Belgium Appoints Investigating Magistrate in DRC’s Conflict Minerals Case Against Apple
An investigating magistrate has been appointed in Belgium to look into criminal complaints filed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in December, accusing Apple subsidiaries of using so-called conflict minerals in their supply chain, according to a lawyer representing the DRC government.
Leo Fastenakel, one of the DRC’s lawyers in Belgium, confirmed the appointment of the judge, noting that the magistrate is regarded as serious and rigorous, although he did not disclose the magistrate’s name.
The investigation will determine whether any offences have been committed, with decisions based on the findings of the appointed magistrate, a separate lawyer on the case explained in December.
Congo is a significant source of tin, tantalum, and tungsten—referred to as the 3T minerals—used in the production of electronics like computers and mobile phones.
However, some artisanal mines in the region are reportedly controlled by armed groups implicated in atrocities such as massacres, mass rapes, looting, and other crimes. Human rights groups and UN experts have urged companies to avoid sourcing these “conflict minerals.”
Apple has been contacted for comment. In December, the company strongly disputed the allegations and confirmed that it had instructed its suppliers in 2024 to avoid sourcing the minerals in question from Congo or Rwanda.
Congo’s legal team expressed satisfaction with Apple’s statement, but emphasized caution.
