Advocacy Group Claims Conflict Metals Still Flow Into Apple Products - Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL)

Core Viewpoint - International Rights Advocates has filed a lawsuit against Apple for allegedly using conflict minerals linked to human rights abuses in the DRC and Rwanda, which Apple denies, claiming to have ordered suppliers to stop sourcing from the region by 2024 [1][2]. Group 1: Lawsuit and Allegations - The lawsuit claims that minerals such as cobalt, tin, tantalum, and tungsten associated with forced and child labor are still entering Apple's supply chain [1]. - This is not the first legal action by IRAdvocates against Apple, as a previous case regarding cobalt sourcing was dismissed [2]. - A study from the University of Nottingham found evidence of forced and child labor at mine sites connected to Apple suppliers [3]. Group 2: Smuggling and Conflict - UN experts reported unprecedented levels of smuggling of minerals from eastern DRC into Rwanda, complicating the verification of resource origins for commodity traders [4]. - Rebel groups, such as M23, have tightened control over key mining hubs, including the Rubaya coltan mine, which accounts for approximately 15% of global coltan supply [5]. - The UN believes that these rebels smuggle minerals into Rwanda, leading to discrepancies in reported production and export figures [6]. Group 3: Apple's Sourcing Practices - Apple claims to maintain strong sourcing standards, with 99% of cobalt in its batteries sourced from recycled materials, and denies any reasonable links to armed groups [2]. - IRAdvocates argues that Apple's accounting practices allow for the mixing of recycled materials with newly mined ore, raising concerns about traceability and reliance on conflict-linked metals [7].