In a significant move, the U.S. Forest Service has officially transferred ownership of Oak Flat to Resolution Copper. This marks a pivotal moment in a long-standing debate over a proposed mining project in Arizona, which has faced resistance from local tribes and environmental groups.
The land exchange, finalized on Monday, follows a recent decision by a federal appeals court that denied an injunction aimed at halting the mining project. The San Carlos Apache Tribe, among other opponents, has declared Oak Flat a sacred site, expressing deep concerns over the environmental and cultural impacts of the mining activities.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture highlights the national importance of this project. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins stated, “Completing this land exchange unlocks a major domestic source of copper, essential for defense, grid modernization, and next-generation energy.”
Oak Flat is situated at the edge of the Tonto National Forest and contains copper reserves valued at an estimated $150 billion. Despite the economic potential, mining operations would significantly disrupt lands used for religious ceremonies by the Apache and other tribes.
The area has been under protection from mining since an executive order by President Dwight Eisenhower. However, this protection was removed in 2014 when the late Sen. John McCain included a provision in a defense bill permitting the land exchange.
Resolution Copper predicts the site could produce up to 40 billion pounds of copper over four decades. The company, co-owned by British-Australian mining firms Rio Tinto and BHP, has emphasized its commitment to environmental reviews and tribal consultations. “This review has included extensive consultation and collaboration with numerous Native American tribes,” said Resolution Copper President Vicky Peacey.
Economic and strategic considerations play a significant role in the discourse surrounding the Oak Flat development. The U.S. produced 1 million tons of copper in 2025, but demand far exceeds domestic production, necessitating imports. Copper remains crucial for numerous industries, from telecommunications to military applications.
Opponents argue that the project threatens national security due to its partial ownership by foreign entities, including significant Chinese interests. The Aluminum Corporation of China, a state-owned enterprise, holds a substantial share in Rio Tinto, raising concerns about the global copper supply chain.
In Congress, views vary widely. Some representatives, like Rep. Adelita Grijalva, oppose the land swap, characterizing it as a violation of tribal sovereignty. Conversely, others, including Rep. Eli Crane, advocate for the mine’s economic benefits and its contribution to reducing reliance on foreign minerals.
As legal battles continue, the future of Oak Flat remains uncertain, with stakeholders on all sides closely watching the developments. “We’ll have to wait and see, once all the litigation plays out, whether or not this mine ever truly goes through,” said Russ McSpadden from the Center for Biological Diversity.
