The DRC’s lawyers have stated that tech giant Apple has knowingly sourced minerals from conflict zones in East Africa while publicly painting itself as sustainable and ethical.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has filed lawsuits in both Paris and Brussels claiming that tech-giant Apple purchased illegal ‘blood minerals’ from its conflict zones for use in its product lines.
Filed against the Apple European subsidiaries, the lawsuit states that the company knowingly sourced minerals from areas of Rwanda that border a war-torn DRC.
This case marks the first of a series of incoming lawsuits against major tech companies, with Apple chosen first due to its consistent and flagrant sustainability and planet-positive claims. Both Apple and the Rwandan government have denied the allegations.
Still, a lawyer representing the DRC stated that Apple ‘could not have been unaware’ that its supply chain was contaminated by child labour, dangerous working conditions, and corruption, causing ‘unfathomable harm and suffering’ to civilians.
The trial is now underway in Kinshasa, with investigations by the United Nations, the US State Department, and international NGOs cited among the evidence for the allegations.
Why would Apple source minerals illegally from the DRC?
The Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the most resource-rich countries on Earth. Beneath its rich, arable soils sit huge deposits of precious minerals – including diamonds, gold, copper, cobalt, coltan, uranium, tin, tantalum, tungsten, and oil.
In theory, this should make it one of the richest countries in the world. Unfortunately, a history of exploitation under decades of Belgian colonial rule has paved the way for long-term political instability.
Since the 1990s, various armed groups have fought for power over the region, with mining operations often the central driving force of the conflict. Sadly, this has made the DRC the world’s most resource-rich, but dangerous countries.
Several of the DRC’s abundant minerals – tin, tantalum, and tungsten (3T minerals) – are critical components in manufacturing electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers.
Meanwhile, cobalt is a coveted material used to make rechargeable batteries for electric cars.
Half of the world’s current cobalt reserves lie in the DRC, with market specialist Darton Commodities reported that the DRC produced 72 percent of the world’s cobalt last year. Much of this comes from ‘artisanal’ or illegal mines.
Illegal mines make huge profit
According to investigations by Al Jazeera, a single illegal mine can employ up to 20,000 people who work in shifts of 5,000 at a time. Such mining operations are long-term projects, many of which go against regulation laws in the DRC.
UN expert reports estimate that M23 rebels generate approximately $300,000 in monthly revenue through illegal taxes imposed on local mining activities. This kind of illegal activity is only expected to rise in line with the global demand for cobalt, which is projected to quadruple by 2030.
‘As conflict in the region escalated earlier this year, we notified our suppliers that their smelters and refiners must suspend sourcing tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold from the DRC and Rwanda,’ Apple spokespersons said on Tuesday.
‘We took this action because we were concerned it was no longer possible for independent auditors or industry certification mechanisms to perform the due diligence required to meet our high standards.’
In attempts to distance itself further from the allegations, Apple has stressed that the majority of the minerals in question in its phones and computers are largely recycled, though full circularity – at least in terms of cobalt – won’t be achieved until next year.
I’m Jessica (She/Her). I\\\’m the Deputy Editor & Content Partnership Manager at Thred. Originally from the island of Bermuda, I specialise in writing about ocean health and marine conservation, but you can also find me delving into pop culture, health and wellness, plus sustainability in the beauty and fashion industries. Follow me on Twitter, LinkedIn and drop me some ideas/feedback via email.
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