Apple, along with several other major technology companies, is facing a lawsuit over alleged human rights abuses linked to the mining of cobalt in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The lawsuit, filed in the United States on behalf of families in the DRC, accuses Apple and other tech giants of benefiting from child labor and dangerous working conditions in the cobalt mining industry, a critical supply chain component for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries used in devices like iPhones, laptops, and electric vehicles.
Cobalt, a key ingredient in battery production, is abundant in the DRC, which produces over 70% of the world’s supply. However, much of the mining is conducted under unsafe and exploitative conditions. Artisanal miners, including children as young as six, often work in hazardous environments, digging by hand and using rudimentary tools. The lawsuit claims that these children are exposed to life-threatening risks, including tunnel collapses and exposure to toxic substances.
The plaintiffs argue that Apple and other companies, such as Google, Microsoft, and Tesla, have failed to ensure ethical sourcing of cobalt despite knowing about the widespread use of child labor in the DRC. The lawsuit alleges that these firms have indirectly profited from exploitative labor practices through their suppliers, who source cobalt from artisanal mines without adequate safeguards.
Human rights organizations have long criticized the cobalt supply chain, calling for greater transparency and accountability. The lawsuit highlights the gap between corporate commitments to ethical sourcing and the reality on the ground. While Apple has stated that it is committed to responsible sourcing and has taken steps to audit its supply chains, critics argue that these measures are insufficient to address systemic issues in the mining sector.
For the DRC, this case underscores the broader challenges of managing its vast natural resources. While cobalt mining contributes significantly to the country’s economy, corruption, weak governance, and lack of enforcement of labor laws have allowed abuses to persist.
The lawsuit seeks damages for the affected families and aims to pressure tech companies to take more meaningful action in addressing human rights abuses in their supply chains. It also serves as a stark reminder of the ethical dilemmas underlying the global push for green technology and digital innovation, which relies heavily on resources from developing nations. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for holding corporations accountable for supply chain practices in the future.
