The Democratic Republic of the Congo has filed a criminal lawsuit against Apple's subsidiaries in France and Belgium. The lawsuit accuses Apple of using minerals sourced from armed groups or illegal mines in its supply chain. The Congo is a significant supplier of tin, tantalum, and tungsten, which are critical for computing and mobile devices.
Apple, which does not directly purchase these key minerals, stated it will audit its suppliers and make the findings public. Congolese representatives allege Apple uses minerals looted from the Congo and launders them through international supply chains.
