Supreme Court Rejects Apache Religious Site Protection Arizona Mining Proceeding

The Supreme Court declined to hear a case brought by Apache Stronghold, a Native American group seeking to block copper mining on Oak Flat, a sacred Apache religious site in Arizona. The decision, made by a 6-2 vote with Justices Neil Gorsuch and Clarence Thomas dissenting, leaves in place the Ninth Circuit's ruling that the mining project does not substantially burden the Apaches' religious exercise under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). The proposed mining would transform Oak Flat into a massive crater, destroying a site the Apache have worshiped at for over 1,500 years, which they consider a direct corridor to their Creator and home to holy spirits central to their faith. Justice Gorsuch criticized the court's refusal to hear the case as a "grave mistake," emphasizing the importance of protecting religious freedom and comparing the destruction of Oak Flat to demolishing a historic cathedral. Despite the setback, Apache Stronghold and its supporters vow to continue their fight through Congress and the courts to preserve the sacred site. The case highlights ongoing tensions between economic development interests and the protection of Native American religious and cultural rights.