Tim Hardwick
Apple subsidiaries in France and Belgium have been hit with criminal complaints from the Democratic Republic of Congo, which accuses the tech giant of using conflict minerals in its product supply chain (via Reuters).
The complaints allege that Apple is complicit in the trafficking of stolen goods and the laundering of minerals from armed conflicts in the region.
Congo, a major source of tin, tantalum, and tungsten (the 3T minerals) used in computers and mobile phones, alleges that Apple uses minerals looted in Congo and laundered through international supply chains. The complaints specifically target Apple France, Apple Retail France, and Apple Retail Belgium, accusing them of covering up war crimes and engaging in deceptive business practices. France and Belgium were reportedly chosen because of their perceived strong focus on corporate responsibility.
Apple says it does not purchase primary minerals directly and conducts regular supplier audits. In its 2023 SEC filing, the company said none of its mineral or 3T gold suppliers have funded or benefited armed groups in the Congo or neighboring countries.
The complaints focus on ITSCI, a metals industry-funded monitoring scheme designed to help companies conduct due diligence on mineral suppliers. Congolese lawyers claim Apple is using ITSCI as a “fig leaf” to falsely portray its supply chain as clean, despite the scheme having been suspended by the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI), of which Apple is a member.
Competition for minerals has been a significant factor in conflict in Congo’s eastern mining regions since the 1990s, resulting in widespread civilian casualties and displacement. Armed groups often support themselves by exporting minerals, which are often smuggled through neighbouring countries.
Judicial authorities in France and Belgium will now decide whether to investigate the complaints further and bring criminal charges.
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Tags: Congo, Apple Lawsuits[ 59 comments ]
