DR Congo to crack down on companies buying conflict minerals

The Democratic Republic of Congo plans to crack down on companies that purchase or source minerals from its conflict-ridden eastern region, where smuggling is exacerbating one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises.

The government has already cautioned Apple Inc. that its acquisition of metals like tin, tantalum, and gold could be tied to violence in Congo and smuggled through neighbouring Rwanda, Bloomberg reported.

In April, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) raised concerns with Apple Inc. that the company's supply chain may be adulterated by conflict minerals.

Apple has been addressing such allegations for years. Back in 2016, the company stated it had begun conducting thorough audits of its suppliers to ensure they complied with regulations related to minerals linked to violent militia groups.

According to Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, investigations are now being extended to other companies, though she did not specify any names.

Eastern Congo's vast mineral wealth has fueled conflict for nearly three decades, ever since fighting from the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide spilt across the border. The region is the world's largest source of tantalum, a critical component in portable electronics.

Mineral smuggling from eastern provinces is costing the Democratic Republic of Congo billions of dollars, according to Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba.

Earlier this year, the rebel group M23 seized control of Rubaya, Congo's largest tantalum mine. Congo, along with the US and UN experts, accuses Rwanda of sending thousands of troops to support M23, one of over 100 militias operating in eastern Congo. Rwanda, however, denies these accusations.