The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has issued
a formal notice to Apple concerning minerals allegedly illegally exploited
from the countries troubled eastern region,
as reported by news agency AFP on Thursday.
That is today. The notice to Apple specifically addresses inquiries
regarding three team minerals,
tin, tungsten and tantalum used in Apple products and urges
the tech company to respond within three weeks.
Lawyers representing the DRC have sent Apple a cease and
desist notice warning of potential legal consequences if the alleged
practice continues.
They argue that Apples technology is made with mineral source
from a region plagued by grave human rights violations.
Stating that products like Macs and iPhones are tainted by
the blood of the Congolese people.
The lawyers accuse Apple of obtaining mineral smuggle from the
DRC into neighbouring Rwanda,
where they are laundered and incorporated into the global supply
chain.
Apple, in response, referred to the statements in its 2023
Annual Corporate Report asserting that its due diligence efforts found
no evidence of direct or indirect financing or support for
armed groups in the DRC or adjoining countries.
The DRC is rich in tantalum 10 tungsten and gold,
essential minerals used in electronic devices.
However, the mineral rich Great Lakes region of the DRC
has long been plagued by violence,
with accusations pointing to Rwanda's alleged support of rebel groups
controlling the region's mineral wealth.
Efforts to ethically source minerals through the International Tin Supply
Chain Initiative,
which is its CI program,
have been criticized. With allegations of contributing to conflict minerals
laundering,
child labour trafficking and smuggling in the DRC,
the DRC governments formal notice questions the efficacy of the
ITSCI program,
highlighting its serious shortcomings as tensions persist,
The DIC allegations under score the challenges in ensuring ethical
mineral sourcing and the complexities of addressing human rights violations
in the region.
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