Donald Trump has ordered the revival of the controversial Ambler Road project in Alaska, a 211-mile mining access road through protected wilderness. Originally approved during Trump’s first term and later blocked by the Biden administration over environmental and tribal concerns, the road would enable the extraction of copper, cobalt, and other critical minerals. Supporters say it’s vital for U.S. mineral independence and economic growth, while opponents, including 40 Native tribes, warn it threatens caribou, salmon, and subsistence lifestyles. The road would cross 11 rivers, thousands of streams, and cut through part of a national park. The U.S. has also taken a 10% stake in Trilogy Metals, one of the companies behind the project. They write:
Donald Trump on Monday ordered the approval of a proposed 211-mile road through an Alaska wilderness to allow mining of copper, cobalt, gold and other minerals.
The long-debated Ambler Road project was approved in the US president’s first term, but was later blocked by the Biden administration after an analysis determined the project would threaten caribou and other wildlife and harm Alaska Indigenous tribes that rely on hunting and fishing.
In a related development, the White House announced it is taking 10% equity stake in TrilogyA Metals, a Canadian company that is seeking to develop the Ambler site along with an Australian partner. […]
While Trump has often said, “drill, baby, drill”, he also supports “mine, baby, mine”, Burgum said. “We’ve got to get back in the mining business.” […]
Ambler Metals, a joint venture between Trilogy Metals and Australia-based South32, thanked Trump for jump-starting the Ambler project.
“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,” said managing director Kaleb Froehlich.
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