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Apple calls the new allegations “baseless,” stating it has strict sourcing rules and that 99% of the cobalt in its batteries now comes from recycled materials. The company says it instructed its suppliers to stop sourcing from Congo and Rwanda as fighting intensified this year.
A US advocacy group has sued Apple in Washington, accusing the company of using conflict minerals linked to worker rights violations in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. Apple denies these claims. International Rights Advocates asserts that Apple’s supply chain still involves cobalt and other minerals connected to child labor, forced labor, and armed groups. The group had previously filed a similar complaint, which was dismissed last year by US courts.
Apple calls the new allegations “baseless,” stating it has strict sourcing rules and that 99% of the cobalt in its batteries now comes from recycled materials. The company says it instructed its suppliers to stop sourcing from Congo and Rwanda as fighting intensified this year.
The lawsuit accuses Apple of misleading consumers and seeks an injunction to stop the allegedly deceptive marketing practices. It also claims that three Chinese smelters processed smuggled coltan via Rwanda after armed groups seized mines in eastern Congo, and links them to Apple’s supply chain.
Apple maintains that independent audits show no evidence it funds armed groups or uses forced labor.