# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0001173420
**File Stem:** 0001171843-26-000374
**Filing Date:** 2026-1
**Character Count:** 1237006
**Document Hash:** 9da3ff13af3c9c5000903bce9e6df2be
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001171843-26-000374.hdr.sgml**: 20260122

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001171843-26-000374

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 10-K

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 176

**CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT**: 20251130

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20260122

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20260122

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001173420
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** GOLD & SILVER ORES [1040]
- **ORGANIZATION NAME:** 01 Energy & Transportation
- **EIN:** 000000000
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** A1
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1130

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 10-K
- **SEC ACT:** 1934 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 001-31913
- **FILM NUMBER:** 26549702

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 201 SOUTH MAIN
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 400
- **CITY:** SALT LAKE CITY
- **STATE:** UT
- **ZIP:** 84111
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 801-449-9328

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 201 SOUTH MAIN
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 400
- **CITY:** SALT LAKE CITY
- **STATE:** UT
- **ZIP:** 84111

?xml version='1.0' encoding='ASCII'? ng20251130_10k.htm

**UNITED STATES**

 **SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION**

 **Washington, D.C. 20549**

**Form 10-K**

**☒** **ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934**

**For the Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2025**

**OR**

**☐** **TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934**

**For the Transition Period from to**

**Commission File Number: 001-31913**

![logo.jpg](logo.jpg)

**NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.**

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **British Columbia** | **N/A** |
| (State or Other Jurisdiction of<br> Incorporation or Organization) | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (I.R.S. Employer<br> Identification No.) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **201 South Main Street, Suite 400**<br> **Salt Lake City, Utah, USA** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **84111** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (Address of Principal Executive Offices) | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (Zip Code) |
| **(801) 639-0511**<br> (Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)<br>Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: | **(801) 639-0511**<br> (Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)<br>Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: |

---

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Title of each class** | **Trading Symbol(s)** | **Name of each exchange on which registered** |
| Common Shares | NG | NYSE American<br> Toronto Stock Exchange |

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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: **None**

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No ☒

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one)

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Large accelerated filer ☒  | Accelerated filer ☐ | Non-accelerated filer ☐ |
| Smaller reporting company ☐  | Emerging growth company ☐ |  |

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If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management's assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☒

If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant's executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to § 240.10D-1(b). ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒

Based on the last sale price on the NYSE American LLC ("NYSE American") of the registrant's common shares on May 30, 2025 (the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter) of $3.58 per share, the aggregate market value of the voting common shares held by non-affiliates was approximately $1,068,600,000.

As of January 16, 2026, the registrant had 406,994,531 common shares, no par value, outstanding.

**DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE**

Certain portions of the registrant's definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than April 1, 2026, in connection with the registrant's fiscal year 2025 annual meeting of shareholders, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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**NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.**

**TABLE OF CONTENTS**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| | **<u>Page</u>** |
| [PART I](#pt1) | [8](#pt1) |
| [Item 1. Business](#itm1) | [8](#itm1) |
| [Item 1A. Risk Factors](#itm1a) | [14](#itm1a) |
| [Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments](#itm1b) | [26](#itm1b) |
| [Item 1C. Cybersecurity](#itm1c) | [26](#itm1c) |
| [Item 2. Properties](#itm2) | [28](#itm2) |
| [Item 3. Legal Proceedings](#itm3) | [52](#itm3) |
| [Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures](#itm4) | [52](#itm4) |
| [PART II](#p2) | [53](#p2) |
| [Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities](#p2i5) | [53](#p2i5) |
| [Item 6. \[Reserved\]](#p2i6) | [62](#p2i6) |
| [Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations](#p2i7) | [63](#p2i7) |
| [Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk](#p2i7a) | [72](#p2i7a) |
| [Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data](#p2i8) | [73](#p2i8) |
| [Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure](#p2i9) | [95](#p2i9) |
| [Item 9A. Controls and Procedures](#p2i9a) | [95](#p2i9a) |
| [Item 9B. Other Information](#p2i9b) | [95](#p2i9b) |
| [PART III](#p3) | [96](#p3) |
| [Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance](#p3i10) | [96](#p3i10) |
| [Item 11. Executive Compensation](#p3i11) | [96](#p3i11) |
| [Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters](#p3i12) | [96](#p3i12) |
| [Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence](#p3i13) | [97](#p3i13) |
| [Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services](#p3i14) | [97](#p3i14) |
| [PART IV](#p4) | [98](#p4) |
| [Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules](#p4i15) | [98](#p4i15) |
| [Item 16. Form 10-K Summary](#p4i16) | [100](#p4i16) |

