Trump Administration Grants Permits for Ambler Access Project, Reversing Biden Decision

Trilogy Metals Inc. (NYSE American: TMQ) (TSX: TMQ) announced that President Trump issued a decision under Section 1106 of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA), granting permits for the Ambler Access Project. This decision reverses the Biden Administration's June 2024 "No Action Alternative" that had terminated the project's right-of-way grant. The presidential directive requires 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 represents a significant development for mineral resource extraction in northwestern Alaska. Under Section 1106 of ANILCA, Congress mandated that transportation access "shall be granted" to the district, enabling the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority's direct appeal and reaffirming federal commitment to resource development alongside environmental stewardship in Alaska. This legal framework provides the foundation for renewed development activities in the region.

The Ambler Mining District is recognized as one of the richest and most-prospective known copper-dominant districts globally. It hosts world-class polymetallic volcanogenic massive sulphide deposits containing copper, zinc, lead, gold and silver, along with carbonate replacement deposits that feature high-grade copper and cobalt mineralization. Trilogy Metals holds a 50 percent interest in Ambler Metals LLC, which maintains 100 percent interest in the Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects spanning approximately 190,929 hectares within this district.

Exploration efforts have concentrated on two primary deposits: the Arctic VMS deposit and the Bornite carbonate replacement deposit. The full details of the project and its implications can be reviewed in the company's official documentation available at https://ibn.fm/qELqt. The partnership between Trilogy Metals and South32, established through a 50/50 joint venture formed in December 2019, combines expertise from both companies to advance development in the region.

Ambler Metals has established an agreement with NANA Regional Corporation, Inc., an Alaska Native Corporation, creating a framework for exploration and potential development of the Ambler Mining District in cooperation with local communities. This collaboration aims to balance economic development with respect for subsistence livelihoods in the region. The reinstated access could significantly impact North American copper production capabilities, potentially positioning the Ambler Mining District as a premier copper producer while addressing growing global demand for copper in renewable energy and electrification technologies.

The decision's implications extend beyond immediate mining operations, potentially influencing domestic supply chains for critical minerals essential for clean energy technologies, electric vehicles, and national security applications. The project's advancement could reduce reliance on foreign mineral sources while creating economic opportunities in Alaska. The regulatory framework established through this decision may set precedents for future resource development projects in federally protected lands, balancing economic interests with environmental considerations under ANILCA's provisions.