Overview
- The land swap needed for Rio Tinto and BHP’s Resolution Copper project was set for today before a panel issued a temporary injunction late Monday.
- Plaintiffs argue the government must complete a comprehensive review of the mine and all related infrastructure before any transfer proceeds.
- Their filings cite unaddressed risks including potential dam breach, pipeline failure, and contingency planning for tailings storage.
- Resolution Copper says an 11-year NEPA process led by the U.S. Forest Service included extensive Tribal and agency consultation and produced major plan changes.
- President Donald Trump criticized the ruling on Truth Social, saying 3,800 jobs are affected and that an expedited appeal to the Ninth Circuit will be sought.