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

*Unless the context otherwise requires, the words* "*we,*" "*us,*" "*our,*" *the* "*Registrant*"*, the* "*Company*" *and* "*NOVAGOLD*" *refer to NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC., a British Columbia corporation, and its subsidiaries as of November 30, 2025.*

**CURRENCY**

References in this report to $ refer to United States dollars and C$ to Canadian dollars, except as otherwise specified.

See the "Glossary of Technical Terms" for more information regarding some of the terms used in this report.

**FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS**

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements or information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 concerning anticipated results and developments in our operations in future periods, planned exploration activities, the adequacy of our financial resources and other events or conditions that may occur in the future. These forward-looking statements may include statements regarding perceived merit of properties, exploration results and budgets, mineral reserves and resource estimates, work programs, anticipated timing of updated reports and/or studies, capital expenditures, operating costs, cash flow estimates, production estimates and similar statements relating to the economic viability of a project, anticipated timing and impact of certain judicial and/or administrative decisions, continued support of the state and federal permitting process, future capital raising activities and their related dilutive effects, sufficiency of working capital, timelines, strategic plans, including our plans and expectations relating to the Donlin Gold (as defined below) project, permitting and the timing thereof, the Company's market price, market prices for precious metals, or other statements that are not statements of fact. These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. Statements concerning mineral resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute "forward-looking statements" to the extent that they involve estimates of the mineralization that will be encountered if the property is developed.

Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, identified by words or phrases such as "expects", "is expected", "anticipates", "believes", "plans", "projects", "estimates", "assumes", "intends", "strategy", "goals", "objectives", "potential", "possible" or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events, conditions or results "may", "could", "would", "should", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material assumptions, including those listed below, which could prove to be significantly incorrect:

● our ability to achieve production at the Donlin Gold project;

● dependence on cooperation of co-owner in exploration and development of the Donlin Gold project;

● expectations regarding future gold prices and demand;

● estimated capital costs, operating costs, production and economic returns;

● estimated metal pricing, metallurgy, mineability, marketability and operating and capital costs, together with other assumptions underlying our mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates;

● our expected ability to develop adequate infrastructure and that the cost of doing so will be reasonable;

● assumptions that all necessary permits and governmental approvals will be obtained and retained, and the timing of such approvals;

● assumptions made in the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of our mineral deposits;

● our expectations regarding demand for equipment, skilled labor and services needed for the Donlin Gold project;

● our activities not being adversely disrupted or impeded by development, operating or regulatory risks;

● our expectations regarding the timing and outcome of certain judicial and/or administrative decisions, including but not limited to the appeals to: (i) the federal Joint Record of Decision ("JROD") and permits issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ("Corps") and U.S. Bureau of Land Management ("BLM"), and (ii) the State Clean Water Act Section 401 Certification (as defined below); and

● our ability to fund the feasibility study update.

