The Democratic Republic of Congo has filed criminal complaints in France and Belgium against subsidiaries of the tech giant Apple, accusing it of using conflict minerals.
Acting on behalf of the Congolese government, lawyers have argued that Apple is complicit in crimes committed by armed groups that control some of the mines in the east of DR Congo.
Apple has said it "strongly disputes" the claims and that it is "deeply committed to responsible sourcing" of minerals.
The authorities in France and Belgium will now look at whether there is enough evidence to take the legal action further.
In a statement, the lawyers for the DR Congo talked about Apple's supply chain being contaminated with "blood minerals".
They allege that the tin, tantalum and tungsten is taken from conflict areas and then "laundered through international supply chains".
"These activities have fuelled a cycle of violence and conflict by financing militias and terrorist groups and have contributed to forced child labour and environmental devastation."
Apple rejected the accusations saying it holds its "suppliers to the highest standards in industry".
A spokesman told the BBC: "As conflict in the region escalated earlier this year we notified our suppliers that their smelters and refiners must suspend sourcing tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold from the DRC and Rwanda.
"We took this action because we were concerned it was no longer possible for independent auditors or industry certification mechanisms to perform the due diligence required to meet our high standards."
The east of DR Congo is a major source of minerals and the global thirst for them has fuelled wars there for decades.
Rights groups have long alleged that large quantities of minerals from legitimate mines, as well as from facilities run by armed groups, are transported to neighbouring Rwanda and end up in our phones and computers.
Rwanda has in the past described the Congolese government's legal action against Apple as a media stunt.
It has denied selling any conflict minerals to the tech company.
Latest Stories
-
Put in place stringent safety measures to prevent future hooliganism acts – MP for Berekum West tells GFA
2 minutes -
I’ll sue if my name or property is included in ORAL findings – Afenyo-Markin
9 minutes -
We have ‘death traps’ as match venues – MP for Bolga Central Isaac Adongo
9 minutes -
Mason jailed 3 years for causing damage to $35,900 vehicle
11 minutes -
I’ll not be a puppet – Sophia Akuffo on her role in Mahama’s Council of State
12 minutes -
Peace Council, mission schools reach consensus on hijab useĀ
16 minutes -
Small-scale miners condemn burning of excavators, demand probeĀ
20 minutes -
Isaac Adongo urges Parliament to ‘take on’ GFA for safety measures ahead of GPL resumption
23 minutes -
No football without rigorous protocols – Isaac Adongo tells GFA
25 minutes -
Sammy Awuku links hooliganism to poor officiating, calls on GFA for action
41 minutes -
NPRA sacks NPP Central Regional Secretary
47 minutes -
Typhoid cases surge in Nanumba North amid water crisis
1 hour -
Gregory Afoko files fresh bail application after 9 years on remand
1 hour -
Specify where buffers were located in sinking fund for DDEP payments – Kwakye Ofosu to NPP
1 hour -
NUGS announces demo against WAEC
1 hour