Trump Approves Alaska Ambler Road, Secures 10% Stake in Trilogy Metals to Boost Critical Mineral Supply

President Donald Trump approved the 211-mile Ambler Road project in Alaska to provide access to significant mineral resources such as copper, cobalt, gold, zinc, and germanium, reversing a halt imposed by the Biden administration over environmental and Indigenous subsistence concerns. The road will cut through sensitive areas including 26 miles of the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, crossing numerous rivers and streams to reach the Ambler Mining District, which holds deposits valued at over $7 billion and is critical for technologies in electronics, renewable energy, and national defense. The U.S. government announced it will acquire a 10% equity stake in Canadian mining company Trilogy Metals, which is developing the Ambler site, along with additional investments in other strategic mineral projects domestically. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum emphasized the project’s importance for securing critical minerals needed to compete with China in the AI arms race and to bolster economic and national security. While the project has strong support from Alaska’s congressional delegation and state officials who highlight job creation and economic growth, it faces opposition from Alaska Native tribes and environmental groups concerned about impacts on wildlife habitats and traditional subsistence lifestyles. Trump criticized the Biden administration for delaying the project and portrayed the Ambler Road as an economic boon that should have been operational years ago, signaling a broader strategy to enhance domestic mineral production for national security.