French prosecutors have closed a case filed by Democratic Republic of Congo accusing Apple subsidiaries of using conflict minerals, notably in the unstable eastern region bordering Rwanda, in its supply chain.
Congo filed criminal complaints against Apple subsidiaries in France and Belgium in December, accusing them of "illegal and even criminal export and delivery" of minerals from the country via Rwanda.
Apple said at the time that it strongly disputed the allegations and had told its suppliers they must adhere to the "highest industry standards" and not use the minerals in question, sourced from Congo or Rwanda.
The Paris public prosecutor's office dismissed the complaint on February 18 saying allegations of money laundering and deceptive business practices were "not sufficiently well-founded" and closed the case. This means it will not proceed with the complaint.
The complaints filed in France and Belgium were prepared on behalf of Congo's justice minister.
The prosecutor's office invited Congo to contact a different office "with jurisdiction over war crimes".
DRC takes on Apple: can conflict mineral mining be stopped?
'Very partial dismissal'
William Bourdon and Vincent Brengarth – lawyers representing the plaintiffs in France – described the decision as a "very partial dismissal" and said they would immediately challenge it at the Paris Court of Appeal. They cited the "extreme seriousness of the facts denounced and the need to identify and prosecute those responsible".
Congo is a major source of tin, tantalum and tungsten, so-called 3T minerals used in computers and mobile phones. Some artisanal mines are run by armed groups involved in massacres of civilians, mass rapes, looting and other crimes, according to UN experts and human rights groups.
Apple said it in 2024 it had informed its suppliers that their smelters and refineries must suspend sourcing tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold from the DRC and Rwanda".
Rwanda also rejected these allegations.
Since the 1990s, Congo's mining heartlands in the east have been devastated by waves of fighting between armed groups, some backed by Rwanda or the Congolese military.
Tensions have escalated since 2021 with the resurgence of the Rwanda-backed M23. The group recently took control of Goma in North Kivu, followed by Bukavu in South Kivu.
(with newswires)
