U.S. Judge Blocks Land Transfer for Rio Tinto's Arizona Mine

Published 8 hours agoRIO

U.S. Judge Blocks Land Transfer for Rio Tinto's Arizona Mine

A U.S. federal judge has temporarily stopped the transfer of land to mining giants Rio Tinto and BHP for the Resolution Copper mine project in Arizona. This decision comes as a response to concerns over potential irreparable harm to Native American religious rights, specifically those related to the San Carlos Apache tribe's sacred site at Oak Flat Campground, which is located above a massive copper reserve.

The legal proceedings are currently at a critical juncture. The Apache Stronghold, an advocacy group, has appealed to the Supreme Court, aiming to protect the land while the judicial review is underway. The judge's latest ruling ensures that the contested transfer will not proceed during this period. This legal battle is significant as the proposed mine could meet a sizable portion of the U.S. copper demand, highlighting the ongoing tension between economic benefits and cultural preservation.

Resolution Copper, the partnership behind the mining project, has acknowledged the court's temporary order and is monitoring the Supreme Court's forthcoming decision. The company has highlighted the mine's importance for enhancing America's energy resources and supporting national security. This pause provides a crucial window for reevaluating the balance between development and cultural heritage.

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U.S. Judge Blocks Land Transfer for Rio Tinto's Arizona Mine

U.S. Judge Blocks Land Transfer for Rio Tinto's Arizona Mine

A U.S. federal judge has temporarily stopped the transfer of land to mining giants Rio Tinto and BHP for the Resolution Copper mine project in Arizona. This decision comes as a response to concerns over potential irreparable harm to Native American religious rights, specifically those related to the San Carlos Apache tribe's sacred site at Oak Flat Campground, which is located above a massive copper reserve. The legal proceedings are currently at a critical juncture. The Apache Stronghold, an advocacy group, has appealed to the Supreme Court, aiming to protect the land while the judicial review is underway. The judge's latest ruling ensures that the contested transfer will not proceed during this period. This legal battle is significant as the proposed mine could meet a sizable portion of the U.S. copper demand, highlighting the ongoing tension between economic benefits and cultural preservation. Resolution Copper, the partnership behind the mining project, has acknowledged the court's temporary order and is monitoring the Supreme Court's forthcoming decision. The company has highlighted the mine's importance for enhancing America's energy resources and supporting national security. This pause provides a crucial window for reevaluating the balance between development and cultural heritage.