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

Canonical page: https://technooptimist.io/stories/us-supreme-court-declines-apache-stronghold-appeal-over-the-oak-flat-801df39c
Date: 27 May 2025
About: [Rio Tinto](https://technooptimist.io/companies/rio-tinto.md) · [Resolution Copper](https://technooptimist.io/materials/resolution-copper.md)
Original source: https://eos.org/research-and-developments/supreme-court-rejects-tribal-appeal-to-halt-planned-copper-mine

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.

## Key facts

- 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.

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