Donlin Gold LLC
Donlin Gold LLC supports local Alaska Native communities through hiring preferences and employment opportunities, business enterprise support, economic diversification, maintenance of subsistence lifestyles, and preferential contract consideration for Native-owned suppliers. As noted above, these are consistent with the specific Alaska Native employment and contracting requirements included in the life-of-mine agreements with Calista and TKC. As the project progresses, we will continue to focus on developing programs that benefit local communities, including improved infrastructure, support for education and health services, cultural heritage preservation, employment and business opportunities, income from lease agreements with Calista and TKC, and environmental restoration and protection.
As indicated previously, for the 2022 mine site work program, 82% of Donlin Gold LLC’s direct hires were Alaska Natives from 24 villages in the Y-K region. This compares to 70% of the direct hires being Alaska Natives from 20 villages in the Y-K region during 2021. This is a continuation of the success of Donlin Gold LLC’s local hiring program initiated more than two decades ago.
Access to training and education are two of the important areas where we collaborate with our Alaska Native Corporation partners. For example, scholarships are awarded to students selected by Calista and TKC and funded by Donlin Gold LLC. In 2022, Donlin Gold LLC provided $75,000 in scholarships to students. Overall, under this program, Calista has awarded over $360,000 in scholarships to approximately 400 students, most of which attended, or are attending, Alaska post-secondary institutions. There are 45 Y-K region villages represented among the scholarship recipients, with chosen majors including business, education, engineering, health, humanities, and Indigenous studies.
In 2022, Donlin Gold LLC was again the primary sponsor of the Lower Kuskokwim School District’s annual college and career fair, which was held virtually for the third consecutive year. Moving the event to a virtual platform in 2020 came with its challenges, but ultimately it has allowed the event audience to increase and become more engaged for those who otherwise would not be able to attend this event due to travelling from a remote location. Since moving to a virtual platform, the average number of students who participate annually has increased to approximately 100. With an extensive list of presenters from colleges, trade schools, employers, financial aid providers and the U.S. Armed Forces, the students have had the opportunity to gain exposure to and learn about a variety of avenues to pursue their goals. Donlin Gold LLC also sponsored the annual Best in the West competition at the Kuskokwim campus of the University of Alaska to encourage and support the business leaders and entrepreneurs of tomorrow. A Donlin Gold LLC workforce training and development plan will be implemented prior to construction and production activities.
In addition, Donlin Gold LLC will continue to foster a work environment that recognizes the unique nature of the region’s Alaska Native culture. Essential items that will be considered in the development of the project include the importance of subsistence harvesting activities, cross-cultural training for employees and supervisors, family relationships, and providing local employment.
People Statistics
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct hires for Donlin Gold’s drill program were Alaska Natives | 82% | 70% | 80% |
| Donlin Gold LLC employees are Alaska Natives and Tribal members | 47% | 50% | 50% |
| NOVAGOLD’s employees are women | 46% | 46% | 46% |
| NOVAGOLD’s employees are ethnic minorities | 8% | 8% | 8% |
| NOVAGOLD’s Board members are women | 30% | 30% | 30% |
| NOVAGOLD’s Board members are ethnic minorities | 30% | 40% | 40% |
