The Democratic Republic of Congo is intensifying scrutiny over Apple’s supply chain practices, expressing concerns that its products might contain conflict minerals illicitly sourced from the country. International lawyers from Amsterdam & Partners, representing Congo, have officially raised questions about Apple’s transparency regarding its mineral sourcing.
This action stems from ongoing violence in Congo’s eastern regions, where armed conflicts over the control of minerals like tin, gold, coltan, and tantalum have persisted since the 1990s. These minerals are crucial in the manufacturing of modern electronics such as cell phones and computers.
In a proactive measure, President Felix Tshisekedi of Congo engaged with Amsterdam & Partners in September 2023 to probe the legality of the tin, tungsten, and tantalum (3T) supply chain. The firm has since reached out to Apple’s CEO Tim Cook and its French subsidiaries, seeking detailed responses within three weeks.
While Apple maintains that it conducts thorough audits to ensure the integrity of its supply chain, Amsterdam & Partners have expressed skepticism about the verifiability of these claims. The law firm highlighted discrepancies, particularly pointing out that Rwanda, a country reported to have minimal production of these minerals, is often cited as a source by major tech companies.
In its defense, Apple referred to its latest Conflict Minerals Report, stating that all identified smelters and refiners for 3T minerals and gold in its 2023 product line underwent independent third-party audits, showing no direct or indirect support to armed groups in the DRC or adjoining countries.
The call for increased transparency from Apple coincides with a new report by Amsterdam & Partners, accusing Rwanda and other private entities of laundering conflict minerals from Congo. The allegations underscore ongoing regional tensions and the complex challenges facing global supply chains in the tech industry. 
