Supreme Court rejects Native religious challenge to Arizona copper mine

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal by the nonprofit group Apache Stronghold over the proposed Resolution Copper mine in Arizona, which would destroy Oak Flat, a sacred Apache site used for ceremonies, according to a report by NBC News. The nonprofit group argued the project violates tribal members’ religious rights under the First Amendment and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

Resolution Copper, a joint venture of Rio Tinto and BHP, said it has held “extensive consultation” with tribes and will continue dialogue. Wendsler Nosie Sr., a member of Apache Stronghold, issued a statement saying the fight would continue and urging Congress to intervene.

Justices Neil Gorsuch and Clarence Thomas dissented, with Gorsuch calling the decision a “grievous mistake.” The case centers on a 2014 law transferring federal land to Resolution Copper for mining development.