Apple is facing renewed legal scrutiny over allegations that its supply chain is linked to conflict minerals sourced from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda.

On November 25, 2025, the International Rights Advocates (IRAdvocates) filed a lawsuit in Washington, DC's Superior Court, accusing Apple of sourcing cobalt, tin, tantalum, and tungsten tied to child labor, forced labor, and armed groups.

The lawsuit references a 2025 University of Nottingham study that found forced and child labor at Congolese sites linked to Apple's suppliers.

Apple has rejected the claims, stating that 76% of the cobalt used in its Apple-designed batteries in 2024 came from recycled sources, and that it had instructed suppliers to stop sourcing from the DRC and Rwanda.

The company also pointed to its Supplier Code of Conduct, which it says enforces "the industry's strongest sourcing standards" and emphasizes transparency.

Human toll of Congo’s cobalt industry

Congo supplies about 70% of the world's cobalt, but the industry is marred by systemic abuses. An estimated 40,000 children, some as young as six, are involved in artisanal cobalt mining in southern DRC. Children often dig through unstable tunnels, carry heavy loads, and work long hours for minimal pay, facing risks of tunnel collapses and chronic illness from cobalt dust.

Mining communities face increased rates of birth defects, respiratory diseases, and gynecological problems among women. Additionally, a 2024 report noted that 80% of women near artisanal mining sites had experienced sexual violence within a single year.

Ongoing conflict, supply chain ties

The lawsuit ties the sourcing of minerals to armed groups like the Rwanda-backed M23 militia, which has seized mines in Goma and Bukavu. In May 2025, M23 took control of the Twangiza gold mine and looted an estimated 500 kg of gold valued at around $70 million.

These activities provide a revenue stream for continued conflict. The DRC, the US, and the United Nations have accused Rwanda of supporting the group, though Rwanda denies involvement.

Previous lawsuits against Apple and other tech companies, including Tesla, Microsoft, Alphabet, and Dell, were dismissed due to insufficient proof that companies could be held liable for harm through the global supply chain.

However, the new lawsuit does not seek monetary damages; instead, it asks the court for a consumer protection ruling and an injunction against Apple’s marketing practices.

Critics argue that sourcing "DRC-free" minerals may cut off income for over 200,000 artisanal miners, while failing to address poverty and exploitation at the root of the issue.