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation:

● uncertainty of whether there will ever be production at the Donlin Gold project;

● risks related to cooperation with our co-owner on which we depend for Donlin Gold project activities;

● ownership of the membership interests contractually reduced;

● risks related to failure of maintaining an effective system of disclosure controls;

● our history of losses and expectation of future losses;

● our concentrated property portfolio;

● risks related to our ability to finance the development of the Donlin Gold project through external financing, strategic alliances, the sale of property interests or otherwise;

● uncertainty of estimates of capital costs, operating costs, production and economic returns, including the impact of inflation thereon;

● commodity price fluctuations;

● risks related to market events and general economic conditions;

● risks related to opposition to operations at our mineral exploration and development properties from non-governmental organizations ("NGOs") or civil society;

● the risk that permits and governmental approvals necessary to develop and operate the Donlin Gold project will not be available on a timely basis, subject to reasonable conditions, or at all;

● uncertainties relating to the assumptions underlying our mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates, such as metal pricing, metallurgy, mineability, marketability and operating and capital costs;

● risks related to the inability to develop or access the infrastructure required to construct and operate the Donlin Gold project;

● uncertainty related to title to the Donlin Gold project;

● risks related to our largest shareholder;

● risks related to conflicts of interests of some of the directors and officers of the Company;

● risks related to the need for reclamation activities on our properties and uncertainty of cost estimates related thereto;

● credit, liquidity, interest rate and currency risks;

● mining and development risks, including risks related to infrastructure, accidents, equipment breakdowns, labor disputes or other unanticipated difficulties with, or interruptions in, development, construction or production;

● risks related to changes in governmental regulation and uncertainties resulting from changes being implemented by the current U.S. federal administration including, but not limited to, the stability of pre-existing tax regimes and tariffs;

● risks related to environmental laws and regulations;

● risks related to our insurance;

● risks related to title and other rights to our mineral properties;

● risks related to increases in demand for equipment, skilled labor and services needed for exploration and development of the Donlin Gold project, and related cost increases;

● our need to attract and retain qualified management and technical personnel;

● uncertainty as to the outcome of potential litigation;

● risks related to the effects of global climate change on the Donlin Gold project;

● risks related to information technology systems;

● risks related to cybersecurity attacks and breaches; and

● risks related to the Company's status as a "passive foreign investment company" in the United States.

This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of our forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements about the future and are inherently uncertain, and our actual achievements or other future events or conditions may differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, without limitation, those referred to in this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the heading "Risk Factors" and elsewhere.

Our forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are based on the beliefs, expectations, and opinions of management as of the date of this report. We do not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, except as required by law. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

**Technical Information**

Paul Chilson, P.E., who is the Manager, Mine Engineering for NOVAGOLD and a "Qualified Person" under National Instrument 43-101 – *Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects* ("NI 43-101") and the Securities and Exchange Commission's ("SEC") current mining disclosure rules has approved the scientific and technical information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

*GLOSSARY OF TECHNICAL TERMS*

*The following technical terms defined in this section are used throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K.*

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|:---|:---|
| *alluvial* | A deposit formed by the action of running water, as in a stream channel or alluvial fan; also said of the valuable mineral (e.g. gold or diamond) associated with an alluvial placer. |

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| *arsenopyrite*  | An arsenic iron sulfide mineral. |

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| *assay* | A metallurgical analysis used to determine the quantity (or grade) of various metals in a sample. |

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| *concentrate* | A clean product recovered in flotation, which has been upgraded sufficiently for downstream processing or sale. |

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| *cut-off grade* | The grade (i.e., the concentration of metal or mineral in rock) that determines the destination of the material during mining. For purposes of establishing "prospects of economic extraction", the cut-off grade is the grade that distinguishes material deemed to have no economic value (it will not be mined in underground mining or if mined in surface mining, its destination will be the waste dump) from material deemed to have economic value (its ultimate destination during mining will be a processing facility). Other terms used in similar fashion as cut-off grade include net smelter return, pay limit, and break-even stripping ratio. |

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| *cyanidation* | A metallurgical technique, using a dilute cyanide solution, for extracting gold from ore by dissolving the gold into solution. |

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| *dike* | A tabular igneous intrusion that cuts across the bedding of the host rock. |

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| *dor*é | A semi-pure alloy of gold and silver. |

