Supreme Court Upholds Controversial Copper Mining Project on Sacred Apache Land
Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Supreme Court has denied an appeal from Apache tribes seeking to block a large-scale copper mining project in Arizona’s Oak Flat, an area they consider sacred. The ruling affirms lower court decisions that allow the federal land, part of Tonto National Forest, to be transferred to Resolution Copper, which aims to extract what is touted as the world’s second-largest copper deposit. Dissenting views, notably from Justice Neil Gorsuch, highlighted concerns over the loss of access and protection for the significant cultural site, emphasizing the federal government’s duty to safeguard the land.
Members of Apache Stronghold, representing the San Carlos Apache Tribe, argue that the mining operation violates their religious rights and threatens sacred traditions. Wendsler Nosie Sr. called the Supreme Court’s decision a "heavy blow," yet expressed determination to continue the fight and called for congressional action.
Resolution Copper, backed by mining giants Rio Tinto and BHP, claims the project will boost Arizona’s economy, potentially generating $1 billion annually and creating thousands of jobs. While local support exists, the emotional and cultural stakes remain high for the tribes involved, sparking ongoing conflict over the land’s future.
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