User:Sipik06/sandbox/Ambler Road
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| Ambler Road | |
|---|---|
 Proposed route of the road, with an alternative route shown | |
| Proposed by | Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority |
| Proposed length | 211 miles |
The Ambler Road is the common name for the Ambler Mining District Industrial Access Project—a proposed industrial haul road that would connect the Dalton Highway to the area around the Ambler Mining District, allowing for future mining projects in the area. The project is being managed by the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA)—Alaska's state-owned economic development authority.
In April 2024, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) issued a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement, evaluating the project's potential impact on the environment and nearby communities. The BLM selected the "no action" alternative, effectively halting the project.
History[edit]
The Ambler Mineral Belt contains valuable deposits of copper and cobalt. After access to the area by rail or barge was determined to be unfeasible, the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities began working toward building a road. This project was transferred to AIDEA in 2013.[1]
The 1980 Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act required the National Park Service to grant right-of-way access through Gates of the Arctic National Park to a road providing access to the Ambler Mining District. However, as the proposed road would have to pass through areas managed by the BLM, it was still subject to environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act.[2]
On February 11, 2020, Ambler Metals LLC was formed to pursue mining projects in the Ambler Mining District. The company is a joint venture between Trilogy Metals and South32, with each company holding a 50% stake.[3]
In 2020, the BLM released its Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the proposal, selecting AIDEA's proposed 211-mile route as its preferred alternative. This conclusion was challenged in court, leading the BLM to begin work on a broader Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) that would evaluate impacts not covered by the initial EIS.
In October 2023, Doyon, Limited announced that it would not renew its land-use agreement with AIDEA once it expired in April 2024, blocking access to 10-12 miles of two potential routes for the Ambler Road, as well as gravel pits needed for road construction. This action was due at least in part to a dispute between Doyon and AIDEA regarding a separate project.[4]
The Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement was released in late 2023 and concluded that 66 communities would see their subsistence practices impacted by the project instead of the 27 included in the initial EIS.[5] The SEIS was finalized in April of 2024, with the BLM this time selecting "no action" as its preferred alternative. This decision was announced at the same time as new restrictions on development within the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska were finalized.[6] BLM's decision drew criticism from industry groups, the Alaska state government, and Alaska's congressional delegation.[7][5]
NANA Regional Corporation announced in May 2024 that it would not renew its land use agreement with AIDEA. NANA stated that it disagreed with AIDEA's management of the project, but continued to support future mine development and would maintain its partnership with Ambler Metals.[8]
Reactions[edit]
Arguments against the project[edit]
Opponents of the project have cited the potential environmental, cultural, and subsistence impacts of the road itself and subsequent mining projects. There has a been a particular focus on potential disruptions of caribou migration patterns, as well as the impact on downstream fisheries from any future releases of mining waste. There has also been concern that the road could be opened to the public—as happened with the Dalton Highway—potentially allowing outside hunters and bootleggers to more easily access the region.[9]
A group of regional residents called Protect the Kobuk has organized opposition to the road in the Northwest Arctic Borough.
In addition to protect the Kobuk, the following notable organizations have publicly opposed the project:
- Audobon Alaska
- Center for American Progress
- Native Movement
- Northern Alaska Environmental Center
- Sierra Club
- Tanana Chiefs Conference[10]
- Winter Wildlands Alliance
Arguments for the project[edit]
Supporters of the project have cited its potential to bring jobs and economic growth to the region. They have also pointed out that the minerals that could be extracted from the Ambler Region would aid the nation's transition to clean energy and electric vehicles. Supporters have warned that if mining projects in the United States are blocked, the same minerals will have to be sourced from countries with weaker protections for human rights and the environment.[11]
References[edit]
- ^ Ambler Mining District Industrial Access Project Environmental and Economic Analysis. National Park Service. July 2020. p. 3.
- ^ Ambler Mining District Industrial Access Project Environmental and Economic Analysis. National Park Service. July 2020. pp. 1–2.
- ^ "Investment in Ambler Metals LLC". Securities and Exchange Commission. Archived from the original on May 3, 2024.
- ^ Brooks, James (October 24, 2023). "Doyon Ltd. drops support for Ambler Road, at least temporarily". Alaska Beacon. Archived from the original on November 1, 2023. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
- ^ a b Friedman, Lisa (April 18, 2024) [April 16, 2024 (updated)]. "Interior Said to Reject Industrial Road Through Alaskan Wilderness". The New York Times. Archived from the original on April 26, 2024. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
- ^ "Biden-Harris Administration Takes Critical Action to Protect Alaska Native Subsistence, Lands and Wildlife". U.S. Department of the Interior. April 19, 2024. Archived from the original on May 3, 2024. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
- ^ Rosen, Yereth (April 19, 2024). "Biden administration rejection of Ambler road project both panned and celebrated in Alaska". Alaska Beacon. Archived from the original on May 6, 2024. Retrieved May 2, 2024.
- ^ Rosen, Yereth (May 9, 2024). "Alaska Native corporation ending involvement in controversial Ambler road project". Alaska Beacon. Archived from the original on May 9, 2024.
- ^ Downey, Shield (January 11, 2023) [January 10, 2023 (updated)]. "OPINION: There's a lot of talk about what we'd gain from the Ambler Road. But what would we lose?". Anchorage Daily News. Archived from the original on December 8, 2023. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
- ^ "Stop the Ambler Road". Tanana Chiefs Conference. Archived from the original on October 24, 2023. Retrieved May 3, 2024.
- ^ Feige, Corri (Mar 5, 2022). "Revisiting Ambler decision contradicts White House clean energy targets". Alaska Native News. Archived from the original on March 6, 2022. Retrieved May 8, 2024.