Members of the San Carlos Apache tribe and several of their supporters are headed to Washington, D.C., this week to continue their protest against plans to build a copper mine in an area known as Oak Flat.
The nearly 20-day trek from Arizona to D.C. began in Tucson last weekend. The group plans to stop in several states along the way to hold rallies in support of HR 2811.
The bill was introduced by Arizona Congressman Raul Grijalva in mid June. It’s aimed at repealing a federal land swap allowing Resolution Copper to build and run a copper mine near Superior, Arizona.
Officials with the San Carlos Apache tribe have opposed the swap since it was approved last December saying some of the land involved holds religious significance.
However, proponents of the exchange say the deal will bring much needed jobs and billions of dollars in long-term economic activity to the area.
