Update On The Ambler Mining District Access Road

VANCOUVER - Trilogy Metals Inc. reported on the Ambler Access Project (AAP) – the proposed 211-mile, industrial-use-only road from the Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects (UKMP) to the Dalton Highway.

The United States Bureau of Land Management (USBLM) has published in the Federal Register a Notice of Intent (NOI) that it will prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for the proposed Ambler Mining District Industrial Access Road.

The NOI indicates that: 1) The USBLM will accept comments related to the SEIS for 45 days so that the USBLM can determine which, if any, additional impacts and resources related to identified deficiencies should be more thoroughly assessed to facilitate integrating the USBLM's National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis with its ongoing Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act Section 810 and National Historic Preservation Act Section 106 processes. 2) Input by Alaska Native Tribes and Corporations will continue to be of critical importance and that USBLM will continue to consult with these entities under applicable guidance. 3) Preparation of the SEIS in compliance with NEPA will additionally help the USBLM to fulfill its obligations under applicable law.

The USBLM has said it anticipates publishing a Draft SEIS during the second quarter of 2023, after which it will accept public comments on the Draft SEIS.

Tony Giardini, President and CEO, said, "While we welcome the clarified timeline of the SEIS, we continue to urge the United States Department of the Interior (DOI) to move expeditiously through its work to reinstate the Joint Record of Decision (JRO"). The industrial-use-only access road is not only important for future development of our projects, it is also expected to bring many benefits to remote Alaskan communities where improved infrastructure can significantly reduce the cost of living. We are confident that subsistence use of the land will be appropriately considered and protected during the development of the road and the UKMP. The Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects will bring significant positive benefits, including high-paying, stable jobs and increased security of US domestic production of metals."

Ely Cyrus, President of the Native Village of Kiana, commented, "The Native Village of Kiana had discussed the proposed project in the past, and we recognized the high potential for employment and educational opportunities for our tribal members. Mining has provided our villages with infrastructure and opportunities for decades in part due to the Red Dog mine. Our tribal members and community have received millions of dollars of project funding in the past few years through the Northwest Arctic Borough Village Improvement Fund (VIF program) which is funded through natural resource proceeds. Projects include a new community building, and heavy equipment for road construction and maintenance. The USBLM did not choose to visit our community, as we would have welcomed the opportunity to share with them the positive benefits of responsible natural resource development."