The U.S. Forest Service announced on Thursday that it will soon publish a final environmental review along with a draft decision concerning a significant land transfer in Arizona. This transfer would facilitate a large-scale copper mining project that has become a focal point of contention, particularly among Native American groups who regard the land as sacred. The area in question, Oak Flat, is part of the Tonto National Forest and holds deep spiritual significance for the San Carlos Apache Tribe.

This move by the federal agency comes after a court order mandated a two-month notice period before the official release of documents associated with the land transfer to Resolution Copper, a company poised to undertake the mining operations.

At the forefront of the opposition is Apache Stronghold, a coalition advocating for the rights and beliefs of the Apache people. They have filed an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Luke Goodrich, an attorney representing Apache Stronghold, stated, This makes the stakes crystal clear: if the court doesnt act now, Oak Flat could be transferred and destroyed before justice can be served.

The Apache Stronghold's legal battle began in 2021 when they initiated a lawsuit against the U.S. government, invoking the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Their aim is to safeguard Chichil Bildagoteel, a revered site featuring ancient oak trees and native plants that are integral to Apache spiritual practices.

That same year, an environmental impact survey concerning the mining project was retracted. This occurred while the U.S. Department of Agriculture, under the Biden administration, engaged in extensive consultations with tribal leaders and community members to address their concerns about the proposed mining activities.

In 2024, tensions escalated when an appellate court panel declined to halt the pivotal land transfer that would enable the mining operations. This prompted Apache Stronghold to escalate their case to the Supreme Court, seeking intervention to halt the process and protect the sacred landscape.

In a filing on Thursday, attorneys for the federal government indicated that if the Supreme Court petition remains unresolved or is granted during the 60-day timeframe following the notice, they may reassess their next steps regarding the transfer.

It is noteworthy that former President Donald Trump signed multiple executive orders aimed at boosting domestic energy and mineral production, which included a specific emphasis on copper mining. These orders have influenced the current landscape of mining policies in the United States.

Resolution Copper, which is a subsidiary of major mining corporations Rio Tinto and BHP, projects that approximately 40 billion pounds of copper could be extracted over the lifespan of the mine. They estimate that the project could generate around $1 billion annually for the Arizona economy and create thousands of job opportunities.

In light of ongoing concerns regarding potential damage to cultural resources and environmental impacts, Resolution Copper described Thursday's notice as a positive development. Vicky Peacey, the general manager of Resolution Copper, stated, Working together, we have created a plan that preserves the areas cultural heritage and natural resources and enhances recreational opportunities while creating new economic opportunities. She emphasized the importance of utilizing Arizonas resources and workforce to meet the nations energy security and infrastructure needs, particularly regarding domestic supplies of copper and other critical minerals.

Environmentalists, however, have raised alarms about the ecological ramifications of the mining project, labeling the area a biological gem. They argue that the introduction of mining activities would lead to severe environmental degradation and disrupt the delicate ecosystems present in the region. In light of these concerns, Peacey asserted that the company remains dedicated to maintaining an open dialogue with stakeholders to ensure the project is carried out responsibly and sustainably.