Particle.news
Download on the App Store
3 ARTICLES
·
3w ago

U.S. Forest Service Moves Forward on Contested Oak Flat Land Transfer

The agency's notice to finalize environmental review triggers a 60-day period for the Supreme Court to decide on a Native American group's appeal to block the transfer.

Members of the Native American group Apache Stronghold hold protest cards ahead of formally asking the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn an earlier ruling allowing Rio Tinto to develop the Resolution Copper mine in Arizona, outside the court in Washington, U.S., September 11, 2024. REUTERS/Piroschka van de Wouw/File Photo
A view shows the BHP Limited logo at their headquarters in Melbourne, Australia, March 24, 2025. REUTERS/Hollie Adams

Overview

  • The U.S. Forest Service has announced it will publish a final environmental review and draft decision on the transfer of Oak Flat to Resolution Copper within two months.
  • Apache Stronghold, representing members of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, has a pending appeal before the U.S. Supreme Court to halt the transfer under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
  • The proposed copper mine could meet a quarter of U.S. copper demand, generate $1 billion annually for Arizona's economy, and create thousands of jobs, according to Resolution Copper.
  • Native American groups and environmentalists oppose the project, citing the sacredness of Oak Flat and concerns over severe environmental degradation.
  • The Supreme Court's decision during the 60-day notice period will determine whether the land transfer proceeds or is delayed for further legal review.