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| *electrowinning* | The deposition of gold from solution to cathodes by passing electric current from anodes through gold-bearing solution. |

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| *flotation* | A process used for the concentration of minerals, especially within base metal systems. |

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|:---|:---|
| *geotechnical* | Said of tasks or analysis that provide representative data of the geological rock quality in a known volume. |

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| *grade* | Quantity of metal or mineral per unit weight of host rock. |

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| *greywacke* | A variety of sandstone generally characterized by its hardness, dark color, and poorly sorted angular grains of quartz, feldspar, and small rock fragments set in a compact, clay-fine matrix. |

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| *host rock* | A body of rock serving as a host for other rocks or for mineral deposits. |

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| *hydrothermal* | Pertaining to hot aqueous solutions of magmatic origin which may transport metals and minerals in solution. |

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| *intrusive* | Said of igneous rock formed by the consolidation of magma intruded into other rocks. |

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| *mafic*  | Igneous rocks composed mostly of dark, iron- and magnesium-rich minerals. |

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| *massive* | Said of a mineral deposit, especially of sulfides, characterized by a great concentration of mineralization in one place, as opposed to a disseminated or vein-like deposit. |

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| *mineral* | A naturally formed chemical element or compound having a definite chemical composition and, usually, a characteristic crystal form. |

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

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| *mineral deposit* | A mineralized body which has been physically delineated by sufficient drilling, trenching, and/or underground work, and found to contain a sufficient average grade of metal or metals to warrant further exploration and/or development expenditures. |

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| *mineralization* | A natural occurrence in rocks or soil of one or more yielding minerals or metals. |

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| *net present* <br> *value (NPV)* | The sum of the value on a given date of a series of future cash payments and receipts, discounted to reflect the time value of money and other factors such as investment risk. |

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| *ore* | Rock containing metallic or non-metallic materials that can be extracted at a profit. |

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|:---|:---|
| *placer* | An alluvial deposit of sand and gravel, which may contain valuable metals. |

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| *porphyry* | An igneous rock of any composition that contains conspicuous phenocrysts (large crystals or mineral grains) in a fine-grained groundmass. |

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| *pyrite* | An iron sulfide mineral (FeS<sub>2</sub>), the most common naturally occurring sulfide mineral. |

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| *pyrrhotite* | An unusual, generally weakly magnetic, iron sulfide mineral with varying iron content (Fe<sub>1</sub>-xS (x=0 to 0.2)). |

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| *reverse circulation (RC)* | A type of drilling using dual-walled drill pipe in which the material drilled, water and mud are circulated up the center pipe while air is blown down the outside pipe. |

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| *realgar* | An arsenic sulfide mineral (As<sub>4</sub>S<sub>4</sub>). |

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| *reclamation* | Restoration of mined land to original contour, use, or condition where possible. |

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| *rhyodacite* | A volcanic, high-silica rock composed of mostly quartz and feldspar. |

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| *sedimentary* | Said of rock formed at the Earth's surface from solid particles, whether mineral or organic, which have been moved from their position of origin and re-deposited, or chemically precipitated. |

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| *shale* | A fine-grained detrital (transported by wind, water, or ice) sedimentary rock, formed by the consolidation of clay, silt, or mud. |

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| *sill* | An intrusive sheet of igneous rock of roughly uniform thickness that has been forced between the bedding planes of existing rock. |

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| *stibnite* | An antimony sulfide mineral (Sb<sub>2</sub>S<sub>3</sub>). |

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| *strike* | The direction, or bearing from true north, of a vein or rock formation measured on a horizontal surface. |

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| *sulfide* | A compound of sulfur and some other metallic element. |

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| *syngenetic* | Relating to or denoting a mineral deposit or formation produced at the same time as the host rock. |

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| *tailings* | Uneconomic material produced by a mineral processing plant which is disposed of in a manner meeting government regulation and which may involve a permanent impoundment facility or which may involve the discharge of material to the environment in a manner regulated by the government authority. |

