DRC Targets Companies Sourcing Conflict Minerals from Eastern Region
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) plans to intensify its crackdown on companies sourcing minerals from the conflict-ridden eastern region, where smuggling fuels one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises.
The government has already raised concerns with Apple Inc. regarding the potential connection between its sourcing of metals like tin, tantalum, and gold and the ongoing violence in the DRC.
These minerals, vital to the tech industry, are reportedly being smuggled through neighboring Rwanda, according to a Bloomberg report. In April, the DRC alerted Apple to possible conflict minerals in its supply chain.
Apple has long faced scrutiny over its mineral sourcing. As early as 2016, the company began conducting thorough audits of its suppliers to ensure compliance with regulations designed to prevent the use of conflict minerals tied to violent militia groups.
Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner has indicated that the government’s investigations are now being expanded to other companies, although no specific names were mentioned.
Eastern Congo’s rich mineral resources have been a source of conflict for nearly three decades, dating back to the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide, which spilled over the border.
The region is the world’s largest source of tantalum, a crucial material for portable electronics. Smuggling from the eastern provinces is costing the DRC billions of dollars, according to Foreign Minister Wagner.
Earlier this year, the rebel group M23 took control of Rubaya, the DRC’s largest tantalum mine. Congo, along with U.S. and U.N. experts, has accused Rwanda of supporting M23 by sending troops to aid the militia. Rwanda, however, denies these allegations.
