The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has accused Apple of using minerals obtained by illegal means from the besieged eastern region of the country in its products.
Lawyers representing the Democratic Republic of the Congo issued a formal cease and desist notice to Apple, warning the tech giant of possible legal action if the alleged practice continues.
The Congo demands Apple
DRC lawyers say Apple is buying minerals that have been smuggled from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to neighboring Rwandawhere they are then washed and integrated into the global supply chain.
These minerals, including tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold, are crucial components for a wide range of high-tech products, according to an AFP report.
In response, Apple has pointed to statements in its 2023 annual corporate report stating that its due diligence efforts have found no evidence that any smelter or refinery in its supply chain directly or indirectly finances or benefits armed rebel groups in the region. Democratic Republic of the Congo or its neighboring countries. countries.
What are ‘blood minerals’?
Do you remember the movie Blood Diamond, starring Leonardo di Caprio? Well, imagine that instead of selling diamonds, Leo’s character traded rare earth minerals.
The term “blood minerals» basically refers to minerals from regions plagued by conflict, violence and human rights abuses, such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
In the case of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, minerals such as cobalt and copper, essential for clean energy technologies such as rechargeable batteries, are often mined under conditions involving forced evictions, assaults, arson and violence.
Rebel groups such as the M23 control significant portions of eastern DRC, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
The situation has caused mass displacement, and more than a million people have been forced to stay in temporary camps around the provincial capital of Goma.
The UN has described eastern DRC as one of the worst places in the world for children due to unprecedented levels of violence.
Minerals mined from the Democratic Republic of the Congo are often transported to neighboring countries such as Rwanda, where they are laundered to evade oversight mechanisms intended to prevent the sale of conflict minerals.
This process allows minerals to enter the global supply chain, where they can end up in products manufactured by major technology companies like Apple.
Read more: Trafficker of fake iPhones and Apple products captured in the United States.
