In a world that is increasingly placing value on ethical business practices, Apple is once again in the spotlight. The Democratic Republic of Congo has asked the tech giant to provide evidence that the materials used in its products do not contribute to the financing of conflict. This requirement underscores a growing global effort to improve transparency in the supply chains of major technology companies.
Apple, like other Big Tech companies, has been repeatedly accused of sourcing so-called 3T materials (tin, tungsten, and tantalum) from regions where mining these minerals helps finance violent conflict. In 2020, Apple responded by terminating relationships with 18 smelters and refiners that violated rules on these conflict materials, and continued these efforts in 2021 by removing another 12 suppliers.
The demands of the Congo
The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has expressed concerns about the effectiveness of Apple’s supplier code of conduct, Bloomberg reportedA group of international lawyers has contacted Apple CEO Tim Cook and asked for a statement within three weeks. This development raises important questions about the credibility of Apple's assurances that its supply chain is free of conflict materials.
The role of Robert Amsterdam
Robert Amsterdam, a lawyer hired by the Congolese government, wrote on his blog:
Year after year, Apple sells technology made with minerals from a region whose population suffers serious human rights violations.
He criticizes that Apple's claims about verifying the origin of the minerals are not based on concrete evidence.
Apple's response and measures
In a statement to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Apple stressed that its code of conduct and standards for responsible sourcing of materials cover a wide range of risks. Since 2009, the company says it has removed 163 smelters and refiners from its supply chain that did not meet its requirements.
Global eyes on Apple: Transparency under scrutiny
Congo's demand of Apple represents a significant challenge for the company to demonstrate its commitments to ethical business practices and transparency. The eyes of the world are on Apple to see how it will respond to these latest allegations. This case not only highlights the challenges that major technology companies must overcome in their global supply chains but also highlights the growing importance of ethical sourcing in the modern economy. (Photo by ilasal / Bigstockphoto)
