Apple Facing Legal Scrutiny Over DRC Conflict Minerals

by Karima Mohamed, BA Politics and International Relations 03/02/2025

In December 2024, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) initiated legal proceedings against Apple’s European subsidiaries in Paris and Brussels, alleging the tech giant’s involvement in sourcing "blood minerals" from conflict zones within the DRC. These minerals, essential components in modern electronics, are reportedly mined under conditions that fund armed groups and perpetuate regional instability.

What Are Conflict Minerals?

Conflict minerals are natural resources typically sourced from high-risk areas afflicted by violence and exploitation. According to the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO), tantalum, tin, tungsten, and gold are the four primary conflict minerals used by various global industries.

The eastern DRC, a region rich in these minerals, has been ravaged by violence for over 30 years. An estimated 200 armed groups violently fight for control of the mines, where profits are believed to fuel their activities. These minerals are critical to the production of electronic devices, making them indispensable to companies like Apple. 

The Situation in the DRC and Allegations Against Apple

Human rights organisations have long documented the dire conditions in the DRC’s artisanal mines. Many workers face slavery, forced labour, and exploitative practices. In response to these issues, DRC President Félix Tshisekedi directed legal teams to investigate the supply chain of "3T minerals" (tin, tungsten, and tantalum) sourced from Congolese territory and allegedly exported illegally.

The legal action has extended beyond Apple. Lawyers representing the DRC’s government have written to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, urging accountability in breaking the link between armed violence and mineral supply chains. However, they have reportedly received no response.

The DRC government has also accused Rwanda of using the rebel group M23 as a proxy to seize control of mineral-rich areas - allegations Rwanda denies. According to the DRC’s legal team, Apple’s French and Belgian subsidiaries have engaged in “deceptive commercial practices” to convince consumers that its supply chain is free of conflict-sourced materials.

What Do the UN Reports Say?

A 2023 United Nations report described eastern DRC as one of the "worst places” in the world for children to live, citing rampant violence and exploitation. Global Witness, an advocacy group, has corroborated these findings, illustrating how minerals are transported into neighbouring Rwanda, where they are often “laundered” to bypass oversight mechanisms intended to prevent the sale of conflict minerals. They emphasised the systemic challenges in addressing illegal mineral trade.

Apple’s Response

Apple has strongly denied the allegations, asserting its commitment to responsible sourcing. “We hold our suppliers to the highest standards in the industry,” the company stated, emphasising that most of the minerals used in its products are recycled. Apple has also claimed to have stopped sourcing minerals from regions affected by conflict as part of its broader efforts to ensure ethical practices within its supply chain.

Rwanda, accused of laundering minerals, has rejected the allegations, dismissing them as politically motivated. “This is just the latest blow by the DRC government, which is constantly seeking to divert attention to Rwanda with false accusations,” said Yolande Makolo, a Rwandan government spokesperson.

Broader Implications of the DRC’s Legal Actions

“These complaints filed against Apple are a matter of great public interest at a time when European countries, consumers, and non-governmental organisations are increasing their scrutiny of international supply chains,” said Christophe Marchand, a lawyer involved in the case in Brussels.

The European Union already enforces regulations ensuring importers of 3TG minerals adhere to responsible sourcing standards established by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The OECD’s five-step framework, introduced in 2016, provides guidance on identifying and mitigating the risks associated with conflict minerals. Despite these measures, a May 2022 Global Witness report claimed to find conflict minerals ending up in products made by major brands, including Apple, Samsung, Nokia, Motorola, Intel, and Tesla.

Industry Accountability

The DRC’s legal actions underscore the challenges of maintaining ethical supply chains in the tech industry. William Bourdon, a Paris-based lawyer representing the DRC, described the lawsuits as “a first step towards making one of the biggest players in tech accountable for its policy of endless enrichment at the cost of the most serious crimes staining African supply chains.”

As consumer awareness of these issues grows, companies face increasing pressure to enhance transparency. Activists and regulators alike argue that without stringent enforcement and greater accountability, initiatives aimed at curbing the use of conflict minerals will fall short. The lawsuits against Apple may set a precedent for other corporations and signal a broader reckoning for industries reliant on resources from conflict zones.