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Congo files criminal complaints against Apple in France and Belgium over conflict minerals

MacDailyNews

Dec 17

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The Democratic Republic of Congo has accused Apple subsidiaries in France and Belgium of using conflict minerals in their supply chain, according to lawyers representing the Congolese government who spoke with Reuters. Criminal complaints have been filed in both countries.

Sonia Rolley for Reuters:
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Congo is a major source of tin, tantalum, and tungsten, so-called 3T minerals used in computers and mobile phones. But some artisanal mines are run by armed groups involved in massacres of civilians, mass rapes, looting and other crimes, according to U.N. experts and human rights groups.
Apple does not directly source primary minerals and says it audits suppliers, publishes findings and funds bodies that seek to improve mineral traceability.
Its 2023 filing on conflict minerals, opens new tab to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission said none of the smelters or refiners of 3T minerals or gold in its supply chain had financed or benefited armed groups in Congo or neighbouring countries.
But international lawyers representing Congo argue that Apple uses minerals pillaged from Congo and laundered through international supply chains, which they say renders the firm complicit in crimes taking place in Congo.

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MacDailyNews Note: Excerpt from Apple’s latest Conflict Minerals Report:

[W]e continue to source 3TG and other minerals, such as cobalt and lithium, responsibly while working to improve conditions in and around mining communities, including in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (“DRC”) and adjoining countries. Although Apple does not directly purchase, procure, or source primary minerals, we are committed to meeting and exceeding internationally accepted due diligence standards for primary minerals and recycled materials in our supply chain. Our responsible minerals sourcing program includes requirements that apply to all levels of Apple’s supply chain.

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