Fact Check: Copper mine in Arizona delayed two months by court

Published August 20, 2025

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VERDICT

Partially True

# Fact-Check: "Copper mine in Arizona delayed two months by court" ## What We Know A recent ruling by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has tempo...

Fact-Check: "Copper mine in Arizona delayed two months by court"

What We Know

A recent ruling by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has temporarily blocked the transfer of federal land in Arizona, which is necessary for the development of the Resolution Copper mine, one of the largest copper deposits in North America. The court issued a temporary injunction in response to appeals from the San Carlos Apache Tribe and environmental groups, who argue that the federal government must conduct a comprehensive environmental review before proceeding with the land transfer (AP News). The transfer was originally scheduled for August 2025, and the court's decision has resulted in a delay of at least two months (Reuters).

The legal battle over the Oak Flat area, which is sacred to the Apache people, has been ongoing for nearly two decades. The plaintiffs argue that the government has not adequately considered the environmental impacts of the proposed mining operations, including potential dam breaches and pipeline failures (AP News).

Former President Donald Trump criticized the court's decision, claiming it would negatively impact job creation and the U.S. economy's access to copper (CNBC). He stated that the delay was caused by "radical left activists" and emphasized the urgent need for copper in the economy (Reuters).

Analysis

The claim that the copper mine in Arizona has been delayed by two months is supported by the recent court ruling, which indeed imposes a temporary halt on the land transfer necessary for the mine's development. The court's decision is a direct response to legal challenges from the San Carlos Apache Tribe and environmentalists, indicating that the delay is not merely procedural but rooted in significant legal and cultural concerns (AP News, Reuters).

However, the assertion that the mine is delayed "by a court" could be seen as oversimplified. The ruling reflects broader issues regarding environmental justice and indigenous rights, which are critical components of the ongoing debate surrounding the mine. The court's decision is not just a straightforward delay; it is part of a complex legal landscape that includes environmental assessments and tribal rights (AP News).

The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is generally high. The Associated Press and Reuters are reputable news organizations known for their journalistic standards. However, Trump's comments, while widely reported, should be viewed with caution as they may reflect a political bias and do not provide a comprehensive view of the legal complexities involved (CNBC, Reuters).

Conclusion

The claim that the copper mine in Arizona has been delayed by two months due to a court ruling is Partially True. While the court's injunction does indeed delay the land transfer necessary for the mine, the context of the ruling involves significant legal challenges related to environmental and cultural concerns. Thus, the situation is more nuanced than a simple delay caused by judicial action.

Sources

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