EARTHWORKS


Keep Public Lands in Public Hands

Tell your Senators to protect sacred sites and recreation areas from irresponsible mining

We heart Oak Flat
Oak Flat campground, and sacred areas
near it, are at risk from irresponsible mining

Once again, two massive mining companies, Rio Tinto and BHP, are pushing a land exchange -- another special favor to the mining industry -- to privatize nearly 3000 acres of public land in southeastern Arizona.

Apache tribal leaders overwhelmingly oppose the mine that would include lands sacred to their cultural identity. Throughout the year, thousands of birders, climbers, campers, bikers, and hikers enjoy the area in and around the Oak Flat campground. 

But the mining lobby is pushing Congress to pass this land exchange surreptitiously --- by attaching it to a larger piece of legislation. We need your help to stop it.  

TAKE ACTION: Tell your Senators to protect public lands, sacred sites, and recreation jobs from a bill that would give more special favors to multinational mining companies.

More information:

HR 1904, the Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act, would:

  • Mandate the loss of the largest amount of federal lands ever for recreational rock climbing resulting in financial ruin for small businesses supported by the climbing industry.  
  • Transfer federal land that is a Native American sacred site to foreign companies for mining activities that will destroy it.
  • Result in massive dewatering and loss of habitat critical to rare and endangered plants and animals.

GovTrack: Text of HR 1904 and bill status

Arizona Mining Reform Coalition: Stop Oak Flat Land Exchange in Senate

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  • NOTE: This alert is only open to residents of one of the 50 United States (those with Senators).