The government of Congo has raised concerns about Apple's potential use of 'blood minerals' from a conflict zone in the country. International lawyers representing Congo have sent letters to Apple's CEO and its French subsidiary, questioning the tech giant's knowledge and monitoring of its supply chains.
The minerals in question are extracted from mines in Congo's troubled east, where numerous armed rebel groups operate, some accused of grave human rights violations including mass killings of civilians. The lawyers challenge Apple to demonstrate how it ensures ethical practices in its sourcing.
Apple, with a market value of $2.6 trillion, denies using minerals from conflict regions and asserts responsible mineral sourcing in Congo and neighboring countries. However, the Congo government suspects that minerals sourced by Apple may be smuggled out of the country to Rwanda and then enter the global supply chain.
The government seeks clarification on the sources of major technology companies' mineral supplies, particularly Apple, to verify legality. It accuses Rwanda of financing armed rebel groups in Congo to extract minerals illegally, a claim Rwanda denies.
A 2022 report by Global Witness alleged that Apple had applied insufficient measures to prevent the use of smuggled minerals. The Congo government is now pursuing action against 'end-users of blood minerals' globally and has requested Apple to address supply chain controls within three weeks.
Furthermore, the government has compiled a report on the illicit trade of Congo's minerals by Rwanda and private entities, which will be made public soon. Legal measures against Apple are being considered by the Congo government in response to these allegations.
