Apple is under scrutiny from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) over allegations that its devices, including the iPhone, contain conflict minerals. Lawyers representing the DRC government claim that Apple has not responded to requests for proof that its products are free from minerals mined in conflict zones controlled by militant groups.
In April 2024, the law firm Amsterdam & Partners, on behalf of the DRC, wrote to Apple CEO Tim Cook. They requested evidence that Apple does not use conflict minerals, which the company has previously asserted. The lawyers gave Apple three weeks to respond, but according to Reuters, four weeks later, Apple has neither replied nor acknowledged the letter.
Chief lawyer Robert Amsterdam stated, "We have received new evidence from whistleblowers. It is more urgent than ever that Apple provide real answers to the very serious questions we have raised."
While the nature of this new evidence has not been disclosed, the firm's complete statement suggests that Apple's silence could be seen as an admission of guilt or at least an embarrassment over the issue. The statement further indicates that the DRC has instructed Amsterdam & Partners to explore legal options against Apple under American and French laws. The original letter to Tim Cook was also sent to Apple's subsidiary in France.
Apple has not commented on these recent developments. However, the company has previously claimed to have cut ties with suppliers who were not compliant with regulations regarding the sourcing of tin, tungsten, and tantalum from conflict areas.
