- The White House’s recent proclamation targets copper imports with tariffs to bolster domestic production and national security
- Interior Department proposes adding copper to the U.S. critical minerals list, potentially unlocking federal funding and streamlined permitting for domestic projects
- Trilogy Metals’ Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects in Alaska contain high-grade copper, cobalt, zinc, and other defense-critical metals
The convergence of market demand, national security priorities, and federal policy is reshaping the U.S. copper landscape. Copper, essential for defense systems, infrastructure, and emerging technologies, has become a focal point of strategic concern. The combination of executive action and critical minerals policy highlights the urgent need to secure domestic sources, a development that positions Trilogy Metals (NYSE American: TMQ) (TSX: TMQ) at the center of both economic and national security considerations.
Federal Action Elevates Domestic Copper
In late July 2025, the White House issued a proclamation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, imposing tariffs of up to 50% on semi-finished and derivative copper products imported into the United States. The administration cited risks to national security from overreliance on foreign supply, particularly as a single country dominates global smelting and refining. Copper’s role across the Department of Defense, including aircraft, vehicles, ships, missiles, and ammunition, was highlighted as critical to maintaining technological and military readiness.
These tariffs aim to stimulate domestic production, incentivize investment in U.S. copper fabrication, and reduce vulnerability to supply chain disruptions. The proclamation also outlines phased domestic sales requirements and export controls for high-quality copper scrap, further bolstering U.S. industrial resilience.
Critical Minerals Listing Expands Support
Complementing tariff measures, the Interior Department proposed adding copper to the draft 2025 critical minerals list. Inclusion would make eligible projects potentially competitive for federal funding, streamlined permitting, and protection from certain import-related fees. Copper’s draft designation underscores its strategic importance amid rising domestic electricity demand, the growth of data centers, and electrification of transportation.
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum noted that the draft list provides a roadmap to reduce U.S. dependence on imports while expanding domestic production. Public comment on the proposal is open for 30 days, with the final list expected to further clarify the government’s priorities for supporting strategic mining projects.
Trilogy Metals’ Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects
Trilogy Metals operates through a 50/50 joint venture with South32 at the Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects in Alaska’s Ambler Mining District. The Arctic deposit contains 46.7 million tonnes of probable reserves grading 2.11% copper, 2.9% zinc, and 0.56% lead, complemented by 0.42 g/t gold and 31.8 g/t silver, with a 2023 feasibility study estimating a $1.5 billion pre-tax NPV.
Nearby, the Bornite copper-cobalt project adds an inferred resource of 6.5 billion pounds of copper. Together, Arctic and Bornite offer the potential for a multi-decade mining operation supplying metals essential to defense applications, grid storage, and clean energy technologies – anchored in a high-grade, stable jurisdiction.
Infrastructure as a Strategic Asset
The proposed 211-mile Ambler Access Road, connecting Trilogy’s projects to Alaska’s highway system, has gained strategic significance under new federal policies. Once viewed primarily as economic infrastructure, it now aligns with national security objectives by enabling reliable access to domestic critical minerals. A partnership state-owned corporation Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority provide technical expertise and community collaboration essential for advancing both permitting and operational readiness.
Market Dynamics Reinforce Policy
Global copper demand continues to rise due to electrification, renewable energy deployment, and the expansion of data centers and AI infrastructure. At the same time, global supply growth is constrained by declining ore grades, extended development timelines, and geopolitical dependencies. Trilogy Metals’ high-grade Arctic and Bornite deposits sit at the nexus of policy and market demand, offering both strategic and economic value.
Strategic Outlook
The intersection of tariffs, critical mineral designation, and strong domestic demand places Trilogy Metals in a unique position. With federal support and infrastructure planning advancing, the company’s Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects could evolve into vital domestic sources of critical minerals, contributing directly to U.S. industrial and defense resilience. As the government continues to emphasize domestic supply security, Trilogy’s Arctic and Bornite deposits may increasingly be seen not only as high-quality mining assets but also as strategic national resources.
For more information, visit www.TrilogyMetals.com.
NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to TMQ are available in the company’s newsroom at ibn.fm/TMQ
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