Supreme Court Upholds Copper Mine Project on Sacred Apache Land
By Mark Sherman, Associated Press
The Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal from the San Carlos Apache Tribe aimed at stopping a controversial copper mining project on Arizona’s Oak Flat, a site of deep spiritual significance to the Apaches. The court’s decision maintains lower court rulings that facilitate the transfer of federal land to Resolution Copper, a subsidiary of mining giants Rio Tinto and BHP, which plans to exploit what is believed to be the second-largest copper deposit globally.
Justice Neil Gorsuch, joined by Justice Clarence Thomas in dissent, criticized the ruling, calling it a “grievous mistake” and expressing concern over the loss of access to a site historically protected by the government. The Apaches argue that the land transfer violates their religious rights and will devastate their cultural heritage.
The mining operation, projected to yield 40 billion pounds of copper, is backed by local communities who anticipate significant economic benefits, including thousands of jobs and an estimated $1 billion yearly contribution to Arizona’s economy.
Despite a change in administration that introduced further reviews, the legal battle continues, reflecting a clash between economic interests and indigenous rights.
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