Paris Prosecutor Dismisses Conflict Minerals Case Against Apple
French prosecutors have dismissed a case alleging that Apple used conflict minerals from the DRC. The case, initiated by the DRC, included claims of illegal exports through Rwanda. Apple has denied wrongdoing, emphasizing compliance with industry standards. Lawyers for the DRC plan to appeal the decision, citing the serious implications of the allegations amid ongoing conflict in the region.
The Paris prosecutor’s office has formally dismissed a case against Apple brought by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which accused Apple’s subsidiaries of using conflict minerals sourced from militant-controlled areas in the country. This closure of the case follows criminal complaints filed in December alleging illegal export activities via Rwanda.
Apple denied the allegations, asserting its commitment to high industry standards requiring suppliers to refrain from sourcing minerals from the conflict-affected regions. The prosecutor’s office concluded that the claims of money laundering and deceptive business practices lacked sufficient legal basis, prompting them to halt any further proceedings.
Legal representatives for the plaintiffs, William Bourdon and Vincent Brengarth, described this decision as a “very partial dismissal” and indicated plans to appeal to the Paris Court of Appeal, emphasizing the severity of the allegations and the importance of accountability. The DRC, a significant source of the minerals tin, tantalum, and tungsten, has faced ongoing violence tied to armed groups in its mining regions.
Apple announced in a 2024 statement that it had instructed its suppliers to cease sourcing minerals from the DRC and Rwanda, with the latter country denying involvement in any wrongdoing. Amidst increasing tensions in the region, particularly related to the resurgence of the M23 group backed by Rwanda, the DRC continues to grapple with the adverse effects of conflict on its mining sector.
In summary, the Paris prosecutor’s dismissal of the case against Apple regarding the use of conflict minerals from the DRC reflects a lack of sufficient evidence for the allegations presented. While Apple maintains a strict policy against sourcing from conflict regions, lawyers representing the DRC intend to appeal the decision, citing serious concerns about accountability in the mining industry plagued by violence. The ongoing conflict and human rights concerns in DRC underscore the complexities surrounding the sourcing of minerals vital to global technology supply chains.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr