Temporary Block on Oak Flat Land Transfer Sparks Hope for Native American Tribe

A U.S. appeals court has issued a temporary injunction blocking the transfer of federal forest land in Arizona to international mining companies, prompting celebration from the Native American tribe that has fought against the project for decades. The land includes Oak Flat, a sacred area for the San Carlos Apache people, which was scheduled to be transferred to Resolution Copper on Tuesday. The company, a subsidiary of Rio Tinto and BHP, had promised to generate $1 billion annually for Arizona's economy and create thousands of jobs. However, the tribe and environmentalists argued that the government failed to conduct a comprehensive review of the mine's potential impacts, including the risk of a dam breach or pipeline failure.

Key Takeaways:

• The 9th U.S. District Court of Appeals issued a temporary injunction blocking the transfer of Oak Flat land in Arizona to international mining companies, citing concerns over environmental and cultural impacts.
• The land transfer was scheduled to occur on Tuesday, but the injunction has paused the project, giving the court time to review the case on its merits.
• The San Carlos Apache tribe has been fighting against the mine for over two decades, citing concerns over the sacred nature of the land and the potential for environmental damage.
• Resolution Copper estimates that the mine will generate $1 billion annually for Arizona's economy and create thousands of jobs, but opponents argue that the benefits are outweighed by the risks.
• The company claims to have conducted an extensive review of the project, including consultation with tribes that have ancestral ties to the land.
• The Forest Service has argued that it has no discretion in the matter, as the land exchange was mandated by Congress in 2014.
• The appeals court plans to hear arguments on the merits of the case later this year.

Statistics:

• The land exchange involves 2,400 acres of federal forest land, including Oak Flat.
• Apache Stronghold, a group led by Wendsler Nosie Sr. and the San Carlos Apache Tribe, has been fighting against the mine for over two decades.
• The project has support in the Arizona legislature and from some local communities.
• The mine is estimated to create thousands of jobs and generate $1 billion annually for Arizona's economy.
• The land exchange was mandated by Congress in 2014 as part of a national defense spending bill.

Sources:

• "A U.S. appeals court has blocked transfer of Arizona land to copper mining giants over Native American concerns." The Associated Press (AP). 2025.
• "Native American tribe celebrates pause in fight against copper mine." Arizona Republic. 2025.
• Apache Stronghold. [Social media statement shared by Wendsler Nosie Sr.]
• Resolution Copper. [Company statement]
• U.S. Forest Service. [Court filings]