Partners
Partners
Collaborating with our Partners and Stakeholders
NOVAGOLD recognizes the value of strong partnerships at its projects, both with local communities and at the operating level. As a development-stage company, we acknowledge the need for partnerships and collaboration to achieve our goal of becoming a gold producer.
Acceptance and support for mining projects must be earned. Donlin Gold approached local communities before beginning exploration work, informing them of our interests and plans as well as soliciting feedback. The Company seeks to bring tangible, long-lasting benefits to all of its community partners in the form of training and employment opportunities, service business contracts, and participation agreements that ensure local communities benefit financially and socially as the project advances.
Our partners understand that these benefits will extend for generations well beyond when mining will end.
The Calista Corporation (Calista) is one of thirteen Native regional corporations established under the 1971 Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA). Under ANCSA, the Native corporations were provided with $962.5 million and the right to select 44 million acres of land. Calista selected mineral rights at Donlin Gold because of its known gold potential. A mineral lease to 49,100 acres (19,900 hectares) of Calista mineral lands grants Donlin Gold the right to develop the deposit and provides Calista with royalties, shareholder employment opportunities, scholarships and preferential contract considerations for supplier companies owned by Calista shareholders.
The Kuskokwim Corporation (TKC) is an entity that was formed in 1977 by ten ANCSA village corporations located along the middle region of the Kuskokwim River. TKC is the owner of the surface rights for most of the project lands. Donlin Gold LLC operates under a long term surface use agreement with TKC which was updated in 2014 to coincide with the project’s expected mine life as well as with the length of the Calista mining lease.
NOVAGOLD and Paulson Advisers LLC are aligned in their vision to establish Donlin Gold as the premier gold development project focused on long-term responsible value creation. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to sustainable practices, community engagement, and technical excellence, as both companies work hand-in-hand to unlock the full potential of Donlin Gold. This is built on complementary strengths with extensive knowledge in gold mining, shared values, and a commitment to responsible development.
NOVAGOLD and Paulson’s collaboration goes beyond investment—it is a strategic alliance with a long-term commitment to success. The partnership is further strengthened by a coordinated approach to financial planning and operational decision-making.
Moving forward, NOVAGOLD and Paulson will work together to execute a strategic review to advance key initiatives, including:
- Updating the Feasibility Study, with a specialized team driving this effort.
- Executing the 2025 drill program, focusing on reserve and resource expansion, while exploring new mineralization opportunities.
- Advancing technical work and engineering designs to refine project development.
- Supporting permitting efforts, ensuring compliance and maintaining engagement with government stakeholders.
- Strengthening investment initiatives and community partnerships in Alaska, collaborating with local stakeholders.