A US advocacy group has filed a lawsuit against Apple in Washington, claiming the tech giant uses minerals linked to conflict and labour abuses in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. Apple has rejected the allegations.
International Rights Advocates says Apple’s supply chain still involves cobalt and other minerals tied to child labour, forced labour, and armed groups. The organisation previously brought a similar case, which US courts dismissed last year.
Apple insists the new claims are “baseless,” highlighting its strict sourcing policies and noting that 99% of the cobalt in its batteries now comes from recycled sources. The company also says it instructed suppliers to halt sourcing from Congo and Rwanda as violence escalated earlier this year.
The lawsuit accuses Apple of misleading consumers and seeks an injunction to stop what it calls deceptive marketing. It further claims that three Chinese smelters processed coltan smuggled through Rwanda after armed groups seized mines in eastern Congo, linking them to Apple’s supply chain.
Apple maintains that independent audits show no evidence of financing armed groups or using forced labour.
