DRC Raises Concerns with Apple Over Alleged Use of Conflict Minerals
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has conveyed apprehensions to Apple Inc. regarding the potential presence of conflict minerals sourced from the country within the tech giant’s supply chain.
International lawyers representing the Congolese state submitted inquiries to Apple on April 22, expressing concerns about the origin of minerals like tin, tungsten, and tantalum, collectively known as 3T minerals, as reported by Bloomberg.
This development follows a recent US court ruling that cleared several tech companies, including Apple, of child labor charges in cobalt mines across Africa.
In a statement released on lawyer Robert Amsterdam’s website, Paris-based lawyers representing the DRC accused Apple of purchasing these minerals, which are purportedly smuggled from the DRC to neighboring Rwanda and integrated into the global supply chain.
Robert Amsterdam, the lawyer representing the DRC, highlighted the discrepancy between Apple’s claims of verifying the origins of minerals and the lack of concrete evidence supporting these assertions.
He emphasized concerns about minerals from Rwanda, where production of key 3T minerals is minimal despite claims by tech companies of sourcing from the country.
While Apple has implemented measures to address allegations concerning conflict minerals since 2016, including audits of its suppliers, questions remain regarding the effectiveness of these efforts.
In response, Apple reiterated its commitment to responsible sourcing of minerals and improving working conditions in mining communities, including those in Congo.
The company has removed non-compliant smelters and refiners from its supply chain and expressed confidence that its suppliers do not finance or benefit armed groups in the region.
Nevertheless, the issue underscores ongoing challenges in ensuring transparency and accountability within global supply chains, particularly concerning minerals associated with conflict zones.
