President Donald Trump issued a memorandum directing his administration to authorize the establishment of the Ambler Road Project, a 211-mile road allowing access to critical minerals.
“The permits for the road have been held for years due to protracted litigation, and the President has finally allowed this project to go forward to support the Administration’s energy dominance agenda,” a White House fact sheet explains, noting that the road is in the public interest due to the nation’s need for critical minerals.
An access road in the area is “crucial” for developing “one of the largest undeveloped copper-zinc mineral belts in the world,” the fact sheet adds, noting the land “contains extensive deposits of copper, silver, gold, lead, cobalt, and other strategic metals.”
The Trump administration has also partnered with Trilogy Metals to support mining in Alaska. The partnership will see the Department of War investing an estimated $35.6 million for critical mineral resource development while also being a 10% shareholder in the company.
“This proposed partnership with the U.S. Government represents a significant milestone for Trilogy Metals and for the development of a secure, domestic supply of critical minerals for America in Alaska,” said Tony Giardini, President and CEO of Trilogy Metals. “The Department of War’s interest underscores the strategic importance of the Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects in supporting U.S. energy, technology, and national security priorities. We look forward to working with our partners at South32, federal and state agencies, and Alaska Native communities to advance this world-class district responsibly and collaboratively.”
