TSX- and NYSE American-listed Trilogy Metals has announced a series of senior management appointments at its 50:50 joint venture (JV) with South32 as the partners advance the Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects (UKMP) in Alaska.

The JV – Ambler Metals – is progressing exploration and development activities across the UKMP in the Ambler Mining District, which hosts the Arctic volcanogenic massive sulphide deposit and the Bornite carbonate replacement copper project.

Michael Galicki has been appointed VP exploration of Ambler Metals. He has more than 15 years’ experience advancing base and critical metals exploration programmes across North America and previously held leadership roles with South32, including oversight of remote, helicopter-supported exploration campaigns.

Cole Schaeffer has been named VP human resources, community and partnerships. He brings more than 25 years’ leadership experience in mining and corporate management in Alaska, including as HR manager at Teck Alaska and as a senior executive at Alaska Native corporations.

Jenna Tan joins as VP finance. She has held senior finance and strategy roles across major mining and resources companies in the US and Australia, including South32, Vale, Peabody and BHP Mitsubishi Alliance. At South32, she served as director of finance for the Hermosa project in Arizona.

Ron Rimelman has been appointed senior director permitting. He has more than 40 years’ experience in environmental review and mine permitting across North America, most recently as VP environment, health and safety and sustainability at Novagold Resources, where he oversaw federal and state permitting for the Donlin Gold project. He has also been involved in permitting processes for projects across Alaska and other US states.

Trilogy president and CEO Tony Giardini said the expanded team would strengthen the venture’s ability to meet near-term milestones, including resource growth drilling and permitting advancement.

“Michael Galicki and Cole Schaeffer bring exactly the expertise we need to advance the UKMP. Michael's proven success managing complex exploration programmes in high-logistics North American environments positions us perfectly for this year's drilling season as we work to expand our resource base and test high-priority targets.

“Cole brings invaluable experience from both Alaska Native Corporations and Teck Resources' Red Dog mine, one of the world's largest zinc operations. His deep understanding of community engagement and operational requirements in Alaska's Arctic will be critical as we advance both the Arctic and Bornite deposits. Together, Michael and Cole strengthen our ability to unlock the full value of this world-class mining district.

“These appointments position Ambler Metals to deliver on critical near-term milestones. Jenna Tan brings the financial and commercial rigour we need as we advance toward an investment decision on the Arctic project. Her experience leading South32's Hermosa project through feasibility and development gives us proven expertise in managing major mining ventures in the United States.

“Ron Rimelman's 40 years of mine permitting experience, including his leadership on the Donlin Gold project and work throughout Alaska, will be invaluable as we navigate the FAST-41 expedited federal permitting process. Together, Jenna and Ron provide the institutional knowledge and technical expertise needed to transform Ambler Metals from explorer to developer and position this venture as a premier domestic source of critical minerals," said Giardini.