Apache group petitions Supreme Court to halt copper mine on sacred land

Apache Stronghold members are traveling across the U.S. to gather support as they petition the Supreme Court to block a copper mine on Arizona land sacred to their tribe.

Noel Lyn Smith reports for Inside Climate News.

In short:

• Apache Stronghold opposes a copper mine planned for Oak Flat, a sacred site in Arizona, arguing it violates their religious freedom.
• The group lost its appeal in lower courts but hopes the Supreme Court will hear their case, claiming the mine threatens their spiritual practices.
• The planned mine could meet 25% of U.S. copper demand but would devastate the environment, leaving a massive crater and depleting local water resources.

Key quote:

“We thought it was an Apache case. But no, it became a Native American case. It became a state case. It’s a country case. It’s a human being case.”

— Wendsler Nosie Sr., leader of Apache Stronghold.

Why this matters:

The case highlights the ongoing conflict between resource extraction and Indigenous rights, raising concerns about environmental destruction and the erosion of sacred cultural practices.

Related EHN coverage:

• Mining in Copper Country.
• Michigan proposes approval for controversial Upper Peninsula mine near sacred tribal sites.
• Mining leaves a Wisconsin tribe's hallowed sites at risk.