A Washington-based advocacy organisation has filed a new lawsuit accusing Apple of using conflict minerals linked to human rights abuses in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. The complaint, brought by International Rights Advocates, argues that Apple’s supply chain continues to include cobalt, tin, tantalum and tungsten associated with child labour, forced labour and armed groups, despite the company’s repeated denials.
Previous cases and dismissals
This lawsuit follows a similar action previously filed by the same group against Apple, Tesla and several other technology firms. That case was dismissed by U.S. courts last year. French prosecutors also dropped a related case brought by Congo against Apple subsidiaries in December, citing lack of evidence. A separate criminal complaint filed in Belgium remains under investigation.
Apple’s response to accusations
Apple has consistently denied wrongdoing in response to the various lawsuits. The company stated that it had instructed suppliers to halt the sourcing of any materials from Congo or Rwanda. Apple insists that its responsible minerals programme applies throughout all levels of its supply chain and that it does not source primary materials directly from mines.
Claims about Chinese smelters
The new lawsuit alleges that three Chinese smelters, Ningxia Orient, JiuJiang JinXin and Jiujiang Tanbre, processed coltan that investigators from the United Nations and Global Witness claim was smuggled through Rwanda. According to the filing, armed groups seized mines in eastern Congo, linking the resulting material to Apple’s supply chain.
Apple cites audit compliance
In its most recent Conflict Minerals Report, Apple highlighted progress toward using fully recycled cobalt, tin, gold and rare earth elements across its product categories by the end of 2025. Apple also stated that all identified smelters and refiners supplying its products in 2024 participated in independent third-party conflict minerals audits for the tenth consecutive year.
Conflict minerals audit findings
Apple said that its due diligence, which includes independent audit data and supplier reporting, found no reasonable basis to conclude that any smelters or refiners in its 2024 supply chain directly or indirectly financed armed groups in Congo or neighbouring countries. The company further noted that, due to rising regional instability and reports of smuggling, it instructed suppliers in June 2024 to cease sourcing 3TG minerals from Congo and Rwanda.
Industry and legal implications
The renewed lawsuit places fresh scrutiny on how global technology companies manage complex raw material supply chains. It also highlights the tension between audit-based compliance systems and allegations from advocacy groups that claim ongoing links between mineral sourcing and armed conflict.
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