Ambler Metals Submits Federal Permitting Application for Arctic Project
Applications for Clean Water Act 404 permit and FAST-41 program begin permitting process for one of the world’s largest copper deposits
Anchorage, Alaska — April 21st, 2026 — Ambler Metals announced that it has submitted an application for a Clean Water Act section 404 permit to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Monday, April 20, 2026, thereby initiating federal permitting to build and operate the Arctic mining project.
In addition to this application submission, Ambler Metals plans to request an eligibility review for coverage under the program established by Title 41 of the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST-41) which is administered by the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council (FPISC). FAST-41 coverage would provide a comprehensive, integrated permitting timetable, bring greater transparency, and allow for dispute resolution.
First discovered in the 1970s, Arctic is one of the world’s highest-grade copper deposits with an estimated grade of approximately 5% copper equivalent. The deposit spans 0.4 square miles and holds an estimated 46.7 million tons of probable mineral reserves, including copper, lead, zinc, gold and silver.
“Alaska has a very strong track record of responsible resource development while protecting the surrounding communities and wildlife,” said Kaleb Froehlich, Ambler Metals Managing Director. “We’re looking forward to working closely with the federal government, the State of Alaska, the Northwest Arctic Borough, and the communities in the project area to advance the Arctic project which will help power the nation’s economy, contribute to our national security and bring much-needed jobs and economic growth to Alaska, particularly to nearby villages. Ambler Metals continues to affirm that any future mining in the Upper Kobuk must have lasting support from the people who live there, and as we move through the permitting process, we will continue to build this trust and keep regional stakeholders informed at every stage of the process.”
Ambler Metals has an established partnership with NANA, known as the Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects (UKMP), to explore mining in the area. Development of the Arctic deposit would lead to an estimated 1,000 jobs in both construction and operations, $407 million in State revenue, and $300 million in labor income.
About Ambler Metals
Ambler Metals LLC is an independently operated joint venture formed by South32 Limited and Trilogy Metals Inc. 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.