Advertisements
Home News Belgium Appoints Investigating Magistrate In Congo’s Conflict Minerals Case Against Apple

Belgium Appoints Investigating Magistrate In Congo’s Conflict Minerals Case Against Apple

by Celia
Apple

Belgium has appointed an investigating magistrate to look into criminal complaints filed by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) against Apple subsidiaries. The accusations, made in December, claim that Apple used conflict minerals from the Congo in its supply chain.

Advertisements

Leo Fastenakel, one of the lawyers representing the Congolese government in Belgium, confirmed the appointment on Monday. “I can confirm that the Belgian investigating judge has been appointed,” Fastenakel said. However, he declined to name the magistrate.

The decision on whether any crimes were committed will depend on the investigation led by the appointed magistrate, another lawyer involved in the case told Reuters last December.

Congo is a key supplier of tin, tantalum, and tungsten — minerals commonly used in electronics like computers and mobile phones. However, some mining operations in the country are controlled by armed groups responsible for grave human rights violations, including massacres, mass rapes, and looting, according to the United Nations and human rights organizations. As a result, activists have urged companies to avoid using these so-called “conflict minerals” in their products.

Apple has been contacted for a comment on the case. The company has previously disputed the claims. In December, Apple stated it had already instructed its suppliers in 2024 to avoid sourcing minerals from Congo or Rwanda.

Congo’s legal team welcomed Apple’s statement but expressed both satisfaction and caution, noting that further scrutiny would be needed.

Read more:

Advertisements
Advertisements

You may also like

logo

Bilkuj is a comprehensive legal portal. The main columns include legal knowledge, legal news, laws and regulations, legal special topics and other columns.

「Contact us: wougua@gmail.com」

© 2023 Copyright bilkuj.com