Apache Stronghold Appeals to Supreme Court to Halt Oak Flat Copper Mine

The case could set a precedent for Indigenous religious rights as the Apache tribe fights to protect a sacred site from destruction.

The Apache Stronghold formally presented its appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, seeking to stop a copper mine at Oak Flat, a site sacred to the Apache people.
The land transfer deal allowing Resolution Copper to mine the area was authorized by Congress in 2014 and has faced ongoing legal challenges.
Resolution Copper's mining plan would create a massive crater, destroying the sacred site and preventing future religious ceremonies.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit previously denied Apache Stronghold's request for a full hearing, prompting the appeal to the Supreme Court.
Supporters argue that the case will test the application of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and the protection of Indigenous religious rights against economic interests.