DRC sues Apple for profiting from 'blood minerals' linked to conflicts

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) filed a complaint on Tuesday, December 17, against Apple subsidiaries in France and Belgium. Congolese authorities accuse the American tech giant of concealing war crimes, laundering forgeries, and deceiving consumers, according to an article in the French media Le Monde 

This complaint marks the beginning of a series of legal actions. "This is a first round of complaints. There will be others," assured lawyer Robert Amsterdam, whose firm Amsterdam & Partners is defending the DRC. He explained that Apple was chosen because of its economic influence and its communication about environmental commitments.

Le Monde quoted Amsterdam, stating: "Apple is undoubtedly one of the most symbolic targets, because of its financial power and its unbridled communication on the theme 'we are doing good for the planet'."

In statements relayed by the French daily, Robert Amsterdam further emphasized that Apple cannot ignore the fact that its supply chain is "contaminated by blood minerals" — resources originating from conflict zones in the east of the DRC. These minerals, known as “3T” (tin, tantalum, and tungsten), are essential components in the manufacture of smartphones, tablets, and computers.

Since April 2024, the Rubaya mining area in the DRC has been under the control of the M23 armed group, which is supported by Rwanda. Figures cited by the UN and reported by Le Monde indicate that this rebel group earns nearly $300,000 per month from illegal taxes imposed on local mining operations.

The case also raises questions about the effectiveness of the Itsci traceability system, which has not been validated by the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) for nearly two years. Despite this, Itsci continues to be presented as a reference for monitoring the origins of minerals by many companies.

However, Apple acknowledges, like other tech giants, that it sources indirectly from the DRC and Rwanda through a complex network of intermediaries. These intermediaries — trading posts, refineries, and foundries — are expected to ensure mineral traceability in accordance with OECD standards.

This complaint, which could set a legal precedent, highlights the persistent difficulties linked to the extraction of strategic minerals in the DRC. Local populations continue to suffer from the consequences of these conflicts. For Kinshasa, as quoted by Le Monde, this legal action is aimed at shedding light on these practices and denouncing the complicity of multinationals in the exploitation of "blood minerals".