated by lawyers representing the DRC.

Complaints have been filed in Paris and Brussels, encompassing allegations of war crimes, money laundering, forgery, and deception, AFP reported.

Allegations Against Apple

Last April, the DRC’s legal team raised questions with Apple CEO Tim Cook and Apple’s French subsidiary regarding the possible inclusion of illegally sourced minerals in the company's supply chain. However, substantive responses were not provided.

Robert Amsterdam, the DRC’s Washington-based lawyer, described the case as a “first salvo” of legal actions. “Color Apple red, and not green. It is a trillion-dollar company that must be assumed to know the consequences of its actions. Enough with denials of accountability and hiding behind the false narrative of supply chain defenses!” he declared.

Paris-based lawyer William Bourdon called the case a “first step towards holding one of the biggest players in tech accountable for its policy of endless enrichment at the cost of the most serious crimes staining African supply chains.”

Impact on Civilians

The lawyers allege that Apple’s actions have caused severe harm, fueling violence, financing militias and terrorist groups, and contributing to forced child labor and environmental destruction. Investigations by the United Nations, the U.S. State Department, and international NGOs such as Global Witness were cited to support these claims.

Brussels lawyer Christophe Marchand emphasized the significance of the complaints, noting that they come at a time of heightened scrutiny of international supply chains by European countries, consumers, and NGOs.

EU Dialogue and Apple’s Response

The legal team has reportedly informed European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen about the complaints, urging her to engage in dialogue regarding the EU’s role in promoting accountability and ending armed violence in Africa’s mineral supply chains.

Apple, for its part, stated last year that it had “no reasonable basis for concluding” its products contain illegally exported minerals from conflict zones. The company insists that it carefully verifies the origins of the materials used in its products.