A U.S.-based human rights group has filed a lawsuit alleging that Apple continues to source cobalt, tin, tungsten, and tantalum from mining regions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) tied to armed conflict, child labor, and severe human rights abuses. The filing argues that Apple’s “clean supply chain” claims are misleading, pointing to global data showing that about 70% of the world’s cobalt—a critical material for smartphones, laptops, and EV batteries—comes from the DRC. Amnesty International and the UN have repeatedly documented hazardous artisanal mining pits, forced labor, and fatal accidents, with an estimated 40,000 children involved in cobalt extraction. The DRC’s mineral trade has also been linked to revenue streams that fund armed groups responsible for regional violence.
The lawsuit further claims that Apple’s auditing and supplier monitoring systems have “significant gaps,” echoing broader concerns across the tech and EV industries. Globally, demand for cobalt is expected to triple by 2030 due to the clean energy transition, putting companies under greater scrutiny to ensure responsible sourcing. The case could set a major precedent for corporate accountability, pushing electronics and automakers to invest more heavily in traceability technologies, third-party verification, and recycling pathways. It also intensifies pressure for a shift toward cobalt-free battery chemistries, which companies like Tesla, CATL, and Panasonic are already developing to reduce both environmental and ethical risks. More