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| *vein* | A thin, sheet-like crosscutting body of hydrothermal mineralization, principally quartz. |

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| *waste rock* | Barren or submarginal rock that has been mined but is not of sufficient value to warrant treatment and is therefore removed ahead of the milling processes. |

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

**PART I**

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|:---|:---|
| **Item 1.** | **Business** |

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**Overview**

We operate in the gold mining industry, primarily focused on advancing the Donlin Gold project in Alaska. The Donlin Gold project is held by Donlin Gold LLC ("Donlin Gold"), a limited liability company that is owned by wholly-owned subsidiaries of NOVAGOLD and Donlin Gold Holdings LLC, a subsidiary of Paulson Advantage Plus Master Ltd. and Paulson Partners LP (together, "Paulson"). Prior to June 3, 2025, Donlin Gold was owned equally by wholly-owned subsidiaries of NOVAGOLD and Barrick Mining Corporation ("Barrick").

We do not produce gold or any other minerals, and do not currently generate operating earnings. Funding to explore our mineral properties and to operate the Company was acquired primarily through equity financings consisting of public offerings of our common shares and warrants and through previous debt financing consisting of convertible notes, and the sale of assets. We expect to continue to raise capital through additional equity and/or debt financings, through the exercise of stock options, and other such means.

We were incorporated by memorandum of association on December 5, 1984, under the Companies Act (Nova Scotia) as 1562756 Nova Scotia Limited. On January 14, 1985, we changed our name to NovaCan Mining Resources (1985) Limited and on March 20, 1987, we changed our name to NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. On May 29, 2013, our shareholders approved the continuance of the corporation into British Columbia. Subsequently, we filed the necessary documents in Nova Scotia and British Columbia, and we continued under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) effective as of June 10, 2013. The current addresses, telephone and facsimile numbers of our offices are:

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|:---|:---|
| **Executive office** | **Corporate office** |
| 201 South Main Street, Suite 400 | 400 Burrard Street, Suite 1860 |
| Salt Lake City, UT, USA 84111 | Vancouver, BC, Canada V6C 3A6 |
| Telephone (801) 639-0511 | Toll free (866) 669-6227 |
| Facsimile (385) 342-4620 | Facsimile (604) 669-6272 |

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

**Corporate Structure**

As of November 30, 2025, we had the following material, direct and indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries: NOVAGOLD Resources Alaska, Inc., NOVAGOLD US Holdings Inc., NOVAGOLD USA, Inc., and AGC Resources Inc. On December 1, 2024, NOVAGOLD (Bermuda) Alaska Limited, NOVAGOLD Resources (Bermuda) Limited and NOVAGOLD Argentina Inc. were amalgamated with NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

The following chart depicts the corporate structure of the Company together with the jurisdiction of incorporation of each of our material subsidiaries and related holding companies as of November 30, 2025. All ownership is 100% unless otherwise indicated.

![chart1.jpg](chart1.jpg)

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

**Human Capital Resources**

On November 30, 2025, we had 12 full-time employees, of which four are located in Canada and eight are located in the United States. We also use consultants with specific skills to assist with various aspects of project evaluation, engineering, and corporate governance.

*Company Values* 

Our company culture is the cornerstone of all our human capital programs. Empowering every employee to be their best, affording every employee the opportunity to make a difference, and giving every employee a chance to be heard are among the Company's values. Our values extend to the communities in which we work. We have adopted a Human Rights Policy focused on our commitment to having a positive influence in the communities where we operate which includes ensuring that we respect human rights.

*Diversity* 

As of the end of fiscal year 2025, 54% of our total workforce were women. Selection of individuals for executive and other positions with the Company is guided by the Company's Code of Business Conduct and Ethics which "prohibits discrimination in any aspect of employment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or age." Our board of directors (the "Board") and management acknowledge the importance of all aspects of diversity including gender, ethnic origin, business skills and experience, because it is right to do so and because it is good for our business. When considering candidates for executive positions, the Board's evaluation considers the broadest possible assessment of each candidate's skills and background with the overriding objective of ensuring that we have the appropriate balance of skills, experience, and capacity that the Company needs to be successful. In the context of this overriding objective, we have determined not to set targets for the percentage of women, or other aspects of diversity, in executive officer positions.

