Supreme ​Court rejects apache Challenge to arizona Copper Mine

Updated May 29, 2025

The Supreme Court has declined to hear a religious challenge ⁣from the​ Apache Stronghold regarding the construction of a massive copper mine on Oak Flat in arizona. The area is⁣ considered sacred land by the tribe.

the decision leaves in place a ​lower court ​ruling against the tribe, marking a significant setback for those who argue the mine would violate their ⁢religious rights by destroying a unique sacred site used for Apache ceremonies. The‍ proposed resolution Copper mine is‌ a joint⁣ venture by Rio Tinto and BHP Group.

The U.S. Forest Service can now proceed with issuing a final environmental ⁣impact ⁤report and consider public comments before deciding on transferring⁢ the land to‌ Resolution Copper. The copper mine project ‍has faced years of ‍legal challenges.

Wendsler Nosie Sr., an Apache elder and leader of Apache Stronghold, stated⁢ the group will continue to defend the land, located​ about 70 ⁣miles east ⁣of Phoenix, through further court battles and appeals to Congress.

“We will never stop fighting — nothing will deter ‍us from protecting Oak Flat from destruction,” Nosie said. “We urge Congress to take decisive action to stop this injustice while we press forward in the courts.”

Vicky Peacey, Resolution Copper’s general⁢ manager, welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision. She said the⁣ Resolution Copper mine ⁣is ​vital to securing America’s​ energy future, infrastructure needs, and⁣ national defense with a domestic supply of copper and other critical minerals.

Peacey added that the project has significant community support and‌ could become one of the largest copper mines in⁢ America, adding $1 billion ⁢a year⁤ to ⁢Arizona’s economy and creating ⁣thousands of local jobs.

While the high court’s majority ⁢did not articulate⁤ a ⁣stance, Justice Neil M. Gorsuch, joined by Justice Clarence Thomas, dissented, calling the‍ decision “a grievous mistake” with lasting consequences. Gorsuch⁣ argued the court would have heard the case if a historic cathedral were threatened rather of a Native ‍American sacred‌ site.

Justice Samuel A. ⁣Alito Jr. did not participate in the case.

The case involves federal land use,religious liberty,and balancing corporate interests with environmental concerns. It has also united conservative religious organizations and liberal environmental groups in support of⁤ the Apache.

At the heart of the‍ Apache challenge is the argument that the‌ mine would obliterate their ‌ability to practise their religion. Oak Flat, near the San carlos Apache Indian Reservation, is used for religious ceremonies. the Apache believe⁢ the ​land is blessed ​and home to spiritual guardians. Researchers have found the site archaeologically significant to multiple tribes.