U.S. Advocacy Group Sues Apple Over Alleged Use of Conflict-Linked Minerals

A U.S.-based human rights organisation, International Rights Advocates (IRAdvocates), has filed a lawsuit in Washington accusing Apple of using minerals tied to conflict zones and human rights abuses in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, despite the company’s repeated denials.

Background of the Allegations

• IRAdvocates alleges that Apple continued to rely on minerals such as cobalt, tin, tantalum and tungsten from sites in DRC and Rwanda associated with forced and child labour.
• A 2025 University of Nottingham study reportedly found evidence of forced and child labour at Congolese mining sites linked to Apple’s supply chain.
• Apple has not yet commented on the latest lawsuit.

Apple’s Previous Response

• The tech giant has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that it directed its suppliers to stop sourcing materials from Congo and neighbouring Rwanda.
• An earlier case filed by IRAdvocates against Apple, Tesla and other tech companies over cobalt sourcing was dismissed by U.S. courts in 2024.

Conflict Minerals and Human Rights Concerns

• The DRC provides around 70% of global cobalt production, along with substantial quantities of tin, tantalum and tungsten — all critical components in smartphones, batteries and computers.
• Congolese authorities say armed groups in eastern Congo profit from these minerals to fund a prolonged conflict that has resulted in thousands of deaths and the displacement of hundreds of thousands.

Efforts to Curb Illicit Mining

• The Congolese government has tightened regulations to choke off the rebels’ mineral revenue streams.
• These stricter controls have impacted global supplies, placing pressure on industries reliant on Congolese minerals.

Source: TH