Supreme Court Rejects Appeal to Halt Copper Mining Project at Sacred Apache Site

Strategic Insights -

The US Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed an appeal from Apaches who sought to halt a massive copper mining project on land they consider sacred. The project, led by Resolution Copper, plans to extract what it claims is the second-largest known copper deposit in the world from the Tonto National Forest, known as Oak Flat. The land swap, approved by Congress in 2014, will give Resolution Copper 3.75 square miles of forest land in exchange for eight parcels it owns in Arizona. Apache Stronghold, a group representing the San Carlos Apache Tribe, has argued that the project will result in the destruction of the site in violation of its members' religious rights.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Supreme Court justices rejected an appeal from Apaches to halt the massive copper mining project on Oak Flat, a sacred site for the Apache tribes.
  • The project, led by Resolution Copper, is expected to extract an estimated 40 billion pounds of copper over its lifetime.
  • The company estimates the mine will generate $1 billion a year for Arizona's economy and create thousands of local jobs.
  • Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote in dissent, describing the decision as a "grievous mistake" that will "turn Oak Flat into a massive hole in the ground."
  • The Apache tribes consider Oak Flat essential to their spiritual well-being, and the site is dotted with ancient oak groves and traditional plants.
  • Victoria Peacey, general manager of Resolution Copper, stated that the company has made "major changes" to the mining plan to reduce the impact on the Apache tribes.
  • Justice Samuel Alito recused himself from the case due to owning between $15,000 and $50,000 worth of BHP stock.
  • The land swap was approved by Congress in 2014, and the required environmental review was issued in the final days of the first Trump administration.

Statistics:

  • 40 billion pounds: estimated amount of copper to be mined over the lifetime of the project
  • $1 billion: estimated annual economic impact on Arizona's economy
  • 3.75 square miles: amount of forest land to be given to Resolution Copper in the land swap
  • $15,000 - $50,000: estimated value of BHP stock owned by Justice Samuel Alito
  • 8 parcels: number of lands owned by Resolution Copper in Arizona
  • 40 years: estimated lifetime of the copper mining project

Sources:

  • (Washington AP)
  • (ABC News)
  • (The New York Times)
  • (Apache Stronghold)
  • (Resolution Copper)