By Robb M. Stewart

Trilogy Metals' jointly-held mining project in northwestern Alaska is targeting mine permit submissions next year, potentially leveraging federal expedited programs after the Defense Department recently bought a stake in the Canadian company.

Ambler Metals, which Trilogy equally owns with Australia-based South32, also aims to re-establish an independent management team in 2026 that will be dedicated to overseeing the next stages of advancement at the mining development, Trilogy said.

Ambler has approved a program and $35 million budget as the venture prepares to initiate the mine permitting process for its Arctic project. Trilogy said the venture could look to take advantage of expedited programs including FAST-41, a U.S. federal framework designed to boost coordination, transparency and predictability for permitting critical infrastructure projects.

Ambler plans to advance engineering, environmental and technical programs required to support a future final investment decision for mine construction and operations in parallel with the permitting process, Trilogy said.

Trilogy said exploration activities in 2026 will focus mainly on the Arctic project, part of the broader Upper Kobuk minerals projects in Alaska that include deposits of copper, zinc, silver and other metals.

The joint venture plans to open its Bornite camp during the 2026 summer field season to conduct geotechnical and exploration drilling, along with general camp maintenance to support future programs.

Ambler also continues to evaluate possible early-stage funding to support access to mining projects. Known as Ambler Road, the proposed 211-mile, industrial-use-only road would connect the Ambler mining district to the Dalton Highway to allow exploration and development of the Upper Kobuk minerals projects.

President Trump recently reversed a decision by the Biden administration rejecting a proposed road to the remote area.

In October, South32 agreed to sell roughly $17.8 million of stock in Trilogy to the Defense department as part of a deal for the U.S. to secure a 10% stake in the mineral-exploration company.

Write to Robb M. Stewart at robb.stewart@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

December 17, 2025 07:12 ET (12:12 GMT)

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