On April 16, 2024, the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) and Ambler Metals LLC responded to media reports indicating the Department of Interior (DoI) plans to block access to the Ambler Mining District by issuing a “no action” decision. The AIDEA is strongly urging the DoI to comply with federal law and the promises made at statehood to allow access to state lands and minerals for the Ambler Access Road Project.
The proposed Ambler Access Project is a 211-mile, industrial-use-only road from the Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects (UKMP) to the Dalton Highway that would enable the advancement of exploration and development at the Ambler Mining District, home to several rich copper-dominant polymetallic deposits.
“We are stunned to hear reports that BLM may deny the Ambler Access Project, which received full federal approval four years ago and would enable safe and responsible domestic production of minerals that are critical for our national security and clean energy technologies,” said Kaleb Froehlich, managing director of Ambler Metals. “If true, this decision ignores the support of local communities for this project, while denying jobs for Alaskans and critical revenues for a region where youth are being forced to leave because of a lack of opportunity.”
A denial would also undermine the promise made to Alaskans in the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, Froehlich explained, which guaranteed a right-of-way for this crucial project. “We strongly urge BLM to reconsider what would clearly be an unlawful and politically motivated decision that goes well beyond the narrow set of issues the courts agreed to allow the agency to address,” he said
Ambler Metals LLC holds a 100% interest in the UKMP. It is a 50:50 joint venture between Trilogy Metals and South32 Ltd.
