News Summary
A U.S. appeals court has temporarily halted the transfer of federal forest land in Arizona to Resolution Copper Mining Company, delaying plans for mining at Oak Flat. This site is of great cultural significance to the San Carlos Apache Tribe, who have fought to protect their sacred land against potential environmental harm. The ruling comes after appeals from environmentalists and the tribe, amid calls from President Trump to prioritize job creation and economic opportunity. Legal proceedings will continue later this year to address the complexities surrounding the land transfer.
Arizona – A U.S. appeals court has issued a temporary injunction preventing the transfer of federal forest land in Arizona to Resolution Copper Mining Company, delaying plans to mine one of North America’s largest copper deposits. The court’s decision comes ahead of a scheduled transfer set for Tuesday and follows last-minute appeals from environmentalists and the San Carlos Apache Tribe, who claim the land is sacred and integral to their cultural practices.
The land in question includes Oak Flat, a site that holds immense religious significance for the San Carlos Apache and other Native American tribes. The tribe has historically relied on Oak Flat for religious ceremonies, prayer, and the gathering of medicinal plants. Following the court’s decision, the tribe expressed relief and described the move as a protective measure for their sacred land.
President Donald Trump criticized the court’s ruling, arguing that it poses a setback for job creation and domestic copper access. He attributed the delay to what he termed “radical left activists,” emphasizing the potential economic benefits that the mine could bring.
The ongoing legal dispute over Oak Flat has spanned nearly two decades, primarily focusing on the need for comprehensive environmental reviews and accurate land appraisals. Opponents of the mine have raised concerns about potential environmental risks, including dam breaches, pipeline failures, and insufficient emergency plans in relation to mine waste storage.
Members of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, along with supporters from Apache Stronghold, have stated their optimism that their combined prayers and legal strategies are producing positive results. The appeals court has scheduled hearings on the case later this year, which will further address the complexities surrounding the land transfer.
This situation has historical roots, originating from a congressional approval in 2014 for the land exchange, which was part of a must-pass national defense spending bill signed by then-President Barack Obama. This initial agreement has led to criticisms regarding inadequate environmental evaluations and valuations of the deep copper deposits.
Resolution Copper, a partnership between mining giants Rio Tinto and BHP, claims that the mine could generate approximately $1 billion annually and provide thousands of jobs for the state of Arizona. Supporters of the mine, including the local community in Superior, Arizona, highlight the economic advantages the project could bring.
In contrast, the U.S. Forest Service has maintained that it is obligated to proceed with the land exchange as mandated by Congress, despite the ongoing environmental objections and protests from the San Carlos Apache Tribe and Apache Stronghold. Efforts to withdraw Oak Flat from any future mining activities have thus far been unsuccessful.
As the legal process unfolds, the case surrounding the Oak Flat land transfer continues to highlight a significant intersection between economic development and cultural preservation. With hearings set and differing perspectives at play, the outcome remains uncertain, prompting ongoing advocacy from those who seek to protect this historically and culturally significant land.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- AP News: Arizona’s Oak Flat
- WAVY News: Judge Denies Oak Flat Transfer
- Denver Post: Oak Flat Copper Mine
- Washington Post: Supreme Court and Oak Flat
- Wikipedia: Oak Flat
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.
