Apple Responds to Conflict Mineral Allegations

Apple has vehemently denied allegations that its products contain conflict minerals and has instructed its suppliers to cease purchasing such minerals from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. This directive was issued earlier this year as the conflict in the region intensified.

In a statement to Reuters, Apple emphasized that suppliers' smelters and refiners must halt the procurement of tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold from these two countries. The company's announcement follows a criminal complaint filed against it in France and Belgium, where the Congolese government accused Apple of using conflict minerals laundered through international supply chains.