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Judge Blocks Oak Flat Land Swap Pending Supreme Court Review

The injunction halts the transfer of sacred Apache land for a copper mine until the Supreme Court addresses an appeal by Apache Stronghold.

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FILE - Mine shafts nine, right, and 10, left, tower over the Resolution Copper Mining Company facility, on June 9, 2023, in Miami, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York, File)
Members of Apache and others who want to halt a massive copper mining project on federal land in Arizona gather outside the U.S. District Court, Wednesday, May 7, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
San Carlos Apache member Donna Cracium protests a massive copper mining project on federal land in Arizona outside the U.S. District Court, Wednesday, May 7, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Overview

  • U.S. District Judge Steven P. Logan issued an injunction on May 9, 2025, pausing the Oak Flat land swap and environmental review process.
  • The injunction remains in effect until the Supreme Court decides whether to hear Apache Stronghold’s appeal or rules on the case if accepted.
  • Apache Stronghold argues the land swap violates the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, citing the site's significance to Apache religious practices.
  • Resolution Copper claims the project is critical for U.S. energy needs and could contribute $1 billion annually to Arizona’s economy while creating thousands of jobs.
  • The proposed mining method would create a massive crater, threatening ancient oaks, water sources, and wildlife on the sacred site.