Apple is facing allegations from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for using “blood minerals” in its products.
A Congolese lawyer stated that Apple “could not have been unaware” of the conflict minerals in its supply chain.
The lawsuit, filed in Kinshasa, targets Apple due to its economic influence and environmental claims.
“Apple is symbolic because of its messaging about ‘doing good for the planet,'” said lawyer Robert Amsterdam.
The minerals—tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold—are sourced from eastern Congo, where armed groups, including the M23, control mining operations and impose illegal taxes.
The M23 reportedly generates $300,000 monthly through these taxes.
Apple acknowledged it indirectly sources minerals from Congo and Rwanda through intermediaries.
However, these intermediaries are expected to follow OECD traceability standards.
Congo has filed lawsuits against Apple subsidiaries in France and Belgium, accusing them of complicity in war crimes and money laundering.
The case highlights the role of multinational corporations in exploiting conflict minerals and fueling ongoing violence in the region.