According to the lawyers, Apple’s products rely on supply chains that are not transparent enough and rely on the use of minerals linked to potentially bloody conflicts. Eastern Congo is rich in mineral resources, but it is also the site of a humanitarian crisis, where armed groups fight over valuable raw materials.
Apple says it conducts business ethically and sources its minerals responsibly from Congo and neighboring countries. However, according to representatives of the Congolese government, these statements are not based on concrete evidence.
It is suspected that some of the tin, tungsten, tantalum and gold procured through Apple’s suppliers may be smuggled from the Congo to Rwanda, and from there to the global market.
The Congolese government accuses Rwanda of supporting the M23 armed group in eastern Congo to facilitate illegal mining.
Global Witness reports that Apple has previously taken little action to prevent the use of smuggled minerals.
Apple has been asked to respond to questions about its supply chain audit within three weeks. They also announced that a report on the “cleaning” of Congolese minerals would soon be released.
Cover image source: Portfolio
