The Democratic Republic of Congo is giving US tech giant Apple three weeks to answer questions about the use of illegally mined minerals in its products, the country's Ministry of Communication and Media said in a statement.
"The Democratic Republic of Congo's concerns relate to ongoing worry about the company's use of minerals extracted illegally and in violation of human rights on its territory. Clear answers from Apple and its subsidiaries in France should be received within three weeks," the ministry noted.
The illegal trade in ores contributes to large-scale money laundering. Smuggling activities affect the transparency of supply chains for raw materials used in the production of cars, aircrafts, electronics and renewable energy.