PARIS, May 22 - International lawyers representing the Democratic Republic of Congo have announced new evidence from whistleblowers indicating that Apple (AAPL.O) may be sourcing minerals from conflict areas in the eastern part of the country. The lawyers have urged Apple to address these concerns about its supply chain and mentioned they are considering legal action.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the legal team from Amsterdam & Partners LLP revealed that they notified Apple CEO Tim Cook on April 22 about various issues related to Apple's mineral sourcing practices. They also reached out to Apple's subsidiaries in France, requesting responses within three weeks. However, the lawyers stated that Apple has not responded or acknowledged their inquiries.

Apple has not yet commented on the matter.

The allegations, if substantiated, could have significant implications for the tech giant, which has previously committed to ethical sourcing practices. The situation highlights ongoing concerns about the ethical implications of sourcing minerals from conflict zones, a topic of increasing scrutiny in the tech industry.

The Congolese government and its representatives are pushing for transparency and accountability, seeking to ensure that multinational corporations adhere to responsible sourcing standards. This development could potentially lead to legal proceedings if Apple continues to remain unresponsive.