Apache Women Appeal to Supreme Court Over Sacred Land Transfer for Copper Mining

The U.S. federal government has completed the transfer of federal forest land in Arizona, including the sacred site of Oak Flat, to Resolution Copper, a subsidiary of international mining companies Rio Tinto and BHP. This transfer allows for the development of one of North America's largest copper deposits. The decision follows a ruling by an appeals court that dismissed challenges from the San Carlos Apache Tribe and environmental advocates, stating that their legal claims were unlikely to succeed. The court lifted an emergency injunction that had been in place since the previous summer, acknowledging that the land transfer would significantly alter the character of the area and destroy sites sacred to the Apache people and other Native American tribes.

Apache Women Appeal to Supreme Court as Sacred Land Transferred for Copper MineApache women seek court intervention as federal land is turned over for copper mining

In response to the completed transfer, a group of Apache women has filed an emergency petition with the U.S. Supreme Court, marking their final legal attempt to halt the mining project. They argue that the land, referred to as Chi’chil Bildagoteel by tribal members, has been used for centuries for religious ceremonies and the gathering of medicinal plants. The appeals court recognized the severe impact on Native religious practices but concluded that Congress mandated the transfer through provisions included in a national defense spending bill signed into law by former President Barack Obama in 2014.

Apache Women Appeal to Supreme Court as Sacred Land Transferred for Copper Mine

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, who oversees the Forest Service, stated that the project aligns with President Donald Trump's vision for energy independence. Rollins emphasized that the land exchange would unlock a significant domestic source of copper, crucial for defense and energy modernization. Resolution Copper estimates that the mining operation will generate approximately $1 billion annually for Arizona's economy and create thousands of jobs, receiving support from the local community in Superior.

Apache women seek court intervention as federal land is turned over for copper mining

Despite the project's backing, critics, including Wendsler Nosie Sr. of Apache Stronghold, have raised concerns about environmental impacts, particularly regarding water usage and potential contamination from mining activities. Nosie articulated that the struggle for Oak Flat is not only about environmental issues but also about the preservation of Native rights and religious freedoms. He stated, “The fight for Oak Flat raises critical issues about the environment and our nation’s commitment to Native rights and religious freedom.”

Apache Women Appeal to Supreme Court as Sacred Land Transferred for Copper Mine

As the legal battle continues, Resolution Copper maintains that the project has undergone extensive review and has received support from multiple presidential administrations. Vicky Peacey, the company's president and general manager, asserted that it is time for the litigation to conclude, emphasizing that courts have consistently ruled in favor of the mining operation. The outcome of the Apache women's appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court remains to be seen, as they seek to protect their sacred land from impending development.

Apache women seek court intervention as federal land is turned over for copper mining