Allakaket Tribal Council and Huslia Tribal Council Withdraw from Ambler Access Project Litigation

February 17, 2023 (Anchorage, Alaska) – Allakaket Tribal Council and Huslia Tribal Council have announced their respective votes to unanimously withdraw from the Ambler Access Project Litigation. On February 10 and 11, 2023, each tribe passed their resolution with a 6-0 vote.

Randy Ruaro, Executive Director for AIDEA, said, “We appreciate this new opportunity to communicate and work with the Allakaket Tribal Council and Huslia Tribal Council on their concerns without the constraints and costs of litigation. We thank the Allakaket Tribal Council and Huslia Tribal Council and look forward to strong communications in the future.”

AIDEA and Ambler Metals are intervening defendants of the Ambler Access Project lawsuit, along with NANA Regional Corp and the State of Alaska. The original lawsuit was filed by the Northern Alaska Environmental Center, Tanana Chiefs Conference and six tribes. To date, three tribes have chosen to withdraw - the Native Village of Kobuk Traditional Council, Allakaket Tribal Council, and Huslia Tribal Council.

“This is an encouraging development in advancing mutually beneficial, thoughtful, and collaborative dialogue between the communities and the developers of the Ambler Access Project and Ambler Mining projects,” said Ramzi Fawaz, President & CEO of Ambler Metals. “It not only enables the social, environmental, and workforce development work to proceed, but also bodes well in securing the social license required for such a vital project for the region, Alaska, and for the United States.”

In early February 2023, AIDEA and Ambler Metals visited Allakaket for a community meeting and met with the tribal council. Working with the tribes and communities, ongoing efforts include job training and employment with emphasis on economic growth. The Ambler Access Project also obtains advice on subsistence matters from the Subsistence Advisory Committee with representation from communities close to the project.

(https://ambleraccess.org/Community-Engagement/Subsistence-Advisory-Committee). 

About AIDEA

AIDEA is a public corporation of the state whose purpose is to promote, develop, and advance jobs and economic development for Alaska. These goals are strongly supported by Governor Dunleavy and the AIDEA Board of Directors.

About Ambler Metals

Ambler Metals is a 50:50 independently operated LLC. The South32:Trilogy Metals Partnership was formed in 2017 through a 3-year exploration option agreement. Ambler Metals was formally established February 11, 2020, including a partnership with NANA Regional Corporation for the exploration and development of the UKMP and advancing projects in the Ambler Mining District. Ambler Metals is an Alaskan Company with offices in Anchorage and Fairbanks.

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