A federal judge in Arizona has put the brakes on a controversial land swap that would have handed over Oak Flat, a site sacred to Apache tribes, to a foreign-owned mining company. Judge Dominic Lanza denied requests from the San Carlos Apache Tribe and environmental groups for an immediate and permanent halt to the land transfer. However, he did block the U.S. Forest Service from finalizing the deal until 60 days after a new environmental review is published. The ruling gives tribes precious time to challenge the land exchange that would allow Resolution Copper, owned by mining giants Rio Tinto … Continue reading Federal Judge Blocks Sacred Apache Land Transfer to Mining Company for 60-Day Review Period