Apple Disputes Conflict Minerals Allegations

(Reuters) – Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) on Tuesday stated that it strongly disputes allegations of using conflict minerals in its products. Earlier this year, the company instructed suppliers to cease purchasing these minerals from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.

In a statement to Reuters, Apple clarified that its suppliers' smelters and refiners must stop acquiring tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold from the two countries due to escalating conflict in the region.

This statement was made in response to a criminal complaint filed against the company in France and Belgium, where the Congolese government accused Apple of using conflict minerals that have been laundered through international supply chains.