Belgium opens investigation into Apple in 'blood minerals' case

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This is a “first step” that calls for others. Belgian prosecutors have just appointed an investigating judge as part of the investigation into Apple's possible use of “blood minerals.” As a reminder, the Democratic Republic of Congo filed a complaint last December (before the Belgian and French courts) against Apple.

The African country accuses the tech giant of having purchased and used minerals such as tantalum, tin, tungsten and gold from mines controlled by armed rebel groups. Such trade is prohibited because it indirectly finances the war in the east of the country. It also promotes child labor and tolerates the inhumane practices of these armed groups (rape and mass killings).

Apple denies everything

Faced with such serious accusations, Apple immediately contested the Congolese government's version. Apple assures that it is “deeply committed to responsible mineral management”. For their part, lawyers representing the DRC assure that the mineral certification protocols put in place by Apple are obsolete.

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The Cupertino firm assures that it buys minerals from Rwanda or non-conflict regions. But in “90% of cases” according to lawyer Robert Amsterdam, these minerals actually come from illegal mines. This underhand trade is said to be known to all, and Apple is said to have turned a blind eye to these activities in Africa.

The start of an investigation

As more and more stories began to emerge on the subject, Apple had asked its subcontractors to suspend the purchase of minerals from the DRC or Rwanda. For Robert Amsterdam, this position is “an admission” on Apple's part. He assures that “supply chains are infiltrated with fake minerals.”

Although “independent audits” have been requested by Apple, they have not yet published their conclusions and the Cupertino firm now finds itself under investigation. The investigating judge mentioned in this case, whose identity remains secret, will have to conduct a thorough investigation in the coming months.

It has the necessary powers to demand documents from Apple, set up telephone tapping or order searches on Belgian territory. Another complaint, in all respects similar, was filed by the DRC in the French courts. The magistrates have not yet made their decision known, but an investigation could also be opened in France against Apple.

If the Cupertino firm is found guilty, it could be sentenced to a fine of several billion dollars. In the meantime, Apple has made several agreements with the Rwandan government to ensure the proper provenance of the minerals purchased by Apple.

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