Tech giant Apple has refuted allegations from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that its products are made using conflict minerals.
In a statement, Apple claimed it had instructed its suppliers earlier this year to cease sourcing tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold from the DRC and Rwanda, regions plagued by escalating violence. However, the company did not provide specific details about the directive.
The statement followed legal actions filed against Apple in France and Belgium by the Congolese government, accusing the company of complicity in war crimes, laundering, forgery, and deception. 
Kinshasa alleges that “blood minerals” extracted under duress in its eastern region are being funneled into Apple’s supply chain.
For decades, the eastern DRC has been mired in conflict involving rebel groups, some reportedly supported by Rwanda, and the Congolese military.
According to UN experts and human rights organizations, armed militants control many artisanal mines, committing atrocities like civilian massacres and sexual violence.
DRC officials claim this makes Apple indirectly responsible for these crimes. While the company’s response avoided specifics, Congolese lawyers welcomed Apple’s pledge to halt mineral sourcing from the region.
They noted, however, that the legal cases in Europe would continue, and Apple’s claims regarding its supply chain adjustments would require verification on the ground.
Read More:
