Apple Hit With Criminal Complaints Over Congo Mineral Trade

Apple’s subsidiaries in France and Belgium have been hit with a criminal complaint filed by the Democratic Republic of Congo, which accuses the tech giant of using conflict minerals in its product supply chain (via Reuters).

The complaint alleges that Apple is involved in processing stolen goods and laundered minerals obtained through armed conflicts in the region.

Congo is a major source of tin, tantalum and tungsten (the 3T minerals) used in computers and mobile phones, and the country claims Apple uses minerals looted from Congo and laundered through international supply chains. The complaints specifically target Apple France, Apple Retail France and Apple Retail Belgium, accusing them of covering up war crimes and engaging in deceptive business practices. France and Belgium were reportedly chosen because they take corporate responsibility seriously.

Apple claims it does not purchase primary minerals directly and regularly reviews its suppliers. in its 2023 SEC FilingsThe company said none of its 3T Minerals or gold suppliers provide funds or benefits to armed groups in Congo or neighboring countries.

The complaints mainly target ITSCI, a monitoring program funded by the metals industry that helps companies conduct due diligence on mineral suppliers. Lawyers in Congo argue that Apple used ITSCI as a “fig leaf” to lie that its supply chain was clean, even though the program had been suspended by the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI), a group to which Apple belongs.

Competition for minerals has been a significant driver of conflict in mining areas of eastern Congo since the 1990s, resulting in widespread civilian casualties and displacement. Armed groups often make ends meet through mineral exports, which are often smuggled through neighboring countries.

French and Belgian judicial authorities will now decide whether to further investigate the complaint and bring criminal charges.

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