Trump Administration Reinstates Ambler Access Project Permits, Reviving Alaska Mining District Development

The Trump administration has issued a presidential decision granting permits for the Ambler Access Project, reversing the Biden administration's June 2024 "No Action Alternative" that had terminated the project's right-of-way grant. President Trump exercised authority under Section 1106 of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA), directing federal agencies to reinstate and finalize all necessary permits to ensure feasible access to the Ambler Mining District for economic, industrial, and commercial purposes.

The decision upholds an appeal by the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) and reaffirms the federal commitment to resource development alongside environmental stewardship in Alaska. Under Section 1106 of ANILCA, Congress mandated that transportation access "shall be granted" to the district, enabling AIDEA's direct appeal process. This legislative backing provides a strong foundation for the project's advancement despite previous administrative setbacks.

The Ambler Mining District represents one of the richest and most-prospective known copper-dominant districts globally, hosting world-class polymetallic volcanogenic massive sulphide deposits containing copper, zinc, lead, gold and silver. The district also contains carbonate replacement deposits that host high-grade copper and cobalt mineralization. Exploration efforts have focused on two primary deposits: the Arctic VMS deposit and the Bornite carbonate replacement deposit, both located within a land package spanning approximately 190,929 hectares.

Trilogy Metals Inc., which holds a 50 percent interest in Ambler Metals LLC through its joint venture with South32, stands to benefit significantly from this decision. Ambler Metals maintains a 100 percent interest in the Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects in northwestern Alaska and has an agreement with NANA Regional Corporation, Inc., an Alaska Native Corporation, providing a framework for exploration and potential development in cooperation with local communities. The full press release detailing this development can be viewed at https://ibn.fm/qELqt.

This presidential action has substantial implications for domestic mineral production and national security, as the United States seeks to strengthen its supply chains for critical minerals. The Ambler Mining District's potential to become a premier North American copper producer aligns with broader efforts to reduce dependence on foreign mineral sources. The project's advancement could create significant economic opportunities for Alaska while balancing environmental considerations and respecting subsistence livelihoods in the region.

The reversal of the Biden administration's decision demonstrates how changing political administrations can dramatically impact major resource development projects. This case highlights the ongoing tension between resource development and environmental protection in Alaska, where federal land designations often conflict with state economic development priorities. The presidential decision reinforces the statutory mandate for transportation access to the district, potentially setting a precedent for similar resource development projects in federally protected areas across Alaska.