Supreme Court Allows Arizona Copper Mine on Sacred Apache Land
The Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal from Apache tribes seeking to prevent the transfer of Oak Flat, a sacred site in Arizona, to Resolution Copper for a massive mining project. Lower courts allowed the land transfer, which would destroy the site considered essential to the Apaches’ spiritual well-being. Justice Gorsuch dissented, calling the decision a “grievous mistake,” while the majority left in place rulings allowing the mining operation to proceed. This decision follows a 2014 land swap approved by Congress and despite ongoing legal challenges by the Apache Stronghold group. The mining project promises significant economic benefits but faces strong opposition from tribal members and environmental advocates.
John Q. Hosedrinker