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Published: October 26, 2026 |
Ambler Metals said the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has published a notice of intent (NOI) for the Arctic Project in Northwest Alaska, officially launching the public scoping phase of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) environmental review.
This milestone follows the Arctic project’s designation as a covered project under the federal FAST-41 program in May 2026 and begins a coordinated, transparent 30-month schedule for NEPA review and associated federal and state of Alaska permitting.
Ambler Metals said they are committed to working closely with local residents, regional organizations, Tribes, and other stakeholders throughout the public scoping phase. As the Army Corps leads this process, local input and traditional knowledge will play an important role in identifying the issues that should be evaluated through NEPA and in understanding how the project may affect land, water, wildlife, and daily life in the region. That engagement will also help shape measures to avoid, minimize, and address potential impacts.
“This notice of intent opens an exciting new chapter for the Arctic Project. We welcome this thorough public process as an opportunity to continue to demonstrate our commitment to meeting the highest environmental standards and ensuring Alaskans benefit from this development,” said Ron Rimelman, president of Ambler Metals.
“Our business foundation is built on local trust and partnership. Earning and maintaining our social license to operate is essential, and we remain dedicated to ensuring this project supports traditional and subsistence lifestyles while serving as a powerful engine for long-term economic self-determination for Northwest Alaska communities. By offering good-paying, multi-generational careers, the Arctic Project will create opportunities that allow rural Alaskans and our young people to support their families and build lives close to home,” added Rimelman.
First discovered in the 1970s, Arctic is one of the world’s highest-grade copper deposits with an estimated grade of approximately 5 percent copper equivalent. The deposit spans 0.4 square miles and holds an estimated 46.7 million tonnes of probable mineral reserves, including copper, lead, zinc, gold, and silver. Ambler Metals has an established partnership with NANA, known as the Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects (UKMP), to explore mining in the area.
“The Ambler Mining District has world-class mineral deposits whose responsible development will strengthen our economic competitiveness and security for decades to come,” said Senator Lisa Murkowski.
“The Arctic Project is the first in the region to reach permitting and will serve as a key source of domestic copper, zinc, and other needed minerals — as well as local jobs, state revenues, and community benefits like substantially cheaper fuel. As this process moves forward, I encourage interested Alaskans to weigh in while this comment period is open,” added Murkowski.
“The Arctic Project within the Ambler Mining District represents a tremendous opportunity to create good-paying jobs for Alaskans, generate revenues for local communities and the state, and lessen America’s dangerous reliance on China for critical minerals,” said Senator Dan Sullivan.
“I’ve always said that the development of the Ambler Mining District has to be done right, with close consultation with Alaska Native and community leaders and respect for our environment and subsistence way of life. That process begins again today with the Corps’ publication of its notice of intent, marking an important step toward realizing the mineral potential in the district that Congress recognized in the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA). I’m glad to see momentum and progress building behind a project that will strengthen Alaska’s economy and benefit our hard-working families,” added Sullivan.
Development of the Arctic Project would lead to an estimated 650 jobs during peak mine construction and an average of 450 jobs during operation, $407 million in state revenue over the mine life, and $60 million in wages per year. Ambler Metals advances the project in partnership with NANA Regional Corporation through the Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects (UKMP) agreement.
Ambler Metals is an independently operated joint venture formed by South32 Limited and Trilogy Metals for the exploration and development of the UKMP and advancing projects in the Ambler Mining District in collaboration with NANA. Ambler Metals is an Alaskan company with offices in Anchorage and Fairbanks.
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