Ambler Metals, a 50/50 joint venture with South32, has submitted a Clean Water Act Section 404 permit application to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The company is seeking FAST-41 eligibility to streamline the federal permitting timeline and increase transparency. A $35 million, fully funded 2026 field program is scheduled to begin in May, including 40 to 45 drill holes totaling at least 5,650 meters. An independent economic impact study estimates the Arctic project could support up to 870 jobs and generate $31.3 million in annual state taxes and fees. The project aims to leverage infrastructure development to reduce regional heating fuel transportation costs by up to 70%.