Summary
A U.S. nonprofit group has sued Apple in Washington, DC, claiming the company uses minerals tied to conflicts and rights abuses in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. The lawsuit argues these minerals, such as cobalt, tin, tantalum, and tungsten, are linked to forced and child labor but Apple denies the allegations. The case seeks to stop Apple's allegedly misleading practices but does not ask for monetary damages.
Key Facts
- A U.S. group, International Rights Advocates, filed a lawsuit against Apple over conflict minerals.
- The minerals in question include cobalt, tin, tantalum, and tungsten, linked to forced and child labor.
- Apple denies these allegations and states its materials don't fund armed groups.
- The lawsuit does not seek monetary damages but aims to stop alleged deception.
- Three Chinese smelters are accused of processing illegally sourced minerals connected to Apple's supply chain.
- Previous legal cases against Apple and other companies regarding cobalt were dismissed.
- Apple states a large portion of the cobalt it uses was recycled in 2024.
- The Democratic Republic of the Congo supplies most of the world's cobalt and has faced issues with armed groups.
