The Democratic Republic of the Congo has threatened Apple with legal action for using so-called ‘blood-minerals’ in their devices. The DRC has asked the iPhone maker to desist from using minerals smuggled from eastern Congo from mines where human rights are violated.

Brazzaville

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has announced its intentions to possibly take legal actions against Apple for the use of minerals that the country claims are being smuggled from conflict-ridden zones within its territories, particularly from eastern Congo. These minerals, essential for the manufacture of smartphones and other electronic devices, include tantalum, tin, and tungsten, also known as the three Ts. The extraction of these minerals occurs under conditions where human rights are allegedly being violated, with workers being illegally coerced into mining.

The region of North Kivu, rich in these vital resources, is also a battleground for more than 120 armed groups, including the rebel group M23, which is said to control much of the mineral trade in the province. The DRC accuses neighboring Rwanda of supporting M23, a claim Rwanda strongly denies. The ongoing conflict and exploitation have prompted Kinshasa to target companies like Apple, which it accuses of illegally benefiting from these conflict minerals.

Despite the potential for legal action, skepticism exists regarding the effectiveness of such measures. Critiques doubt the DRC's commitment and ability to follow through with a legal challenge against a global tech giant like Apple. Concerns are raised about the lawsuit's potential success given Apple's significant influence and economic contributions, particularly in terms of tax revenues to the United States. Alternatives suggested include raising awareness among multinational corporations about the importance of avoiding conflict minerals.

Apple has denied any involvement with financing or benefiting from armed groups in the DRC. The tech industry is closely monitoring the situation, as Apple is not the only company reliant on the 3T minerals for their products. The outcome of any legal challenge by the DRC could set a precedent affecting numerous companies within the sector.



Congo accuses Apple of using exploited minerals for its products

Every day, hundreds of people in North Kivu enter narrow tunnels like this to work in the mines. The land is rich in the minerals tantalum, tin and tungsten, commonly referred to as the three tiers, that are used in the manufacture of smartphones and other electronic devices. But the minerals are found in conflict areas, where more than 120 armed groups actively operate in North and South Kivu provinces, and the Congolese Army and rebel groups have been fighting for control. The rebel group, known as M23, controls much of the mineral trade in the North Kivu province. President Felix Tshisekedi has accused neighbouring Rwanda of supporting M23 in a bid to control the region's vast minerals, an allegation it vehemently denies. Kinshasa is now threatening legal action to prevent tech companies such as Apple from illegally using minerals from the region, where people are being coerced illegally into working the mines. I don't think the lawsuit will succeed, as Apple has considerable international clout and pays taxes that benefit the United States economically. I think it's better to raise awareness among multinationals about the non-use of blood minerals. People support the move, but are sceptical of the DRC government's commitment. I don't think this move to take legal action against a company will succeed, because the authorities won't be able to follow up the case properly, because they don't care about the country. Apple has refuted any claims of directly or indirectly financing or benefiting armed groups in the DRC. Apple is not the only tech company requiring tantalum, tin and tungsten for their electronic products. And other tech companies using the 3T minerals from DRC will be watching carefully to see the outcome of DRC's legal challenge if it comes to that. Brenda Radito, TRT World.

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