"Blood minerals"

Congo demands information on supply chains from Apple

According to the law firm, Apple cannot credibly prove the origin of its minerals.(Bild: AP/Marc Hofer)

The Democratic Republic of Congo is demanding more information from Apple about its supply chains in view of the unclear origin of some raw materials. There are concerns that some minerals originate from conflict zones, the lawyers commissioned by the Central African country announced on Thursday.

"Although Apple has given assurances that it will verify the origin of the minerals, these allegations do not appear to be based on verifiable evidence," explained the law firm Amsterdam & Partners.

The production of certain minerals in the eastern neighboring country of Rwanda is almost zero - yet large technology companies claim that their minerals come from there, it continued.

The electronics giant referred to a company report on the subject, according to which suppliers in the region had not financed or supported any armed groups. The governments of Rwanda and Congo did not initially respond to inquiries.