News Summary
A U.S. appeals court has temporarily blocked the transfer of federal forest land in Arizona to international mining companies, impacting the contentious copper mining project at Oak Flat. The decision came from appeals by the San Carlos Apache Tribe and environmentalists arguing for the preservation of the culturally significant area. While supporters claim economic benefits, opponents see it as vital for Indigenous rights and environmental protection. The 9th Circuit Court will hear further arguments later this year.
Arizona – A U.S. appeals court has temporarily blocked the transfer of federal forest land in Arizona to international mining companies, halting a major copper mining project slated for one of the region’s culturally significant areas. The land transfer was scheduled to occur on Tuesday but has been postponed due to a temporary injunction issued by a panel of judges with the 9th U.S. District Court of Appeals.
This injunction arises from appeals made by the San Carlos Apache Tribe and environmental groups who argue for the preservation of the land known as Oak Flat. The area is historically important to the San Carlos Apache people and other Native American tribes, serving as a site for religious ceremonies and the gathering of medicinal plants.
The San Carlos Apache Tribe has welcomed the court’s decision, viewing it as a victory for Indigenous rights and environmental protection. In contrast, President Donald Trump has criticized the judicial ruling, claiming it could hinder job creation and the United States’ ability to rely on domestic copper sources. He blamed “radical left activists” for causing the delay.
The contentious history concerning Oak Flat stretches back nearly 20 years, primarily surrounding the environmental review process for the proposed mining project. The U.S. Forest Service had released an environmental review earlier this summer, but this document is currently under scrutiny by the plaintiffs, who assert that it fails to address critical potential risks associated with the mine operations, such as dam breaches and pipeline failures.
Opponents of the mining project, including advocates from Apache Stronghold, regard Oak Flat as a sacred site that is integral to their cultural heritage. They argue that the protection of the area is paramount, not only for the Apache but for the broader preservation of the environment. The Resolution Copper project, which is a joint venture of the mining companies Rio Tinto and BHP, estimates it could bring in $1 billion annually to Arizona’s economy and generate thousands of jobs in the region.
Supporters of the mine maintain that extensive consultations with local tribes and communities have been conducted, asserting that the project received careful review to mitigate environmental impacts and respect cultural significance. They emphasize the importance of balancing economic development with environmental protection.
The 9th Circuit Court has indicated plans to hear further arguments related to this case later in the year, ensuring the ongoing debate surrounding Oak Flat will continue to unfold. The proposed mine is located approximately 60 miles east of Phoenix, near the town of Superior.
The land transfer itself was mandated by Congress as part of a national defense spending bill that was signed into law in 2014 by then-President Barack Obama. Since then, various legislative efforts aimed at withdrawing the Oak Flat area from mining activities have not seen success.
In a statement, the president has vowed to expedite the appeal process in the Ninth Circuit Court to reverse the injunction and push forward with the mining project. The case is emblematic of the ongoing struggle between economic development and environmental and cultural preservation in the face of industrial growth.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- AP News: Arizona Oak Flat Copper Mining
- CNBC: Trump Slams Anti-American Pushback Over Arizona Project
- Fox Business: Trump Blasts Appeals Court on Copper Land Transfer
- AZ Central: Appeals Court Blocks Land Swap for Copper Mine
- Pinal Central: US Appeals Court Blocks Land Transfer for Copper Mine
- Wikipedia: Copper Mining in the United States
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Copper
- Google Search: Oak Flat Copper Mine
- Google Scholar: Arizona Copper Mining
- Google News: Arizona Copper Mine
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
