Conflict Minerals:
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has accused Apple of using conflict minerals.
- The DRC accuses Apple of purchasing minerals that have been smuggled out of the country into neighbouring Rwanda.
- These minerals are then integrated into Apple’s global technology supply chain, where their origin is allegedly obscured.
- Conflict minerals, also known as “blood minerals,” are extracted from regions affected by armed conflict or human rights abuses.
- These minerals play a significant role in funding violence and wars.
- These minerals play a crucial role in various industries, including electronics, automotive, and renewable energy.
- The DRC is rich in untapped reserves of precious metals and minerals.
- The primary conflict minerals include: Tin , Tantalum, Tungsten, Gold.
- These minerals are extracted from ores such as cassiterite (tin), columbite-tantalite (tantalum), and wolframite (tungsten).
