US Advocacy Group Sues Apple, Alleging Conflict-Linked Minerals in Its Supply Chain

Summary: A Washington, DC-based advocacy group has filed a lawsuit accusing Apple of relying on minerals linked to conflict and human-rights abuses in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. The complaint names three Chinese smelters, cites independent investigations and a 2025 study, and seeks a court ruling that Apple’s conduct violates consumer protection law.

What the lawsuit alleges

International Rights Advocates (IRAdvocates) filed the complaint on Tuesday in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The group alleges Apple’s supply chain still contains cobalt, tin, tantalum and tungsten that are linked to child and forced labour and to armed groups operating in the DRC and Rwanda. The filing identifies three Chinese smelters — Ningxia Orient, JiuJiang JinXin and Jiujiang Tanbre — saying they processed coltan that investigators from the United Nations and Global Witness have alleged was smuggled through Rwanda after armed groups seized mines in eastern DRC.

Legal relief sought

The lawsuit asks the court to determine that Apple’s conduct violates consumer protection laws, to issue an injunction to stop what IRAdvocates describes as deceptive marketing, and to order reimbursement of legal costs. The complaint does not seek monetary damages or class certification.

Context and evidence cited

IRAdvocates cites a University of Nottingham study published in 2025 that reported forced and child labour at mining sites in the DRC linked to suppliers in Apple’s chain. The group notes prior litigation over sourcing practices: it has previously sued technology companies over cobalt sourcing in the United States, a case that was dismissed last year, and a separate complaint brought by the DRC in France was dropped in December for lack of evidence. A related criminal complaint in Belgium remains under investigation.

Apple’s response and company disclosures

Apple has repeatedly denied sourcing minerals from conflict zones or using forced labour, citing supplier audits and its supplier code of conduct. In December the company said there was "no reasonable basis" to conclude that any smelters or refiners in its supply chain financed armed groups in the DRC or neighbouring countries. Apple also reports that 76 percent of the cobalt in its devices was recycled in 2024; IRAdvocates contends the company’s accounting allows recycled material to be mixed with ore from conflict zones.

Regional impact

Authorities in the DRC say armed groups in the eastern part of the country use mineral proceeds to fund a conflict that has killed and displaced large numbers of people. The DRC supplies a substantial share of the world’s cobalt and significant volumes of tin, tantalum and tungsten used in phones, batteries and computers. Tighter controls on mining and trade aimed at cutting off armed groups have also put pressure on global supplies.

Responses sought

The three named smelters and the governments of the DRC and Rwanda did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Apple did not immediately comment on the latest complaint.

Note: The lawsuit alleges connections based on investigators' reports and academic research; the allegations have not been adjudicated in court.