The Democratic Republic of Congo has filed lawsuits against Apple Inc. in both France and Belgium, accusing the tech giant of utilizing minerals looted from the African nation in its products. The legal action, initiated by Congo’s legal team, targets Apple’s subsidiaries in these European countries over the alleged contamination of the company’s supply chain with “blood minerals” sourced from conflict zones.
The lawsuit, filed on Tuesday, claims that Apple’s use of minerals extracted from Eastern Congo—rich in tin, tungsten, and tantalum, which are critical components in electronic devices like iPhones—has contributed to ongoing violence in the region. For decades, Eastern Congo has been embroiled in conflict, with armed groups and government forces fighting for control, fueling instability. The Congo government accuses Rwanda of supporting militia groups and facilitating the smuggling of these minerals out of the country, a claim Rwanda has consistently denied.
Congo’s complaints focus on allegations that Apple has knowingly used minerals that have been “laundered through international supply chains” and that the company has engaged in misleading commercial practices by assuring consumers that its supply chains are free of conflict-related resources. The lawsuits aim to hold individuals and entities responsible for the extraction, trade, and commercialization of these resources that, according to Congo’s legal team, have been fueling violent conflicts and supporting armed groups.
Apple has not yet responded to these new allegations but has previously defended its supply chain practices. In a March filing, the company stated that it had conducted audits of all smelters and refiners within its supply chain. Suppliers who refused to comply with the audits or failed to meet requirements were reportedly removed. Apple also expressed confidence that none of its suppliers of tin, tungsten, or tantalum financially supported armed groups in the region.
The lawsuits represent the first step in a broader legal strategy by the Congolese government to pressure companies and end users who may unknowingly be contributing to the ongoing cycle of violence through their reliance on conflict minerals. Congo’s legal team, led by Amsterdam & Partners LLP, is focused on holding accountable those involved in the extraction and commercialization of these minerals, which they argue have exacerbated the region’s instability.
Congo’s government spokesman, Patrick Muyaya, confirmed the filing of the lawsuits but did not offer additional details. A spokesperson for the law firm involved noted that the French and Belgian judicial systems are well-suited for this type of case, as they have a history of addressing issues related to supply chain accountability and corporate responsibility.
Last year, Congo and Rwanda together produced over 60% of the world’s tantalum, a key mineral in the production of portable electronics, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The lawsuits highlight the growing international concern over the ethical sourcing of materials used in tech products and could have significant implications for companies like Apple that rely on complex global supply chains.
