Trilogy Metals CEO Discusses Significance of Ambler Road Permitting for Alaska Mining District

Trilogy Metals Inc. CEO Tony Giardini recently discussed the significance of federal permitting for the Ambler Road with Valhalla Metals Chair Rick Van Nieuwenhuyse, highlighting how this infrastructure unlocks one of the richest mineral districts in the United States. The 211-mile industrial-use-only road connects Alaska's Dalton Highway to the Ambler Mining District, serving as critical infrastructure for exploration and development activities in the region. The conversation between the executives covered the history of efforts to secure road access and the recent federal decision under Section 1106 of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, which grants the necessary permits for the Ambler Road project.

Giardini emphasized that the presidential approval represents more than just a permit, describing it as a legislatively backed pathway to unlock the mineral district's potential. This move by the U.S. administration enables access to the Arctic and Bornite deposits, which contain exceptional metal grades and diverse mineralization including copper, zinc, cobalt, and precious metals. President Trump directed all relevant agencies to promptly grant and finalize all permits needed to ensure the area may be accessed for economic, mining, industrial, and commercial purposes, accelerating development timelines for projects in the region.

The Ambler Mining District is recognized as one of the richest and most prospective copper-dominant districts globally, hosting world-class polymetallic volcanogenic massive sulphide deposits containing copper, zinc, lead, gold and silver. Exploration efforts have focused on two primary deposits within the district: the Arctic VMS deposit and the Bornite carbonate replacement deposit, both located within a land package spanning approximately 190,929 hectares. These deposits benefit from high-grade copper and cobalt mineralization that could position the region as a significant North American copper producer.

Trilogy Metals holds a 50% interest in Ambler Metals LLC, which maintains a 100% interest in the Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects in northwestern Alaska. The company formed a 50/50 joint venture with South32 in December 2019, combining resources to advance development in the Ambler Mining District. Ambler Metals has established an agreement with NANA Regional Corporation Inc., an Alaska Native Corporation, creating a framework for exploration and potential development in cooperation with local communities while protecting subsistence livelihoods. This collaborative approach addresses both economic development and environmental considerations in the region.

The federal permitting decision represents a milestone for mineral development in Alaska, potentially transforming the Ambler Mining District into a major source of critical minerals for domestic manufacturing and clean energy technologies. The road infrastructure will facilitate not only mining operations but also economic opportunities for local communities through job creation and business development. As exploration and development activities progress, the district's copper, zinc, cobalt and precious metal resources could contribute significantly to national mineral security while adhering to environmental standards and community partnership models established through agreements with Alaska Native corporations.