The Democratic Republic of Congo has taken a bold step in its fight against the exploitation of raw minerals by issuing a formal notice to tech giant Apple. This move marks the beginning of a new policy in the DRC aimed at addressing the unethical sourcing of minerals for electronic devices.
French lawyer William Bourdon, representing the DR Congo government, explained that the country has accused Apple of using minerals that have been illegally exploited in mines where human rights violations occur. The formal notice sent to Apple warns of legal action if these practices continue unchecked.
Apple has denied any involvement in financing or benefiting armed groups in the DRC or neighboring countries. However, DR Congo’s lawyers allege that Apple is obtaining minerals from eastern Congo, smuggling them into Rwanda, where they are laundered and integrated into the global supply chain.
Bourdon emphasized that this is just the first step in a series of actions to regulate the exploitation of raw materials in the DRC. The country is determined to ensure that ethical standards are upheld in the sourcing of minerals, and will continue to hold companies accountable for their practices.
As the DRC takes a stand against the exploitation of its resources, the global supply chain for electronic devices may face increased scrutiny and calls for transparent, ethical sourcing practices.
