Tribal Concerns Over Arizona Mining Project
In southern Arizona, a controversial mining initiative has sparked opposition from tribal leaders and environmental advocates who are urging the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to reconsider its decision. The project, known as the Copper Creek Exploration Project, was approved in late June and may lead to a substantial open-pit copper mine spanning approximately 25 square miles near the San Pedro River within the Galiuro mountain range, northeast of Tucson.
On June 30, the BLM granted permission for the mining company to establish 67 drill sites, following an environmental impact assessment. However, this decision has faced criticism from the Center for Biological Diversity, the San Carlos Apache Tribe, and other groups. They have collectively submitted a letter demanding a reassessment.
Russ McSpadden, representing the Center for Biological Diversity, emphasized the significance of this appeal. “I would say this letter, this appeal, is a legal leverage, it lays the groundwork for potential future litigation by documenting BLM’s failures,” he stated. “It gives the Arizona state director an opportunity to really dig in what the BLM Safford Field Office did in this Environmental Assessment, to look at our arguments, and our concerns.”
The groups contend that the BLM’s Safford Office did not adequately address the project’s impact on surface water, groundwater, and wildlife habitats, as mandated by federal laws such as the National Environmental Protection Act. Furthermore, they argue that the agency did not engage in meaningful consultations with the San Carlos Apache Tribe, a requirement under federal law.
Despite inquiries, the BLM has not provided any comments regarding the letter or the environmental assessment.
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