Exploration and development company Trilogy Metals and its 50:50 joint venture (JV) partner South32 are positioning 2026 as a key year for advancing the Ambler mining district in northwestern Alaska, with Ambler Metals approving a $35-million work programme aimed at initiating mine permitting, de-risking the Arctic project and laying the groundwork for long-term development.

Ambler Metals, the operating company for the Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects (UKMP), has signed off on a 2026 programme that prioritises preparation of mine permit submissions for the Arctic copper-dominant project, while advancing engineering, environmental and technical work required to support a future final investment decision.

The JV is targeting mine permit submissions in 2026 and is assessing the potential to leverage US federal expedited permitting frameworks, including FAST-41, subject to project readiness and continued engagement with regulators and stakeholders. FAST-41 is designed to improve coordination and predictability for permitting critical infrastructure and resource projects.

Alongside the permitting push, Ambler Metals plans to continue technical and organisational derisking across the UKMP. Exploration activities in 2026 will focus primarily on the Arctic project, with geotechnical and condemnation drilling programmes intended to support mine design, infrastructure placement and production planning.

The Bornite project will also feature in the 2026 programme, with the JV planning to reopen the Bornite camp during the summer field season. Work will include geotechnical and exploration drilling, as well as camp maintenance and capital improvements to enable multi-year use and future exploration campaigns.

Ambler Metals will also re-establish an independent management team during 2026 to oversee the next phase of project advancement. This team will be tasked with progressing permitting for the Arctic project, executing critical drill programmes, advancing technical studies and strengthening community engagement, workforce development and local participation.

Community and regional stakeholder engagement remains a core component of the programme, with the JV emphasising transparent consultation and long-term workforce planning as development activities advance.

In parallel, Ambler Metals will continue to evaluate potential early-stage funding opportunities for the proposed Ambler Access Project, also known as the Ambler Road, under its existing arrangement with the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority. The proposed industrial-use-only road would connect the Ambler Mining District to the Dalton Highway and is regarded as key enabling infrastructure for exploration and development at the UKMP.

At a corporate level, Trilogy Metals has approved a 2026 budget of about $5-million, largely to cover public company compliance and oversight of its investment in Ambler Metals. The company reported a cash position of more than $50-million, which it said is sufficient to fund ongoing operations and its share of joint venture requirements.

In October 2025, Trilogy raised about $25-million in gross proceeds through its at-the-market programme, selling just over 3.5-million shares at an average price of $7.12 a share.