Ambler Metals Statement on Strategic Partnership with U.S. Department of War to Strengthen America’s Critical Mineral Supply Chain
Anchorage, Alaska —October 6, 2025 — Ambler Metals, a joint venture between Trilogy Metals Inc. and South32 Limited, today announced a landmark partnership with the U.S. Department of War, led by the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisitions and Sustainment (OUSD (A&S)) and the Office of Strategic Capital (OSC), to advance the responsible development of critical minerals essential to U.S. national security and economic resilience.
Under the terms of the agreement, the Department of War will acquire a 10 percent equity stake in Trilogy Metals, with options for increased ownership contingent upon the completion of key infrastructure, including the Ambler Access Road. The partnership may also include federal support mechanisms such as permitting assistance and potential loan guarantees to accelerate project development.
The Ambler Mining District, located in northwestern Alaska, hosts one of the most significant undeveloped sources of copper, zinc, cobalt, and other critical minerals in the United States – materials vital to national defense, energy technologies, and advanced manufacturing.
“This partnership represents a strong vote of confidence in the Ambler Mining District and is a major step forward for domestic mineral development that’s fundamental to America’s security and economy,” said Ambler Metals Managing Director Kaleb Froehlich. “By working together with the federal government, we can responsibly unlock resources that are critical to defense readiness, energy dominance, and high-tech innovation – all while creating jobs and opportunities in Alaska.”
“Ambler Metals continues to affirm that any future mining in the Upper Kobuk must have lasting support from the people who live there. We continue to work closely with local communities, NANA Regional Corporation, Doyon Ltd., and other partners, and are committed to obtaining a social license to operate projects in the Ambler Mining District. Mining and road construction would bring much needed jobs, reduce the cost of living, and contribute significantly to community development through taxes and royalties.”
About Ambler Metals
Ambler Metals LLC is an independently operated joint venture formed by South32 and Trilogy Metals on February 11, 2020, for the exploration and development of the Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects (UKMP) and advancement of projects in the Ambler Mining District in collaboration with NANA Regional Corporation. Ambler Metals is an Alaskan company with offices in Anchorage and Fairbanks.