Key Minerals on the African Continent: Involving Chinese Mining Enterprises in Africa Apple Faces New Mineral Procurement Lawsuit

¬ A U.S. non-governmental organization filed a lawsuit in Washington, accusing Apple of using minerals linked to armed groups and human rights violations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda

¬ The DRC has taken similar legal actions against Apple's mineral supply chain in Europe, including France and Belgium

¬ Apple denied all allegations, claiming it stopped purchasing from the DRC and Rwanda in 2024, and currently 76% of its cobalt comes from recycling

A U.S. group has filed a new lawsuit against Apple over alleged use of minerals from conflict areas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), adding pressure to the company as action is taken in Europe.

International rights advocates filed the lawsuit in Washington. The organization accused Apple of incorporating cobalt, tin, tantalum, and tungsten into its products, which are allegedly associated with human rights violations and armed groups active in the DRC and Rwanda.

The lawsuit cited Chinese smelters Ningxia Oriental, Jiujiang Jinxin, and Jiujiang Tanbre, reportedly processing coltan from mines controlled by armed groups in the DRC; the complaint states that the minerals were smuggled through Rwanda, a route previously documented by UN and Global Witness investigations.

The complaint also mentioned a 2025 study by the University of Nottingham, which reported forced labor and child labor at mining sites related to Apple's supply chain.

The plaintiffs seek judicial rulings for violations of consumer laws and deceptive practices, but do not seek damages.

As the DRC pursues its own initiatives in Europe, the case continues to progress. In April 2024, Kinshasa issued a formal notice to Apple requesting clarification on the source of "3T" minerals (tin, tantalum, and tungsten).

Subsequently, France and Belgium brought criminal charges alleging the handling of conflict minerals, money laundering, and fraudulent business practices.

Due to insufficient evidence, France ended the case in December, while Belgian authorities continue to review the complaints.

DRC officials asserted that minerals illegally mined in North Kivu province are laundered through international supply chains after transiting through Rwanda.

Apple denied all allegations, stating there is no evidence linking its suppliers to financing armed groups. The company stated that it ordered all smelters and refineries to stop purchasing from the DRC and Rwanda in 2024, and reported that 76% of the cobalt used in its devices came from recycling in 2024.

Legal actions in the U.S. and Belgium could clarify multinational corporations' due diligence and traceability obligations. They may also increase pressure for stricter independent audits to verify compliance in global mineral supply chains.

Source: ecofinagency

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1849937446741252/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author