DR Congo Threatens Legal Action Against Apple Over Mining Dispute The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) is considering legal action against tech giant Apple over alleged involvement in cobalt mining practices that violate human rights and environmental laws. Cobalt, a key component in lithium-ion batteries used in electronic devices, is primarily sourced from the DR Congo. The country produces over 60% of the world’s supply, largely through small-scale and artisanal mining operations. However, concerns have been raised about child labor, worker exploitation, and environmental degradation associated with cobalt mining in the region. The DR Congo government claims that Apple, as a major consumer of cobalt, has not done enough to address these issues in its supply chain. The ministry of mines has accused Apple of failing to exercise due diligence in sourcing cobalt from the DR Congo. It alleges that the company has not adequately investigated the sources of its cobalt and has not provided sufficient support to ensure responsible mining practices. In a statement, the ministry said, “We consider that Apple has not taken the necessary measures to ensure that its cobalt is not contributing to human rights abuses or environmental damage in the Democratic Republic of Congo.” The government has demanded that Apple take immediate action to improve its cobalt sourcing practices, including increasing transparency, auditing its suppliers, and investing in sustainable mining initiatives. If legal action is taken, it would be a landmark case against a major multinational corporation for its role in alleged human rights violations related to mineral extraction. The outcome could have significant implications for the future of responsible sourcing practices in global supply chains. Apple has not yet publicly responded to the allegations, but the company has previously stated that it is committed to ethical and sustainable sourcing of materials for its products.Democratic Republic of the Congo Considers Legal Action Against AppleDemocratic Republic of the Congo Considers Legal Action Against Apple The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is mulling legal action against Apple in France and the United States over allegations of the company’s use of illegally acquired minerals. In April, DRC lawyers accused Apple of purchasing minerals smuggled from the DRC to Rwanda, where they were laundered and integrated into the global supply chain. On Thursday, attorney William Bourdon criticized Apple’s brief response to the notification, calling it “contempt, cynicism, and arrogance.” Strategic options are being discussed, with potential legal challenges in France and the United States and possibly other countries. The DRC is rich in tantalum, tin, tungsten, and gold (3TG), minerals used in electronic devices. Its mineral-rich Great Lakes region has been plagued by violence since the 1990s. Tensions flared up again in late 2021 when rebels from the March 23 Movement (M23) regained control of parts of the territory. The DRC, the United Nations, and Western countries accuse Rwanda of supporting rebel groups, including the M23, to control the region’s mineral resources, while Rwanda denies these allegations. Apple has maintained that its due diligence efforts have not found any evidence of its smelters or refineries funding armed groups in the DRC or neighboring countries. The developments highlight the ongoing challenges of addressing illegal mining and mineral exploitation in conflict-affected regions.DR Congo Considers Legal Action Against Apple in Mining Dispute The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is reportedly exploring legal action against Apple Inc. over alleged violations of international law and human rights in the mining of cobalt, a key component in electronic devices. According to reports, the DRC’s Ministry of Justice is preparing a lawsuit against Apple, alleging that the company’s supply chain practices have contributed to environmental degradation, child labor, and other abuses in the Congo. Cobalt mining in the DRC has come under scrutiny in recent years as concerns have grown over the social and environmental costs of the industry. The country is the world’s largest producer of cobalt, which is used in rechargeable batteries for smartphones, laptops, and electric vehicles. Environmental groups have accused mining companies of causing widespread deforestation, water pollution, and air pollution in the DRC. They have also highlighted the issue of child labor in the mines, where children as young as six work in dangerous conditions. The DRC’s potential lawsuit against Apple comes amid a broader crackdown on mining companies operating in the country. In 2021, the government introduced new regulations aimed at improving safety and environmental standards in the industry. Apple has not yet commented publicly on the DRC’s reported plans for legal action. The company has previously stated that it is committed to responsible sourcing and that it does not tolerate human rights abuses in its supply chain. The potential lawsuit could have significant implications for Apple and the global electronics industry. It could lead to increased pressure on companies to ensure that their products are ethically sourced and that their supply chains do not contribute to human rights abuses.