An American company is suspected of being involved in illegal mining in the DR Congo.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has filed charges against Apple and its subsidiaries in France and Belgium for using illegal mineral mines in the republic. It was reported by Reuters.
Congo is a major source of tin, tantalum and tungsten used in computers and mobile phones. The country claims Apple uses minerals from illegal mines, laundering them through international supply chains.
Congo also accuses subsidiaries Apple France, Apple Retail France and Apple Retail Belgium of covering up war crimes, laundering contaminated minerals, and fraudulent commercial practices.
Apple says it doesn’t buy virgin minerals directly and says it vets suppliers. Judicial authorities in France and Belgium will decide whether to investigate the claims and bring criminal charges.
According to UN experts and human rights organizations, several illegal mines in the country are under the control of armed groups involved in mass killings of civilians, rape, robbery and other crimes.
Recall that Apple plans to invest $1 billion in a plant in Indonesia that produces components for smartphones and other products.
Source: korrespondent
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