Mining Groups Highlight Indigenous Protections at UN Summit

Quick Summary

• The Trump administration has fast-tracked a controversial copper mine project in western Arizona, which would destroy parts of “Oak Flat,” a sacred site for the San Carlos Apache Tribe and other tribal nations.
• Resolution Copper, managed by multinational corporations BHP and Rio Tinto, is leading the project. Both companies have been criticized for damaging cultural heritage sites globally.
• Mining industry representatives attended the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues to highlight their commitment to respecting Indigenous rights and obtaining informed consent. Critics argue that existing laws frequently enough fail to protect Indigenous communities adequately.
• Globally,50%-80% of minerals critical for renewable energy are located near Indigenous lands. Industry leaders stress the importance of free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) as essential ethics guidelines.
• In contrast to voluntary corporate commitments like those advocated by ICMM or IRMA (which lack legal enforcement), U.S. federal policies remain insufficient in securing full protections for sacred lands outside reservations.
• Legal challenges surrounding Oak Flat’s destruction are pending at the Supreme Court, with broader implications on religious rights for tribes nationwide.

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