The Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) has delivered a major win for mineral development and national security. On March 13, the Division’s Appellate Section secured a decision from the Ninth Circuit affirming the district court’s denial of a preliminary injunction seeking to block the Resolution Copper project in Arizona. The decision allows the federal government to proceed with a congressionally mandated land exchange crucial to advancing development of one of the largest known copper deposits in the world.Copper is essential for energy infrastructure, defense systems, and advanced manufacturing. The Resolution Copper project will play an important role in developing a stable, domestic copper supply.

By reducing reliance on foreign sources, the project will support broader national security objectives and strengthen the U.S. economy. The land exchange will also result in federal ownership of over 5,400 acres of ecologically and culturally significant land in Arizona.The Ninth Circuit and Supreme Court’s rulings are significant steps forward in ensuring the United States can meet growing demand for critical minerals.Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of ENRD made the announcement.Deputy Assistant Attorney General Robert Stander of ENRD argued the appeal. ENRD’s Natural Resources Section handled this matter in the District Court.