Resolution Copper delay: ( + of 10 yrs to construct ) " On September 10, 2021, the Forest Service proceeded with re-initiating government-to-government consultation with Tribal Nations to fully understand concerns raised by the Tribes and the project’s impact to tribally important and sacred resources within the project area. The Forest Service distributed letters to 15 Arizona tribes, requesting to re-initiate Tribal Consultation, focusing on water quality and mining techniques to consider further measures that may be discussed with Resolution Copper in subsequent Company Consultation. Further consultation with Resolution Copper concerning water quality and mining techniques may be productive in addressing concerns of the land exchange on affected Tribes.
Barnie Gyant, Associate Deputy Chief for the National Forest System, has been delegated by USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack as the Consulting Official for government-to-government consultation with Tribal Nations for the Resolution Copper Land Exchange project and consultation efforts on matters related to the NDAA.
The project is proposed on Oak Flat, a site sacred to numerous Federally Recognized Tribes in the Southwest. The Department is taking this step to provide an opportunity for the agency to conduct a thorough review based on significant input received from collaborators, partners, and the public since these documents were released. The recent Presidential Memorandum on tribal consultation and strengthening nation to nation relationships counsels in favor of ensuring the Forest Service has complied with the environmental, cultural, and archaeological analyses required. USDA has concluded that additional time is necessary to fully understand concerns raised by Tribes and the public and the project’s impacts to these important resources and ensure the agency’s compliance with federal law. USDA and the Forest Service also understand that under federal law that the Forest Service has limited discretion related to protection of Oak Flat. Because the Resolution Copper Mine and Land Exchange Project was directed under the 2015 National Defense Authorization Act, long term protection of the site will likely require an act of Congress"
Ontop of this delay, the tribes said if they lose their court appeal, it's a Supereme Court request. Which that alone, could take one heck of a timeline on a SC decision to hear it or not.
YayYay!! --- for NCU. :)