Belgium is investigating Apple’s alleged procurement of ‘blood minerals’ from the DRC. Accusations state these minerals are sourced from illegal mines linked to conflict and human rights abuses. Apple claims to source from conflict-free areas, yet the DRC asserts otherwise. The investigation follows complaints filed by DRC lawyers against Apple’s subsidiaries.
Belgium has initiated an investigation following allegations that Apple has sourced so-called ‘blood minerals’ from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The investigation begins after DRC’s attorneys filed complaints in December against Apple’s subsidiaries in Belgium and France for purchasing minerals from illegal mines tied to child labor, environmental damage, and armed conflict.
According to Apple, the company ensures that the minerals it acquires are sourced from conflict-free regions, specifically identifying those from Rwanda. However, DRC claims that these minerals originate from illegal mining activities in eastern Congo, which are laundered before entering the legal supply chain. Recent reports indicate that numerous illegal mines are under the control of M23 rebel forces, which tax and exploit mining operations, thereby impacting the integrity of the global minerals supply chain.
The DRC’s legal representatives assert that Apple is knowingly obtaining these minerals from unlawful sources, a claim Apple firmly refutes. Despite its denials, Apple has cautioned vendors against sourcing 3TG minerals from both the DRC and Rwanda due to doubts about independent auditing processes. Following the filing of the complaints, Belgian prosecutors have appointed an investigating judge to look into the matters raised.
Concerns regarding the European Union’s role have emerged as DRC lawyers have reached out to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. In February, the EU entered into an agreement with Rwanda, aimed at enhancing the sustainability of the 3TG mineral supply, which critics argue might be exacerbating the ongoing conflict in the region.
The issue at hand revolves around the sourcing of 3TG minerals—tantalum, tin, and gold—from conflict-affected areas of Africa, particularly the DRC. The term ‘blood minerals’ refers to resources extracted in conditions of serious human rights violations, including child labor and armed conflict. Illegal mining operations, often controlled by rebel groups, undermine efforts to ensure ethical supply chains, drawing international scrutiny toward companies like Apple and policies enacted by the EU, especially in their trade relationships with countries like Rwanda.
In summary, Belgium’s investigation into Apple for allegedly sourcing conflict minerals from the DRC highlights the vital intersection of ethical supply chains and corporate practices. The alleged connections between Apple and illegal mining operations managed by rebel factions raise significant concerns. As the situation unfolds, the scrutiny from the DRC legal representatives on both Apple and EU policies is likely to intensify, imperative for the protection of human rights in mineral extraction.
Original Source: www.belganewsagency.eu
