San Carlos Apache Tribe Seeks U.S. Supreme Court Intervention Against Resolution Copper

The conflict between the San Carlos Apache tribe and Resolution Copper has escalated, with the tribe now asking the U.S. Supreme Court to step in. This follows a June decision by the Arizona Supreme Court allowing the mining company to discharge treated wastewater into Queen Creek—a ruling the tribe strongly disputes.

The San Carlos Apache argue that since the copper mine hasn’t started operations, stricter regulations under the federal Clean Water Act should apply, as reported by AZPM. Their main concern revolves around Oak Flat, a sacred site slated for mining, which they’ve fought to protect for years, fearing irreparable harm to this cherished land.

Meanwhile, Apache Stronghold, a group within the tribe, has filed a separate petition to block the federal government from transferring Oak Flat to Resolution Copper. They argue that the transfer would violate the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, as it would lead to the desecration of their sacred site.

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