Investigation Launched into Apple Over Allegations of Using Conflict Minerals

An investigation initiated by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in December is underway, focusing on allegations against subsidiaries of tech giant Apple. The legal complaints claim that these companies have incorporated "conflict minerals"—materials sourced from regions where mining practices can fund violence or contribute to human rights abuses—into their supply chains. A lawyer representing the Congolese government noted the appointment of a "serious and rigorous" judge to oversee the case, although the judge's identity has not been disclosed. As reported by Reuters, Apple has firmly denied these allegations, maintaining that it instructed its suppliers earlier in 2024 to avoid sourcing minerals from Congo or Rwanda. Following Apple's response, the DRC's legal team expressed cautious optimism regarding the progress of the investigation.