What You Need to Know
International Rights Advocates has filed a lawsuit against Apple in the District of Columbia, accusing the company of incorporating conflict minerals from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda into its global supply chain. The lawsuit targets four essential minerals used in electronics, alleging child labor and funding of armed groups in the region.
Africa. International Rights Advocates has filed a lawsuit against Apple in the District of Columbia, accusing the company of continuing to incorporate minerals linked to armed conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda into its global supply chain.
The organization points out that the lawsuit targets four essential minerals used in electronic devices: cobalt, tin, tantalum, and tungsten.
The lawsuit alleges that these minerals are extracted under conditions associated with child labor and forced labor, as well as funding armed groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.
The organization bases its lawsuit on a report released by the University of Nottingham earlier this year, which links some of Apple’s suppliers to illegal practices.
The organization is asking the court to confirm violations of consumer protection laws, halt what it considers “misleading marketing,” and hold the company responsible for the costs of the lawsuit.
Background of the Dispute
This is not the first time Apple has faced such allegations. Earlier in 2024, the same organization filed a lawsuit against the company regarding cobalt, but it was dismissed by a U.S. appeals court. At the end of that year, the Congolese government filed criminal complaints in France and Belgium against Apple subsidiaries over similar allegations.
The company had announced at that time that it requested its partners to suspend sourcing from Congo and Rwanda due to its inability to ensure “due diligence” through independent audits.
The case in France was closed, while proceedings in Belgium are ongoing.
However, Apple has not yet issued an official comment on the new lawsuit.
The company asserts that its reports related to supply chains, human rights, and supplier conduct codes are available through its dedicated online portal.
Wider Implications
These cases highlight the ongoing challenges in the global technology sector, where the production of smartphones and electronic devices relies on rare minerals often extracted in conflict areas. These allegations raise questions about the effectiveness of international auditing mechanisms and the ability of major corporations to ensure supply chains free from human rights violations.
This is not the first time Apple has faced such allegations. Earlier in 2024, the same organization filed a lawsuit against Apple regarding cobalt, which was dismissed by a U.S. appeals court. Additionally, the Congolese government filed criminal complaints in France and Belgium against Apple subsidiaries over similar claims. Apple had previously stated it requested suppliers to suspend sourcing from Congo and Rwanda due to concerns over due diligence.
The closure of the case in France and ongoing proceedings in Belgium highlight the complexities of corporate responsibility in conflict zones.
