Trilogy Metals Applauds Federal Land Transfer to Alaska, Boosting Mining Prospects

Trilogy Metals Welcomes Federal Land Transfer to Alaska

Trilogy Metals Inc. has enthusiastically welcomed the recent decision by the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) to transfer around 1.4 million acres of federal land located in Alaska's Dalton Utility Corridor to state control. This transformative move marks a pivotal advancement toward responsible resource development within the Ambler Mining District, a region rich in mineral resources.

The land transfer is part of broader federal actions that originated from the issuance of Public Land Order 7966, which partially revoked the earlier Public Land Order 5150. Established in the early 1970s, PLO 5150 was intended to safeguard a utility and transportation corridor for infrastructure projects like the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and Dalton Highway. By designating millions of acres as protected, it aimed to minimize land claim conflicts during the development of essential infrastructure. However, with recent policy changes, portions of this corridor have reopened, allowing for the conveyance of lands to the State of Alaska, facilitating its entitlement rights under the Alaska Statehood Act.

Tony Giardini, President and CEO of Trilogy Metals, expressed that this development is beneficial for both Alaska and the nation's future mineral production. He emphasized that the transfer of land to state control paves the way for a stable and predictable environment necessary for infrastructure development. Projects like the Ambler Road will be crucial in unlocking the mineral potential of the Ambler Mining District.

The Dalton Utility Corridor serves as a strategic route, intersecting existing energy and transportation systems, including the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and Dalton Highway. This corridor overlaps with the intended Ambler Road, a 211-mile industrial-access road designed specifically to provide access from the Ambler Mining District to the Dalton Highway. This path is projected to tap into one of the most promising undeveloped mineral belts in North America, abundant in copper, cobalt, zinc, and other essential minerals.

Transitioning the management of these lands from federal oversight to the State of Alaska is anticipated to simplify regulatory processes. This change will enhance coordination for future permitting and right-of-way approvals, benefitting exploration and mining activities in the area.

The Ambler Mining District is a vital opportunity for bolstering U.S. supply chains concerning critical minerals that are integral to energy transition technologies, national security, and economic growth. Infrastructure access is a fundamental prerequisite for advancing exploration and development initiatives in the district.

The DOI’s announcement regarding the land transfer highlights the historical context and the significance of the land in facilitating economic activities and resource extraction within the Ambler Mining District. This development encourages a more collaborative approach towards mining operations, promoting partnerships with local communities and stakeholders.

About Trilogy Metals:
Trilogy Metals Inc. is engaged in mining exploration and development, holding a 50% stake in Ambler Metals LLC, which owns a complete interest in the Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects (UKMP) in northern Alaska. On December 19, 2019, South32 Limited, a global mining company, formed a joint venture with Trilogy Metals. The UKMP is situated within the Ambler Mining District, recognized as one of the richest copper-dominant regions globally. The area houses polymetallic volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits that include copper, zinc, lead, gold, and silver, in addition to carbonate replacement deposits with high-grade copper and cobalt.

It is important to note that forward-looking statements made in this release involve potential risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ from expectations. The company does not undertake to update these statements unless required by law.

For more information, please visit the DOI's official press release.