06:44 AM EST, 12/18/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Apple ( AAPL ) strongly disputed allegations of using conflict minerals in its products and told suppliers earlier this year to stop buying such minerals from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, Reuters reported Tuesday citing a company statement.

The statement came in response to a complaint filed against the company in France and Belgium by the Congolese government, accusing it of using conflict minerals laundered through international supply chains, Reuters said.

Apple ( AAPL ) said it told its suppliers to stop buying tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold from the two countries amid an escalation of conflict in the region, according to the report.

The company did not immediately respond to MT Newswires' request for comment on the matter.

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