Lawyers for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have initiated criminal proceedings against Apple in France and Belgium, alleging that the company has been purchasing “blood minerals” that contribute to violence, child labour, and environmental harm.

The lawsuits were made public on 17 December 2024 through a joint announcement by the three specialized law firms representing the Central African state: Amsterdam & Partners based in Washington, DC, Bourdon & Associés located in Paris, and Jus Cogens in Brussels

The statement accused the American technology corporation of utilizing “minerals extracted from the DRC and laundered through global supply chains ” and employing “misleading commercial practices to convince consumers that the company’s supply chains are ethical.” These allegations arise amid the ongoing conflict in the DRC, where rebel groups, reportedly supported by neighbouring Rwanda, are engaged in combat with government forces.

In response, Apple released a widely circulated statement the following day, asserting: “As conflict in the region escalated earlier this year, we informed our suppliers that their smelters and refiners must cease sourcing tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold from the DRC and Rwanda.”

“We took this step because we were concerned that it was no longer feasible for independent auditors or industry certification mechanisms to conduct the necessary due diligence to meet our stringent standards.”

The legal team representing the DRC acknowledged Apple’s response but expressed scepticism, stating, “It required criminal complaints for Apple to finally assert that it is rectifying its supply chain, in an effort to absolve itself of its previous negligence.”

The lawyers further urged that Apple’s claims be “verified on the ground, supported by facts and figures.” They called for the company to “operate with complete transparency and comply with any verification requests that may arise.”

Christophe Marchand of Jus Cogens, whose past experience includes acting for Julian Assange, said: “These complaints filed against Apple are a matter of great public interest at a time when European countries, consumers and non-governmental organizations are increasing their scrutiny of international supply chains.”

Africa, particularly the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), possesses an abundance of minerals essential for producing various modern technologies, especially cobalt, which is crucial for lithium-ion batteries utilized in computers, smartphones, and electric vehicles. The demand for these minerals has surged as the urgency to shift towards clean energy and electric cars intensifies.

Concurrently, there has been increased scrutiny regarding corporate supply chains, driven by regulations such as France’s Corporate Duty of Vigilance Law and the European Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).

As a result, some companies have opted to relocate their supply chains to suppliers or countries where the origin of the minerals can be verified, thereby avoiding potential legal repercussions and public criticism.