Apple Faces Lawsuit Over DRC and Rwanda Conflict Minerals

The organization International Rights Advocates has filed a new lawsuit against Apple in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, accusing the company of continuing to integrate minerals linked to armed conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda into its global supply chain.

1. Allegations and Demands

• Targeted Minerals: The lawsuit targets four key minerals used in the manufacturing of electronic devices:

  • Cobalt

  • Tin

  • Tantalum

  • Tungsten

• Human Rights Violations: The lawsuit alleges that these minerals are extracted under conditions linked to child labor, forced labor, and the funding of armed groups in the DRC and Rwanda.

• Legal Basis: The organization bases its claim on a report issued by the University of Nottingham earlier this year, which links some of Apple's suppliers to illegal practices.

• Demands: The organization asks the court to:

  • Prove the violation of consumer protection laws.

  • Halt what it deems "misleading marketing."

  • Hold the company responsible for the costs of the lawsuit.

2. Background and Previous Actions

• Previous Lawsuits: This is not the first time; the same organization filed a previous lawsuit against Apple concerning cobalt in early 2024, but a US Appeals Court rejected it.

• DRC Investigations: The DRC government filed criminal complaints in France and Belgium against Apple subsidiaries based on similar allegations.

  • Current Status: The case in France was closed, while proceedings in Belgium are ongoing.

• Apple's Previous Response: Apple had previously requested its partners to suspend supply from the DRC and Rwanda, citing its inability to guarantee "due diligence" through independent audits.

• Apple's Comment on New Lawsuit: Apple has not yet issued an official comment on the new lawsuit. The company asserts that its reports on its supply chain and human rights are available on its dedicated online portal.