Alaska Authority Seeks Permit for 78-Mile West Susitna Access Road

The Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) has submitted an application to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the permitting of the West Susitna Access Road, a 78.5-mile all-weather public and industrial road designed to support Nova Minerals' Estelle Project in Alaska. This infrastructure project aims to enhance year-round access to remote areas, reduce mining costs, and unlock significant economic opportunities for local communities and resource developers. Construction of a 22-mile connecting road, led by the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, is scheduled to begin in late 2025 and is expected to be completed by 2027. Supported by Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy and other political leaders, the project has been prioritized under Presidential Executive Order 14241 to expedite permitting, aligning with the U.S. strategy to secure critical mineral supply chains and bolster national energy security. Nova Minerals emphasizes the road’s importance for responsible exploration and regional development, highlighting its potential to improve access, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth in the West Susitna region. The project follows a public-private partnership model and is seen as a transformative step toward advancing Alaska's mineral potential and broader economic interests.