Our Approach to the Environment
Our Approach to the Environment
NOVAGOLD’s commitment to responsible environmental management is embodied in our Environmental Policy, and includes:
Donlin Gold is committed to protecting the subsistence culture reliant on the water and lands surrounding the project site, while honoring Alaska Native culture practiced by its employees and neighbors. To minimize environmental impacts, the project site has implemented detailed operating and monitoring plans and policies, addressing safe drinking water, sanitary wastewater systems, stormwater management, spill prevention, hazardous materials management, wetlands protection, wildlife interactions, and more.
During the 2023 field season, the camp housed 68 employees and contractors, contrasting with the future mine construction stage, which will necessitate around 2,000 year-round workers over several years. The production stage will require fewer employees but entails year-round extraction and processing activities that are energy- and water-intensive.
As operations advance into the development and construction stages, environmental impacts will change making year-to-year performance comparisons essential.
Environmental Programs
NOVAGOLD and Donlin Gold are dedicated to sustainable resource development, guided by a comprehensive environmental baseline study. This program evaluates air and water quality, land use, wildlife, socioeconomics, and public health while integrating traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) from local communities, Calista, and TKC. These insights help shape infrastructure design, minimizing environmental and cultural impacts. Findings contributed to the 2018 Donlin Gold Final Environmental Impact Statement, and ongoing studies continue to refine knowledge, incorporating TEK and climate change considerations.
NOVAGOLD’s project plan addresses risks and opportunities across all phases—exploration, development, operation, closure, and reclamation. The mine design prevents uncontrolled discharge of water, using it in milling or treating it to meet strict permit standards. Seasonal barge transport on the Kuskokwim River follows a community-informed approach, ensuring aquatic resource protection and minimizing impacts on subsistence fishing, including secure transport of fuel and chemicals.
Regional Environmental Initiatives
Donlin Gold remains committed to enhancing environmental conditions across the Y-K region. Partnering with the Native Village of Napaimute and the Association of Village Council Presidents, the company continues to support the “In It for the Long Haul” backhaul program for the seventh year. This initiative ensures the safe collection and disposal of hazardous waste, preventing contamination of landfills and waterways. In 2024, the program expanded to include waste removal from fish camps in the Middle Kuskokwim and launched backhaul operations along the Yukon River. Since 2018, approximately 803,000 pounds of hazardous materials have been removed—210,000 pounds in 2024 alone.
Donlin Gold also proudly supports the annual “Clean-Up Green-Up” program, assisting 47 communities in 2024. This initiative helps clear and responsibly dispose of trash from tundra, roads, public spaces, and beaches, fostering cleaner and healthier environments for local residents.
1 The updated plan approval was scheduled to be issued by the State in 2024 but this is now scheduled for 2025; the existing approval has been administratively extended until this occurs.