Yesterday, President Donald J. Trump approved the appeal for the Ambler Road Project, a crucial 211-mile industrial road that will connect the Dalton Highway to Alaska’s mineral-rich northwest region. This decision overturns the Biden administration’s earlier rejection and marks a significant step toward enhancing American energy independence, reducing reliance on foreign adversaries, and securing vital resources for national defense, economic development, and technological innovation.
Governor Mike Dunleavy expressed his gratitude, saying, “This decision will unleash development opportunities, create new jobs for Alaskans, and secure access to strategic minerals. Thank you, @POTUS.”
Senator Dan Sullivan also applauded the move, stating, “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 is great news for Alaska, for jobs, for American national security, and for reducing our country’s dependence on China for critical minerals. I’ve spoken with the President, and he reiterated his strong commitment to advancing the Ambler Access Project, along with other crucial initiatives like King Cove Road and the Alaska LNG Project. We’ve made significant progress with the Ambler project under the first Trump administration, but the Biden administration put a stop to it, hurting local jobs and economic opportunities. It’s great to see this vital project back on track.”
Senator Lisa Murkowski thanked President Trump for reversing the Biden administration’s stance, emphasizing the project’s long-term national importance: “I thank President Trump for issuing this determination and getting the Ambler project back on track. Congress authorized this project in 1980, and it’s more important than ever for Alaska and the nation. The President’s approval will open up a world-class mining district, improving quality of life for local communities and strengthening national security by enhancing mineral security. I look forward to working with federal agencies and Alaska Native Corporations to ensure this project moves forward successfully.”
Representative Nick Begich also voiced his support, calling the project “a strategic asset for Alaska and the U.S.” He added, “By advancing this access, we are creating new opportunities for Alaskans, strengthening America’s supply chain, and reducing reliance on foreign adversaries for critical minerals. I applaud President Trump’s decision and look forward to collaborating with state leaders and Alaska Native communities to ensure the project benefits all Alaskans.”
Deantha Skibinski, Executive Director of the Alaska Miners Association, praised the reversal of the Biden administration’s decision: “We thank President Trump for overturning the harmful 2024 decision and prioritizing access to Alaska’s critical minerals. The Biden administration’s ‘no action’ alternative was unconscionable. With stable policies, Alaska is now poised to supply the nation with vital resources for national security and economic growth.”
Kaleb Froehlich, Managing Director of Ambler Metals, expressed optimism about the future of the project: “We thank President Trump and his team for recognizing the importance of the Ambler Road. This project will not only secure critical minerals for the nation’s economic competitiveness and national defense, but it will also bring job opportunities and revenue to rural Alaskan communities, helping to build a more resilient local economy.”
Warwick Smith, CEO of American Pacific Mining Corp., congratulated Trilogy Metals and Alaskans who have worked for years to move the project forward: “Under President Trump, there is real momentum for resource development in Alaska. We’re optimistic about the future and the potential of projects like Palmer and others contributing to the nation’s critical minerals supply.”
Graham Kerr, CEO of South32, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the strategic importance of the Ambler Mining District: “We see great value in the U.S. Government’s intention to develop the Ambler Mining District. This project will secure critical mineral supply chains for the United States while generating enduring economic benefits for Alaska and local communities.”
Tony Giardini, President and CEO of Trilogy Metals, emphasized the significance of the decision: “This is a turning point for Trilogy and for domestic critical mineral development. The Ambler Road is a strategic asset for the U.S., and with President Trump’s backing, we are confident the project will move forward in a way that respects both the land and the people who call it home.”
Rick Van Nieuwenhuyse, Chairman of Valhalla Metals, expressed his enthusiasm for the project’s renewal: “We are excited that the Trump administration has reversed the Biden administration’s ‘No Action Alternative’ finding. This is exactly what Congress intended with ANILCA 45 years ago. We can now restart our exploration efforts and expand the known resources at the Sun deposit. Thank you, President Trump!”
The Ambler Road Project, once a part of the 1980 Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA), is now poised to proceed, unlocking new opportunities for Alaskans and helping to secure the nation’s supply of critical minerals needed for defense and technology. With this important project back on track, Alaska is set to play a key role in reducing America’s reliance on foreign sources and ensuring a more secure and prosperous future for the state and the nation
