In a significant move for Alaskan resource development, President Donald J. Trump has re-approved the Ambler Access Project, a decision that has garnered praise from Alaska’s congressional delegation, including U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, as well as Congressman Nick Begich.
This determination was issued under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA), which permits the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) to directly appeal federal disapproval to the President.
Alongside this approval, the Department of Defense announced a strategic partnership with Ambler Metals, which will involve a $35.6 million investment aimed at advancing mining exploration in the Ambler Mining District. In return, the Department will acquire an equity stake in Trilogy Metals, part of the broader Ambler Metals joint venture.
Senator Murkowski expressed gratitude to President Trump for facilitating the project’s progression after previous setbacks experienced during the Biden administration. She emphasized the national significance of the Ambler Access Project, noting its original approval in 1980 as part of a compromise to conserve over 100 million acres of land in Alaska.
“The President’s re-approval will unlock a world-class mining district, deliver quality-of-life benefits for communities in the region, and help grow Alaska’s economy,” Murkowski stated.
She also highlighted the implications for national security, asserting that the project would bolster mineral security and reduce reliance on external resources. Murkowski looks forward to federal agencies expeditiously reissuing permits necessary for the project’s continuation and plans to collaborate closely with local residents and Alaska Native Corporations to ensure its success.
Senator Sullivan echoed these sentiments, thanking President Trump, especially for the decisive action taken under Section 1106 of ANILCA to counter the Biden administration’s previous denial of a right-of-way for the project.
“This appeal is great news for Alaska, for jobs for our workers, for American national security, for reducing our country’s critical mineral dependence on China,” Sullivan stated.
He reiterated the importance of the Ambler Access Project in generating jobs, improving living standards, and providing economic opportunities for local communities, which he believes were jeopardized by the earlier federal actions. Sullivan had a recent conversation with President Trump regarding the project, where the President reaffirmed his commitment to advancing not only Ambler but also other critical projects in Alaska.
According to Sullivan, close consultation with Alaska Native leaders and a strong respect for environmental concerns remains paramount.
“The Biden administration came in and killed this project,” Sullivan said, blaming the abrupt halt on political motivations that he believes disregarded the intent of ANILCA.
“I’m glad to see another critically important project for our state’s economy and working families being put back on track.” Congressman Begich noted that the Ambler Mining District serves as a vital asset for both Alaska and the United States, specifically regarding critical mineral development.
He emphasized the opportunities this project would create, strengthening the nation’s supply chain and reducing dependence on foreign adversaries for critical minerals.
“By advancing this access, we are creating new opportunities for Alaskans while strengthening America’s supply chain,” Begich asserted.
He expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with the Administration, state officials, and Alaska Native communities to ensure that the project benefits all stakeholders involved.
The Ambler Access Project aims to establish surface transportation access to the Ambler Mining District, enabling the domestic development of essential minerals, including copper, cobalt, gallium, and germanium. The U.S. currently relies heavily on foreign sources for many minerals found in the Ambler district, particularly as geopolitical tensions heighten with nations like China.
ANILCA was specifically designed to balance conservation efforts with responsible resource development. It established a right-of-way that ensures access to the Ambler Mining District by mandating that the Secretary of the Interior “shall permit” a road from the district to the Alaska Pipeline Haul Road.
This provision reflects the intent of selecting sustainable development pathways while conserving significant acreage, such as the surrounding 8.4 million acres of the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve.
After initiating federal permitting in 2015, AIDEA’s project received full approval and right-of-way permits in 2020. However, the Biden administration’s decision in 2022 to conduct a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement led to a shocking rejection of the project, which many viewed as politically motivated.
Under Section 1106 of ANILCA, the rejection allows project sponsors to appeal directly to the President, which AIDEA did earlier this year, launching a 120-day countdown for a presidential determination. With President Trump’s determination, ANILCA obligates relevant federal agencies to promptly reissue all necessary permits and authorizations for the establishment of the transportation system.
As Alaska looks forward to unlocking the potential of the Ambler Mining District, all eyes will be on federal agencies to follow through on the swift issuance of permits and the commencement of this long-anticipated project.
image source from：sullivan
