North Slope Borough and Northwest Arctic Borough Support Process for Ambler Mining District
April 12, 2023 – Anchorage, Alaska – Representative Assemblies for the North Slope Borough and Northwest Arctic Borough have moved forward a unanimous joint resolution in support of the robust permitting process associated with the Ambler Mining District. Specifically, the joint resolution encourages the timely completion of the Department of Interior's supplemental environmental review process for responsible natural resource development for the Ambler Access Project.
“The joint resolution is a very encouraging development with two regions working together to explore the economic possibilities that responsible development of the Ambler Mining District could bring to the area,” says Ramzi Fawaz, president & CEO of Ambler Metals.
Community dialogue that includes local government is a critical part of the equation for all types of natural resource project development. It allows for meaningful tribal engagement related to baseline scientific and socioeconomic work and brings diverse perspectives to the table - particularly important during the planning and development stages. Historical knowledge of the land and the sharing of ideas are often the spark for bringing new solutions to the surface that ultimately may better serve all stakeholders.
The North Slope Borough and Northwest Arctic Borough are the two northernmost home-rule regional governments in Alaska, with planning and permitting authority for their respective regions. They share a border, traditional culture and values, and subsistence resources, and have a vested interest in economic development within the region.
The joint resolution supports responsible resource exploration, development, and extraction in their regions and acknowledges that responsible development can go hand-in-hand with protection of subsistence culture and resources. It also addresses the extensive mineral resources found within the District, including one of the world's largest undeveloped copper-zinc mineral belts, that contains other critical minerals such as cobalt. It underscores the importance of these metals as they relate to the global supply chain and elements essential for the manufacture of electric vehicles, renewable energy sources, technology, and defense systems.
“Resource development, when carried out in a way that respects our subsistence lifestyle, culture, and the wellbeing of the land has the potential to create progressive economic and employment outcomes for the people of our communities,” says Northwest Arctic Borough Mayor Dickie Moto.
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. ###