US Supreme Court declines Apache Stronghold appeal over the Oak Flat copper mine

Rio Tinto/Resolution Copper

The Supreme Court refused to hear Apache Stronghold's religious-freedom challenge to the transfer of Oak Flat to Resolution Copper, the Rio Tinto-BHP venture. Justices Gorsuch and Thomas dissented. The decision let the Forest Service move toward a final environmental review and the land transfer.

• The deposit grades about 1.5% copper.
• Gorsuch called the denial a 'grievous mistake'.
• Next steps: final environmental impact statement and decision on the transfer.