KEY POINTS
- A Belgian judge will investigate Congo’s claims against Apple subsidiaries.
- The DRC accuses Apple of using conflict minerals in its supply chain.
- The case highlights global concerns over ethical sourcing and accountability.
An investigating magistrate in Belgium has been appointed to examine claims by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) accusing Apple subsidiaries of using conflict minerals in their supply chain.
The decision follows criminal complaints filed by the DRC government in December.
Leo Fastenakel, a lawyer representing the DRC in Belgium, confirmed the development on Monday. “We believe he is a serious and rigorous judge,” Fastenakel said, declining to disclose the magistrate’s name.
However, the case highlights concerns over tin, tantalum, and tungsten, minerals often sourced from artisanal mines in the Congo.
These resources, crucial for the production of computers and mobile phones, have been linked to armed groups accused of human rights violations, including mass killings and looting.
Conflict minerals in focus
Conflict minerals remain the focus of international attention with human rights organisations calling on companies to rid their supply chains of exploitation.
Although the DRC continues to produce these minerals, controversy over the exploitation of the minerals still exists.
In context to the DRC’s allegations, Apple came out with a statement in December where it refuted the allegations firmly.
The tech giant said it had instructed suppliers earlier in 2024 not to source minerals from Congo or Rwanda.
Legal process moves forward
The proposed work of the Belgian judge is to decide whether any laws were breached when sourcing these minerals.
According to Reuters, this investigation is critical to establishing accountability in the supply chain and addressing the ethical concerns raised by the DRC.
Congo’s lawyers responded to Apple’s prior comment with “satisfaction and caution”, given that the company has pledged to concentrate on the problem sincerely while at the same time noting that a proper review should be carried out.
Global implications for tech companies
The case against Apple brings out some of the issues affecting multinational businesses in the management of their international supply chain.
It also subscribes to the emerging trend of transparency and accountability in procurement especially of essential materials to the modern world.
Human rights activists and the United Nations have long urged companies to take more responsibility not to allow armed groups to fund themselves through minerals.
This investigation could lead to the determination of conditions that could be applied to companies in similar regions in the future.
