The federal government's approval of the Ambler Road, a 211-mile industrial-use-only road connecting Alaska's Dalton Highway to the Ambler Mining District, represents a pivotal development for mineral resource access in the United States. This decision, made under Section 1106 of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, grants permits for the critical infrastructure project. Trilogy Metals Inc. CEO Tony Giardini, in a conversation with Valhalla Metals Chair Rick Van Nieuwenhuyse, emphasized that the presidential directive to all relevant agencies to promptly grant and finalize permits ensures the area may be accessed for economic, mining, industrial, and commercial purposes. Giardini characterized this approval as more than a permit, calling it a legislatively backed pathway to unlock the district.
The Ambler Mining District is recognized for its exceptional metal grades and diversity, containing copper, zinc, cobalt, and precious metals. Trilogy Metals holds a 50% interest in Ambler Metals LLC, which has a 100% interest in the Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects within the district. The UKMP spans approximately 190,929 hectares and hosts world-class polymetallic volcanogenic massive sulphide deposits containing copper, zinc, lead, gold and silver, along with carbonate replacement deposits with high-grade copper and cobalt mineralization. Exploration efforts have concentrated on two primary deposits: the Arctic VMS deposit and the Bornite carbonate replacement deposit.
The Ambler Metals joint venture, formed with South32 in December 2019, operates under an agreement with NANA Regional Corporation, Inc., an Alaska Native Corporation that provides a framework for exploration and potential development in cooperation with local communities. More information about the company is available at https://nnw.fm/TMQ and https://ibn.fm/TMQ. The road approval is a significant step toward developing the Ambler Mining District into what Trilogy envisions as a premier North American copper producer while protecting subsistence livelihoods. The infrastructure will enable more efficient exploration and development of mineral resources that have remained largely inaccessible despite their recognized potential. The full conversation between Giardini and Van Nieuwenhuyse can be viewed at https://ibn.fm/wBqSV and https://nnw.fm/IMeGl.
