Apple suspends DRC mineral purchases over criminal case – SABC News

US tech giant Apple says it has suspended purchases of minerals that can be traced to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following a criminal complaint filed by the central African country against its European subsidiaries.

Apple denies the allegations. In a statement released by Apple, they deny claims that they use conflict minerals in their supply chains.

However, the US technology company says it has told its suppliers not to supply them with minerals from the DRC and Rwanda.

The announcement came a week after the DRC filed a lawsuit against Apple’s subsidiaries in Belgium and France, accusing them of using conflict minerals in their electronic devices.

DRC Communications Minister Patrick Muyaya says they have evidence that minerals are being smuggled into neighboring Rwanda and into Apple devices.

Both Apple and Rwanda deny the allegations.

The DRC has large deposits of coltan, tin, tantalum and tungsten, which are used to make components for smartphones and other electronic devices.

Several armed groups are fighting for control of the mines in the east of the country.

In May, M23 rebels captured the mining town of Rubaya after defeating government forces in a battle in North Kivu province.

The United Nations released a report saying the rebels were earning $300,000 a month from the mines.

Lawyers representing the DRC welcomed Apple’s decision to stop sourcing minerals from the east of the country, but said they would continue to pursue cases against Apple’s European subsidiaries.