Apple says it told suppliers to stop buying Congo conflict minerals; Congo lawyers say Apple’s statement must be verified

International lawyers for the Democratic Republic of Congo welcomed Apple’s decision to stop sourcing minerals from there due to worsening conflict, but said they would continue with their cases against the company in two European countries.
Reuters:
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Criminal complaints were filed against Apple subsidiaries in France and Belgium this week on behalf of Congo, accusing the tech firm of using conflict minerals in its supply chain.
Apple said on Tuesday that it strongly disputes the claims and has told suppliers they must not use the minerals in question sourced from Congo or Rwanda.
The lawyers representing Congo said on Wednesday they welcomed that statement with “satisfaction and caution.”
“Apple’s statements about changes to its supply chain will have to be verified on the ground, with facts and figures to support them,” the lawyers said in a statement to Reuters. “Apple’s statements do not change the past and the crimes that are alleged to have been committed,” they added, saying it was now up to the French and Belgian judges to rule on the case.

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MacDailyNews Note: Excerpt from Apple’s latest Conflict Minerals Report:
[W]e continue to source 3TG and other minerals, such as cobalt and lithium, responsibly while working to improve conditions in and around mining communities, including in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (“DRC”) and adjoining countries. Although Apple does not directly purchase, procure, or source primary minerals, we are committed to meeting and exceeding internationally accepted due diligence standards for primary minerals and recycled materials in our supply chain. Our responsible minerals sourcing program includes requirements that apply to all levels of Apple’s supply chain.

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