Apple has denied using conflict minerals from the DRC, responding to legal cases alleging the company’s complicity in war crimes and mineral laundering. While Apple stopped sourcing certain minerals from the region, DRC lawyers will continue legal action, requiring verification of the company's supply chain changes.

Apple, the multinational tech giant, has denied accusations from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) claiming it uses conflict minerals in its products.

The company, without elaborating, stated that earlier this year it instructed its suppliers to cease purchasing tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold from the DRC and Rwanda, regions where conflict has escalated.

This response came in reaction to criminal cases filed against Apple in France and Belgium by the Congolese government. Kinshasa accuses Apple of using “blood minerals” sourced from the region, which are allegedly laundered through international supply chains.

The charges against Apple reportedly include war crimes, laundering, forgery, and deception.

The mineral-rich eastern region of the DRC has faced violence from rebel groups, some supported by Rwanda, and the Congolese army, since the 1990s. United Nations experts and human rights organizations have highlighted that some artisanal mines in the area are controlled by militants involved in heinous crimes, including massacres and rapes.

Kinshasa argues that Apple’s involvement in the region makes the company complicit in these crimes.

While Apple’s statement was vague, DRC lawyers have welcomed the company’s decision to halt sourcing minerals from the area. They emphasized, however, that they will continue their legal efforts in Europe, stressing that Apple’s claims about changes to its supply chain will need to be verified on the ground.