Apache Stronghold Asks Supreme Court to Block Rio Tinto and BHP's Oak Flat Copper Mine

Sep 11, 2024, 09:09 PM

A coalition of Western Apaches, other Native peoples, and non-Native allies traveled to the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday to request the Justices block Rio Tinto and BHP from accessing Arizona land needed for a massive copper mine. The group, known as Apache Stronghold, argues that the planned mine at Oak Flat would destroy their sacred site and end Apache religious practices. The coalition's petition aims to protect Oak Flat from the mining giant and preserve their cultural and religious heritage. Many members traveled from all over the US to the Nation's Capitol to say a prayer in hope that the Supreme Court grants their case. #SaveOakFlat.