The location is Cape Town, South Africa. The Congolese government is interrogating Apple on the tech company’s awareness of “blood minerals” originating from a conflict zone in the African nation. These minerals have the potential to be illicitly incorporated into Apple’s supply chains. The government has set a deadline of three weeks for Apple to provide satisfactory responses.
A consortium of global legal practitioners representing the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has recently dispatched correspondences to Apple’s Chief Executive Officer, Tim Cook, and its French subsidiary. The purpose of these letters is to express apprehensions regarding the infringement of human rights associated with the extraction of minerals from the volatile eastern region of the DRC, which could potentially find their way into Apple’s merchandise.
mining – VOR News ImageCongo Questions Apple Over Knowledge Of Conflict Minerals In Its Supply Chain
The list of questions demanded that Apple demonstrate its monitoring practices in a territory where over 100 armed rebel factions are active, some of whom have been accused of committing large-scale massacres of people.
In their correspondence to Cook, the attorneys assert that Apple has consistently marketed and sold technological products that are manufactured using minerals obtained from a location where the local population is enduring severe human rights abuses, a fact that has become evident over time.
The lawyers stated that the supply networks used by Apple to sell iPhones, Mac computers, and accessories to clients worldwide are too opaque and contaminated with the blood of the Congolese people.
Eastern Congo is renowned for its abundant mineral resources, making it one of the most geologically prosperous areas globally. However, it is also plagued by a colossal humanitarian catastrophe. Armed factions have been engaged in prolonged conflicts to dominate the mines and exploit the lucrative minerals within. Consequently, millions of individuals have been uprooted and adversely impacted by the escalating violence. The situation has significantly worsened in recent months.
With a market capitalization of over $2.6 trillion, Apple has refuted allegations of sourcing minerals from mines and locations associated with human rights abuses. The company asserts that it runs its business ethically and responsibly and procures minerals from Congo and surrounding nations.
According to the company, the minerals it purchases do not provide financial support to conflict or armed groups. The attorneys for the Congo government stated that the assertions do not seem to be grounded in tangible, corroborated proof.
The Congolese government has expressed concerns regarding the potential smuggling of tin, tungsten, tantalum, and gold, collectively referred to as the 3TG essential minerals, sourced by Apple from vendors. It is suspected that these minerals may be illicitly transported from Congo to Rwanda and thereafter integrated into the global supply chain. 3TG minerals play a crucial role in the composition of electronic devices.
Apple referred to a specific part in their business filing on conflict minerals when asked for a remark.
Congo Questions Apple Over Knowledge Of Conflict Minerals In Its Supply Chain
The report said that after doing a lot of research, looking at data from third-party audit programs, upstream traceability programs, and our suppliers, we have found no proof that any of the 3TG smelters or refiners in our supply chain as of December 31, 2023, helped armed groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo or any neighboring country by giving them money or other things of value.
“Illegal mining in Congo has caused fatalities for three decades,” stated Patrick Muyaya, spokesperson for the Congolese government. “We seek clarification regarding the supply sources of major technology companies, specifically Apple, to ascertain whether they are obtaining minerals that are produced under entirely illegal conditions.”
According to him, Rwanda is portrayed as the primary source of several minerals, although having little reserves of its own.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has alleged that Rwanda is providing financial support and strategic guidance to the infamous armed rebel faction known as M23 in the eastern region of Congo, with the aim of facilitating the illicit extraction of minerals. The United Nations has also asserted that M23 receives support from Rwanda.
Rwanda refutes these claims. Nonetheless, there is a growing escalation of hostilities between the countries. Human Rights Watch has accused M23 and other factions of frequently perpetrating attacks, which involve the murder and sexual assault of people.
The attorneys representing the government of Congo cited a 2022 study from the nonprofit organization Global Witness, which alleged that Apple had implemented insufficient controls to prevent the use of illicitly obtained minerals.
Congo Questions Apple Over Knowledge Of Conflict Minerals In Its Supply Chain
The lawyers stated that the Congo government is currently pursuing “effective redress” against individuals or entities who exploit blood minerals worldwide.
The request was made to Apple to provide a response to inquiries regarding its supply chain controls within a period of three weeks. Additionally, it was mentioned that a report on the illicit trade of minerals from Congo by Rwanda and private entities has been compiled and will be released to the public this month.
The letter stated that they will also consult the Congo government for guidance on the legal actions they are contemplating against Apple.
SOURCE – (AP)
