The Paris prosecutor has dismissed a case against Apple regarding conflict minerals sourced from the DRC, stating that the allegations were not well-founded. The DRC accused Apple subsidiaries of contributing to the illegal export of minerals from conflict zones. Lawyers representing the DRC plan to appeal the ruling, emphasizing the gravity of the situation surrounding historic human rights abuses linked to the mining of these resources.
The prosecutor’s office in Paris has dismissed a case brought against Apple by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The DRC had accused Apple subsidiaries of utilizing conflict minerals from its supply chain, particularly from the unstable eastern region near Rwanda. This closure of the case occurred on February 18 after the prosecutor determined that the allegations of money laundering and deceptive business practices were insufficiently substantiated.
In December, the DRC filed complaints in France and Belgium, claiming that Apple subsidiaries engaged in “illegal and even criminal export and delivery” of minerals sourced from the DRC via Rwanda. Apple strongly denied these accusations and emphasized its commitment to enforcing high industry standards among its suppliers, explicitly prohibiting mineral sourcing from conflict-affected areas.
Lawyers William Bourdon and Vincent Brengarth, representing the plaintiffs, criticized the dismissal as “very partial” and indicated their intention to appeal the decision at the Paris Court of Appeal. They underscored the seriousness of the allegations and expressed the need for accountability regarding the accused parties.
The DRC is rich in 3T minerals—tin, tantalum, and tungsten—crucial for electronics. However, many artisanal mines are reportedly run by armed groups engaged in severe human rights violations, including violence and looting. Apple has also stated its proactive measures, which include instructing suppliers to suspend sourcing these minerals from the DRC and Rwanda. Additionally, Rwanda has denied the allegations directed against it.
Since the 1990s, the eastern mining regions of Congo have faced devastation from ongoing conflicts among armed groups, some supported by neighboring Rwanda or the DRC’s military forces. Conflict escalated further in 2021 due to the resurgence of the M23 group, which has recently seized control of significant areas including Goma and Bukavu in the North and South Kivu provinces.
The dismissal of the case against Apple by the Paris prosecutor’s office signifies a major development in the ongoing legal battles regarding conflict minerals sourced from the DRC. While Apple maintains its commitment to avoiding these minerals, the allegations raised by the DRC highlight critical issues regarding human rights violations in mineral sourcing. The plaintiffs are pursuing further legal action, reflecting the serious nature of the situation surrounding conflict minerals amid ongoing regional tensions.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
