President Trump Revives Ambler Road Project to Unlock Alaska’s Critical Minerals, Boost Economy

Yesterday, President Donald J. Trump approved the appeal for Alaska's Ambler Road Project, a pivotal 211-mile industrial road connecting the Dalton Highway to northwest Alaska's vast deposits of critical minerals. The decision reverses a Biden-era rejection, advancing American energy dominance and reducing reliance on foreign adversaries by securing resources essential for national security, economic growth, defense, and technology.

The move was quickly hailed by Alaskan leaders and mining organizations as a massive win for job growth, regional prosperity, and strengthened domestic supply chains:

Gov. Mike Dunleavy: "This decision will unleash development opportunities, create new jobs for Alaskans and secure access to strategic minerals. Thank you @POTUS"

Sen. Dan Sullivan: "I want to thank President Trump and his team, especially Secretary of Interior Doug Burgum, for granting this appeal under Section 1106 of ANILCA, rolling back the Biden administration's egregious and lawless denial of a right-of-way for the Ambler Access 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, and for the incredible Alaskans of the region. I just spoke by phone with the President about this important announcement, and he reiterated his strong commitment to advancing the Ambler Access Project, and so many other important projects for our state, including the King Cove Road and the Alaska LNG Project. I've always said the Ambler Access Project has to be done right, with close consultation with Alaska Native and community leaders and with respect for our environment and subsistence way of life. We were able to make great progress on these fronts under the first Trump administration, but the Biden administration came in and killed this project and the thousands of good-paying jobs, economic opportunity, and improved cost of living across the region that would come with it, subverting the clear 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."

Sen. Lisa Murkowski: "I thank President Trump for issuing this determination and getting the Ambler project back on track after it was derailed by politics at the end of the Biden administration. Congress enshrined this project's approval into federal law in 1980 as part of a 'grand bargain' to conserve more than 100 million acres of land in Alaska, and it has more national significance now than ever. 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. It will also improve our national security by strengthening our mineral security and enabling us to produce more of our most important resources here at home. I look forward to federal agencies promptly re-issuing permits and authorizations so that the Ambler access project can finally proceed, and to working with the local people and Alaska Native Corporations to ensure a successful project."

Rep. Nick Begich: "The Ambler Mining District is a strategic asset for Alaska and an important pathway to critical mineral development in the United States," said Congressman Begich. "By advancing this access, we are creating new opportunities for Alaskans while strengthening America's supply chain and reducing dependence on foreign adversaries for our critical mineral needs. I applaud the President's decision to support this appeal, and I look forward to working with the Administration, state leaders, and Alaska Native communities to ensure this project moves forward in a way that benefits all Alaskans."

Alaska Miners Association Executive Director Deantha Skibinski: "We want to thank President Trump for overturning the harmful 2024 decision on the Ambler Road Project and prioritizing access to Alaska's critical minerals. The Biden administration's nearly unprecedented 'no action' alternative on the Ambler Road project and flat refusal to grant access that was promised in the Alaska National Interest Land Claims Act (ANILCA) was unconscionable. With stable policies in place, Alaska now stands ready to supply the nation with the minerals critical to our national security and our economy."

Ambler Metals Managing Director Kaleb Froehlich: "We thank President Trump, his administration and members of Congress for recognizing the importance of the Ambler Road to Alaska and to the nation. This road will help secure the critical minerals our country needs for economic competitiveness and national defense, while also delivering meaningful benefits here at home. For rural Alaskans, this road represents opportunity, good-paying jobs, essential revenues for remote communities, and a chance to build a more resilient local economy. It's a pathway to both national strength and regional prosperity."

American Pacific Mining Corp. CEO Warwick Smith: "We extend our sincere congratulations to Trilogy Metals and to Alaskans that have worked for years to see responsible development advance. Under President Trump, there is real momentum for resource development in Alaska. We are optimistic about the path ahead for Palmer and all projects contributing to America's critical minerals supply."

South32 CEO Graham Kerr: "We see great value in the U.S. Government's intention to develop the Ambler Mining District. It is our aim to unlock the potential we see in this region, and secure critical mineral supply chains for the United States and create enduring economic activity and shared value for Alaska, particularly for communities in the surrounding region."

Trilogy Metals President and CEO Tony Giardini: "This landmark decision is a turning point for Trilogy and for the future of domestic critical mineral development in the United States. The Ambler Road is not just a pathway to economic growth in Alaska - it's a strategic asset for the United States. With the backing of the President and federal agencies, we are confident this project will move forward in a way that respects both the land and the people who call it home."

Valhalla Metals Chairman Rick Van Nieuwenhuyse: "We are excited that the Trump Administration has reversed the misguided Biden Administration's 'No Action Alternative' finding for the Ambler Access Road Supplemental EIS. The Biden Administration decision was contrary to the clear directives set out in ANILCA. Using Section 1106 to right a wrong decision is exactly what Congress intended when ANILCA was passed into law 45 years ago. Thank you President Trump! We can now restart our exploration efforts to expand the known resources at the Sun deposit."