Apple: DR Congo accuses Apple of using 'blood minerals' from war-torn east

ETtech.com— The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo is accusing Apple of using "illegally exploited" minerals extracted from the country's embattled east in its products, lawyers representing the African country said Thursday.The DRC's lawyers have sent Apple a formal cease and desist notice seen by AFP, effectively warning the tech giant it could face legal action if the alleged practice continues.The Paris-based lawyers for the DRC accused Apple of purchasing minerals smuggled from the DRC into...

9to5Mac—Congo accuses Apple of using illegal conflict minerals in its supply chain. The Democratic Republic of Congo is accusing Apple of using illegally exploited minerals sourced in the eastern regions, involving violence, child labor and other human rights violations. This allegation disagrees with Apple’s published Conflict Minerals Report, that states it found no connection between its smelters and refiner partners, and the armed groups of the DRC, as of December 31, 2023. more

Fast Company—Congo questions Apple's knowledge of 'blood minerals' in its supply chain. Congo‘s government is questioning Apple about the tech company’s knowledge of “blood minerals” from a conflict zone in the African country that could be smuggled into its supply chains and is demanding answers within three weeks. A group of international lawyers representing Congo said Thursday that they sent letters to Apple’s CEO Tim Cook and its French subsidiary this week, raising concerns about human rights violations involving the minerals extracted from mines in the country’s troubled...

Tech Times—DR Congo Questions Apple on Whether Its Mineral Supply Chain Benefited Armed Groups. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has questioned Apple Inc. over concerns that its mineral supply chain may be linked to armed groups in the country, particularly in the conflict-ridden eastern region.