Community Engagement
A detailed stakeholder engagement plan, which is updated annually in collaboration with Calista and TKC, guides outreach activity at the project level and considers each local stakeholder’s level of responsibility, proximity, dependence, and representation in the project region. In addressing flooding challenges faced by Crooked Creek in the spring of 2023, the closest community to the project site in the Y-K region, Donlin Gold, Calista, and TKC played a vital role in providing a fast response and much needed support. Donlin Gold employees also assisted with delivery of relief supplies and repair of equipment after the flood.
Illustrating this outreach approach, Donlin Gold LLC consistently engages in discussions to explore options for mitigating or modifying project activities that might adversely impact stakeholders. Continuous feedback on project activities is organized through the Donlin Advisory Technical Review and Oversight Committee (DATROC). Comprising senior leadership from Calista and TKC, the DATROC advises Donlin Gold LLC on issues of specific interest to the communities.
Illustrating this outreach approach, Donlin Gold LLC consistently engages in discussions to explore options for mitigating or modifying project activities that might adversely impact stakeholders. Continuous feedback on project activities is organized through the Donlin Advisory Technical Review and Oversight Committee (DATROC). Comprising senior leadership from Calista and TKC, the DATROC advises Donlin Gold LLC on issues of specific interest to the communities.
Engaging with Governments
Government authorities stand as pivotal stakeholders and indispensable partners. Their implementation of laws and regulations establishes the framework for responsible mining practices. The presence of stable regulations and transparent government processes empowers NOVAGOLD to navigate risks and make investment decisions with confidence.
The existence of appropriate regulation, complemented by robust judicial and political institutions, enables us to develop operations that generate value for all stakeholders. In a collaborative effort with Calista and the Village of Crooked Creek, Donlin Gold has been actively engaged in proactive, bipartisan outreach in Alaska. This outreach aims to emphasize the detail of the project’s environmental review and permitting procedures, as well as the strong partnerships with Native Alaskans who own the land and mineral resources.
Beyond Alaska, additional engagements were conducted with the federal government in 2023 in Washington, D.C., involving members of the Congressional delegation and senior leadership from the U.S. Department of Interior. This is part of an ongoing bipartisan outreach campaign directed at the Biden Administration and the U.S. Congress. Key participants included Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, along with Alaska State Representative Mary Peltola who happens to be from the Y-K region. Notably, at the Alaska Oil & Gas Association’s Annual Conference, Rep. Peltola recognized Donlin Gold for exceptional project outreach and community engagement efforts.
This acknowledgment underscores Donlin Gold’s commitment to fostering positive relationships and actively involving local communities in the Y-K region. It reflects the paramount importance placed on responsible and sustainable resource development in Alaska.
