Cultural Heritage

Cultural Heritage Stewardship

Arizona’s cultural history runs deep in the Copper Triangle. For more than a century, mining and ranching have shaped local communities. The area also holds enduring cultural ties for Native American Tribes from Arizona and New Mexico.

At Resolution Copper, cultural stewardship starts with listening and continues through action.

Many Voices Shaping the Project

For more than a decade, we’ve engaged with Tribal Nations and Copper Triangle communities to understand their connections to the land. These ongoing conversations guide how the project evolves and how culturally significant places are respected and protected. Community and Tribal input have shaped mine planning, strengthened safeguards, and informed collaborative preservation efforts.

Preserving Local History and Community Access

Cultural stewardship includes protecting community history while addressing legacy mining impacts. We document historic resources, restore meaningful structures, and maintain public access. This work includes restoring the former Magma Hospital and preserving access to Queen Creek Canyon and the Claypool Tunnel.

Federal Consultation and Oversight

Since 2013, the U.S. Forest Service has led a multi-year National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review that included hundreds of consultations with Tribal governments, local communities, and stakeholders. This process identifies cultural resources, evaluates potential impacts, and defines steps to avoid, minimize, or mitigate harm throughout the life of the project.

Emory Oak Restoration and Conservation

Emory oak trees are culturally important to Western Apache communities. To address declining regeneration, Resolution Copper partnered with Western Apache Tribes, the U.S. Forest Service, and Northern Arizona University. Together, we support the Emory Oak Collaborative Tribal Restoration Initiative, focused on restoring oak groves while honoring cultural traditions. Explore the Emory oak restoration program ›

Tribal Monitor Program

Resolution Copper supports the Tribal Monitor Program in partnership with seven Tribes and the U.S. Forest Service. Tribal monitors help identify, monitor, and protect culturally important places, using Traditional Ecological Knowledge to guide stewardship. The program has earned national recognition and continues to expand.

Protecting Apache Leap

More than 800 acres have been set aside to protect Apache Leap, a place of deep cultural, historical, and spiritual importance. Designated as a federally recognized Special Management Area, Apache Leap is managed through long-term monitoring, continued access, and plans developed with Tribes and local communities. Learn more about the Apache Leap Special Management Area >

Preserving Cultural and Historic Resources

We’re required to comply with all laws related to Native American cultural heritage, but we strive to do more. Working with USFS, each tribe has developed a detailed management plan for handling any artifacts. Resolution Copper will not retain or store any Native American artifacts.

We also help preserve regional history through oral histories, industrial archaeology documentation, LIDAR scanning of historic sites, and partnerships with local institutions such as the Bullion Plaza Museum and the Superior Multi-Generational Center.