Judicial Insight

Everyday Law · Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

Sep 29, 2026 · 25-5189 · Rehearing

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Can a sacred Apache site be saved from mining?

The Tribe fights to protect Oak Flat from a mining project threatening their beliefs.

TL;DR

  1. 1The plans to exchange land that includes Oak Flat.
  2. 2Oak Flat is sacred to the Apache Tribe, integral to their religious practices.
  3. 3The Tribe wants to stop the exchange, but past rulings complicate their case.

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Should the court block the land exchange to protect Oak Flat?

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