Federalist Radio Hour Striking The Right Balance Between America’s Mining Interests And Religious Liberty
Jun 26, 2025
Sean Fieler, president of Equinox Partners and a mining expert, joins Matt Kittle to explore the intricate balance between mining interests and religious liberty. They dive into the Resolution Copper Project in Arizona, discussing its implications for the Apache tribe’s religious practices. Fieler highlights challenges posed by federal authority on public lands, including the potential overreach affecting traditional activities. The conversation also sheds light on the political dynamics impacting mining projects and the necessity for a solution that upholds both economic growth and community rights.
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Arizona Copper Mine's Dual Impact
- The Resolution Copper Project in Arizona is the largest U.S. copper mine and third largest globally.
- While advancing public interest, it raises significant First Amendment religious liberty concerns for the Apache tribe.
Conflict Between Religious and Mining Rights
- Conflict arises uniquely between Native American religious rights on federal lands and mining interests.
- The Ninth Circuit ruling risks allowing federal government to arbitrarily restrict religious worship on federal land.
Balancing Mining and Religious Liberty
- The correct legal approach is to acknowledge the burden on Apache religious sites but justify the mine for compelling national interest under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
- This creates a clear legal precedent protecting religious liberty elsewhere on federal lands.