DOJ Clears Path for Resolution Copper Project in Arizona
Summary
The Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division secured a Ninth Circuit decision affirming the denial of a preliminary injunction against the Resolution Copper project in Arizona. This decision allows the federal government to proceed with a congressionally mandated land exchange, crucial for developing a significant domestic copper supply and strengthening U.S. resource security.
What changed
The Justice Department, through its Environment and Natural Resources Division, has successfully defended the Resolution Copper project in Arizona. On March 13, 2026, the Ninth Circuit affirmed a lower court's denial of a preliminary injunction, clearing the way for a congressionally mandated land exchange. This action is critical for advancing the development of one of the world's largest copper deposits, which is deemed essential for U.S. energy infrastructure, defense systems, and advanced manufacturing, thereby enhancing national resource security and reducing reliance on foreign sources.
This ruling represents a significant step in ensuring the United States can meet its growing demand for critical minerals. The land exchange will also transfer over 5,400 acres of ecologically and culturally significant land to federal ownership. While this is an enforcement action affirming a prior decision, compliance officers should note the importance of domestic resource security and the legal mechanisms used to advance such projects. No immediate compliance actions are required for regulated entities based on this specific press release, but it signals continued government support for critical mineral development.
Source document (simplified)
News
Press Release
Justice Department Clears Path for Resolution Copper Project in Arizona, Strengthening U.S. Resource Security
Monday, March 23, 2026
Share For Immediate Release Office of Public Affairs 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.
Updated March 23, 2026 Topic Environment Component Environment and Natural Resources Division Press Release Number: 26-278
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