The U.S. Forest Service published the final environmental impact statement and draft record of decision Friday on a controversial land swap that would clear the way for a huge copper mine beneath Oak Flat, a site that s sacred to many Apaches and culturally significant to other tribes.
The document release starts the clock running on a 60-day timeframe for the final conveyance of more than 2,400 acres of national forest land to Resolution Copper, which will hand over about 5,300 acres of private land in exchange.
Tribal representatives and environmentalists were both outraged by the move, which they say was fast-tracked to avoid coming under a fresh review after President-elect Joe Biden takes office Wednesday.
(Adds response from Rio Tinto and BHP)
LONDON/HOUSTON, Jan 8 (Reuters) - A leading British local government pension group has urged mining giants Rio Tinto and BHP to clarify how they intend to protect the environment in and around an Arizona copper project that is opposed by many Native American tribes.
The Local Authority Pension Fund Forum (LAPFF), a shareholder in both firms, said this week that it had written to them to ask how the U.S. project, which could be approved within days, will affect local communities, as Native American tribes say it could destroy cultural and religious sites.
UK local government pension group raises concerns over Rio, BHP Arizona mine reuters.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from reuters.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
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LONDON/HOUSTON (Reuters) - A leading British local government pension group has urged mining giants Rio Tinto and BHP to clarify how they intend to protect the environment in and around an Arizona copper project that is opposed by many Native American tribes.
The Local Authority Pension Fund Forum (LAPFF), a shareholder in both firms, said this week that it had written to them to ask how the U.S. project, which could be approved within days, will affect local communities, as Native American tribes say it could destroy cultural and religious sites.
Clashes are becoming more frequent between indigenous groups and mining companies eager to produce more copper for electric vehicles and other green technologies.