AIDEA Advances Ambler Access Project

Partnership with Ambler Metals for 2020 Predevelopment Work

The Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) Board unanimously approved a resolution that authorizes AIDEA to spend up to $500,000 from funds in the Arctic Infrastructure Development Fund for 2020 predevelopment work on the Ambler Access Project. Ambler Metals, a joint venture between South32 Limited and Trilogy Metals Inc. and the developer of the Arctic Deposit located in the Ambler Mining District, will match these funds with another $500,000.

AIDEA and Ambler Metals will sign an Interim Funding Agreement for this predevelopment work, along with a Memorandum of Understanding, that outlines how the project parties will proceed going forward. The Authority and Ambler Metals will equally share the cost of procuring services needed for the 2020 season. These services include:

• Perform aerial photography imagery and collection of LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging Radar) to fill data gaps on the route approved in the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS);
• Continuation of public outreach and stakeholder engagement;
• Cultural resource tasks, including gathering ethnographic data; and
• Procurement of an external Program Manager.

“We are very pleased to partner with Ambler Metals in this important predevelopment work on the Ambler Access Project,” said AIDEA Board Chairman Dana Pruhs.  “As one of the largest undeveloped copper-zinc mineral belts in the world, the Ambler Mining District represents tremendous potential for economic growth, diversification, and job opportunities for Alaskans involving road construction and operations, mines construction, mining operations, along with revenues to the State and local governments.”

Visit AMBLER ACCESS to learn more about the project and its benefits to Alaska.