French prosecutors have dismissed a case against Apple concerning allegations of using conflict minerals from the DRC. The DRC alleged that Apple subsidiaries engaged in illegal exports via Rwanda. Apple has denied these accusations and maintains strict supplier standards. The prosecutor’s office deemed the allegations unfounded, though plaintiffs intend to appeal the dismissal, highlighting the broader issues related to conflict minerals in the region.
French prosecutors have concluded their investigation into a case brought by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which accused Apple subsidiaries of incorporating conflict minerals into their supply chain from the volatile eastern region adjacent to Rwanda. The DRC had filed criminal complaints against these subsidiaries in December, alleging illicit exports of minerals purportedly sourced through Rwanda.
Apple has consistently denied these allegations, asserting that it mandates its suppliers to comply with “the highest industry standards,” prohibiting the use of conflict minerals sourced from both the DRC and Rwanda. On February 18, the Paris public prosecutor’s office dismissed the case, stating that the claims of money laundering and deceptive business practices were “not sufficiently well-founded,” thereby opting not to pursue the complaint further.
The complaints were submitted on behalf of the DRC’s justice minister in both France and Belgium. However, the prosecutor’s office suggested that the DRC contact a different entity that has jurisdiction over war crimes for potential further action. William Bourdon and Vincent Brengarth, legal representatives for the plaintiffs, denounced the prosecutor’s decision as a “very partial dismissal” and signaled their intent to appeal at the Paris Court of Appeal.
The DRC is a key supplier of tin, tantalum, and tungsten—minerals integral to electronics and mobile devices. Reports from UN experts and human rights organizations indicate that some artisanal mines are controlled by armed groups implicated in severe human rights violations, including massacres and mass rapes. In 2024, Apple notified suppliers to suspend sourcing these minerals from the DRC and Rwanda, while Rwanda has rejected the allegations.
Since the 1990s, conflicts in the eastern DRC have persisted, driven by rival armed factions, some receiving support from Rwanda or the Congolese military. Tensions have intensified since 2021, notably with the resurgence of the Rwanda-backed M23 group, which has taken control of strategic areas such as Goma and Bukavu.
In conclusion, the Paris prosecutor has dismissed the case against Apple regarding the alleged use of conflict minerals from the DRC, finding the claims insufficiently substantiated. Despite the dismissal, legal representatives plan to appeal the decision. The situation underscores the ongoing challenges surrounding the mining of conflict minerals in the DRC and its links to severe humanitarian issues.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
