The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has filed criminal complaints in France and Belgium against Apple, accusing the tech giant of using conflict minerals laundered through global supply chains. The allegations, which Apple has strongly denied, spotlight the persistent challenges of ethical sourcing in the tech industry.
The complaints, initiated by the DRC’s justice minister and prepared by a team of international lawyers, accuse Apple of complicity in crimes committed by armed groups controlling mineral-rich territories in eastern Congo. The minerals at the center of the dispute — tin, tantalum, and tungsten (commonly referred to as the 3T minerals) — are essential components in electronics. The lawyers argue these resources are “pillaged from the DRC, laundered internationally, and used in Apple’s products.”
In a joint statement, three law firms from the United States, France, and Belgium claimed that Apple’s supply chain was tainted by “blood minerals” and accused the company of indirectly financing militias and terrorist groups. They alleged that these practices perpetuate a cycle of violence, child labor, and environmental devastation in the region. “These activities have directly contributed to forced displacement, loss of income, and severe human rights abuses,” the statement said.
Apple, in response, firmly rejected the claims, emphasizing its commitment to ethical sourcing. “As conflict in the region escalated earlier this year, we instructed our suppliers to suspend sourcing tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold from the DRC and Rwanda,” the company stated. Apple highlighted its efforts to support organizations working to alleviate community suffering and reiterated that it had removed non-compliant smelters and refiners from its supply chain.
Despite these assurances, critics argue that Apple’s measures have been insufficient. Robert Amsterdam, one of the lawyers representing the DRC, described the legal action as “a first salvo of judicial actions” against multinational corporations allegedly complicit in human rights abuses tied to mineral sourcing.
Eastern DRC is one of the world’s most mineral-rich regions but remains plagued by conflict and exploitation. More than 100 armed groups operate in the area, vying for control of lucrative mining sites. The resulting violence has uprooted millions and led to widespread human rights abuses, including mass killings and sexual violence, according to the United Nations and human rights organizations.
UN experts and the DRC government have long asserted that some 3T minerals are smuggled into neighboring Rwanda before being exported globally. Rwanda has repeatedly denied these allegations. The DRC’s new complaints against Apple also accuse the company of deceptive commercial practices, suggesting that its assurances of a clean supply chain mislead consumers.
The issue of “blood minerals” has dogged the tech industry for years. In 2018, a CBS investigation implicated Apple and other companies in unethical cobalt mining practices in the DRC. While Apple claimed to have severed ties with problematic suppliers, critics allege that some unethical partnerships persist. The DRC’s recent legal filing also cites Apple’s alleged involvement with Global Advanced Metals and KEMET, companies accused of sourcing minerals through exploitative means.
The DRC’s grievances extend beyond Apple. The report, Blood Minerals: The Laundering of the DRC’s 3T Minerals by Rwanda and Private Entities, alleges that Rwandan authorities and the rebel group M23 play central roles in smuggling operations. The report details how minerals are extracted through forced labor, transported across borders, and integrated into global supply chains. The cycle is sustained by forged documentation and bribes at key transit points, the report claims.
The DRC’s legal action against Apple highlights a broader call for corporate accountability in mineral sourcing. The report recommends a global boycott of Rwandan-sourced 3T minerals and advocates for direct partnerships with Congolese suppliers. “The technology industry must take more responsibility for the origins of its raw materials,” Amsterdam said.
While Apple has defended its practices, the company’s high-profile stance on human rights and sustainability makes it a focal point for scrutiny. Its Human Rights Policy states: “We work closely with our suppliers to uphold the highest standards of labor and human rights everywhere our business reaches.” Critics argue this pledge rings hollow amid persistent allegations of exploitation in its supply chain.
Authorities in France and Belgium will determine whether the DRC’s complaints merit further investigation. If the cases proceed, they could set a significant precedent for holding multinational corporations accountable for their supply chains.
The Congo DR’s legal battle with Apple also highlights the global stakes of ethical sourcing. As technology continues to permeate daily life, the origins of its components are under increasing scrutiny. For the DRC, the stakes are existential: breaking the cycle of exploitation could pave the way for more equitable development in one of the world’s most resource-rich but troubled regions.