Governance
Governance
“In 2024, NOVAGOLD continued to advance its governance practices as part of a broader effort to embed sustainability into the core of our strategy. As Lead Director and Chair of the Sustainability Committee, I recognize that robust and responsible governance is foundational to achieving our long-term ESG ambitions.
The composition of our Board reflects our sustained commitment to equity and representation, and we remain focused on embedding inclusive practices throughout our governance processes. We actively align with globally recognized governance frameworks, and our ongoing enhancements are designed to strengthen accountability, ensure transparency, and support resilient decision-making.
Through principled leadership, comprehensive oversight, and a steadfast focus on integrity, we are committed to realizing our sustainability ambitions while consistently delivering on the evolving priorities of our stakeholders.”
Elaine Dorward-King
Lead Independent Director and Chair of Sustainability Committee,
NOVAGOLD
Sustainability & Governance: A Unified Approach at NOVAGOLD
At NOVAGOLD, strong corporate governance goes hand in hand with our commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. From Board oversight to daily operations, ESG priorities are seamlessly woven into our organizational framework, ensuring they drive strategic planning, risk management, and decision-making at every level.
With clear accountability, goal-setting, and transparent reporting, ESG is not treated as a separate initiative but as an essential driver of long-term value creation. Each year, measurable ESG objectives are carefully reviewed by both the executive team and the Board, with progress reported to stakeholders via the Management Information Circular.
This integrated approach allows us to proactively manage risks, foster strong stakeholder relationships, and ensure that our sustainability efforts create lasting positive impacts—benefiting communities, the environment, and the business for generations to come.
Guiding our environmental performance, the Board’s Sustainability Committee plays a crucial role. Comprising directors with expertise in key areas such as environmental responsibility, permitting, compliance, climate change, biodiversity, and worker health and safety, the committee regularly reviews sustainability priorities. Meeting at least quarterly, it provides critical updates to the Board, ensuring ESG considerations remain at the forefront of our strategy.
By embedding sustainability into our governance model, NOVAGOLD remains committed to responsible growth, innovation, and ethical leadership—today and into the future.
Strengthening Governance for Sustainable Success
At NOVAGOLD, strong corporate governance is the foundation of our management approach, shaping our policies, principles, and practices. Our Board of Directors is entrusted with stewardship, ensuring our governance system remains resilient, overseeing strategic execution, and upholding safety and reliability in all operations.
Senior management is responsible for developing long-term strategies and annual and capital plans, all of which undergo rigorous review and approval by the Board. This close collaboration ensures that governance extends beyond corporate headquarters to our operational sites.
To maintain transparency and oversight, our senior management team conducts site visits and fosters open communication. Regular reports from site and health and safety managers provide insights into sustainability-related matters, including health and safety, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility—reinforcing our commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices.
Governance Policies
NOVAGOLD’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy, Human Rights Policy, Insider Trading Policy, and Corporate Disclosure Policy serve to strengthen our standards and values. These policies articulate our firm expectation that employees adhere to the utmost standards of legal and ethical behavior. All employees at both NOVAGOLD and Donlin Gold are expected to follow these policies and receive appropriate training. In 2024, there were no reported or observed incidents of corruption at either NOVAGOLD or Donlin Gold. In addition, our Human Rights Policy, Health and Safety Policy, Climate Change Policy, Biodiversity Policy, and Environmental Policy outline our commitments to protecting the environment and the health and safety of our people and communities.
The Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, along with other policies, play a crucial role in managing NOVAGOLD’s business activities, contributing to our long-term success. Regular reviews of governance policies ensure alignment with changes in our business and relevant regulations. The Board oversees our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics along with related policies to ensure compliance, regularly reviewing them to align with ethical standards.
Applicable Corporate Policies can be found at https://www.novagold.com/company/governance/