NOVAGOLD is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion. Our employees are one of the most valuable assets we have. The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, inventiveness, innovation, self-expression, unique capabilities, and talent that our employees invest in their work represents a significant part of our culture, reputation, and NOVAGOLD's achievements.

NOVAGOLD is dedicated to creating an inclusive work environment for everyone. We embrace and celebrate the unique experiences, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds that each employee brings to our workplace. NOVAGOLD strives to foster an environment where our employees feel respected, valued, and empowered, and our team members are at the forefront in helping us promote and sustain an inclusive workplace.

NOVAGOLD's diversity initiatives are applicable—but not limited—to our practices and policies on recruitment and selection; compensation and benefits; professional development and training; promotions; and the ongoing development of a work environment built on the premise of gender and diversity equity. To that end, we seek out qualified diverse candidates and encourage them to apply for open positions, either from within or outside of the Company. We also seek out opportunities to develop a pipeline of qualified diverse candidates in a particular profession when we are unable to find them ourselves. For example, in 2021 the Company established and continues to fund the NOVAGOLD Mining and Geological Engineering Scholarship at the University of Alaska to help support and encourage undergraduate students seeking bachelor's degrees in mining or geological engineering, with a focus on supporting underrepresented students.

We encourage:

● Respectful communication and cooperation among all employees.

● Teamwork and employee participation, fostering the representation of all employee perspectives.

● Work/life balance through flexible work schedules to accommodate employees' varying needs.

● Learning about and, where appropriate, aiding the communities near NOVAGOLD's projects to promote a greater understanding and respect for diversity in those communities.

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

*Health and Safety*

NOVAGOLD's primary objective is to ensure the health and safety of its employees, partners, and contractors, and is reflected in its Health and Safety Policy. Our focus on safety is also reflected at Donlin Gold where a wide-ranging set of policies are implemented at the project site and in the Anchorage office. In 2025, neither Donlin Gold nor NOVAGOLD had any recordable injuries or lost time incidents. Also see section *Item 7. Management*'*s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations*, below.

**Recent Developments**

*Donlin Gold project*

NOVAGOLD and Donlin Gold advanced key activities in 2025 to position the project to update technical work and cost estimates. Primary activities included 1) issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a feasibility study to be prepared in accordance with S-K 1300 and NI 43-101, referred to herein as Bankable Feasibility Study (BFS), to top-tier engineering firms with the expertise to design what is expected to be the largest single gold mine in the United States. Proposals were received in October, and the Prime Contractor is expected to be selected in the first quarter of 2026. RFPs were also issued in the fourth quarter of 2025 for specialist contractors for the power plant, pipeline, and pressure oxidation and oxygen plant scopes of work; and 2) mine planning and resource conversion advanced through the completion of an 18,454-meter 2025 drill program. The work targeted three core objectives: grid drilling to refine mine planning parameters, in-pit exploration to strengthen geological modelling and resource conversion, and geotechnical drilling to inform the updated resource model, mine planning and assess material sites for the planned port access road. The program was successfully executed by a site team of approximately 80 locally hired staff and external contractors, with results providing critical inputs for engineering, mine planning, and resource modelling.

To support the advancement of the BFS and move the project toward construction and ultimately commercial operation, management has identified key project requirements and commenced recruiting for critical positions. Donlin Gold hired Frank Arcese as Project Director. Frank brings more than four decades of global project leadership to Donlin Gold and has deep experience in the execution of large-scale mining capital projects in both the U.S. and international jurisdictions. Most recently, he served as Capital Projects Business Leader for North American mining operations at WSP Global Inc., and Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management (EPCM) firm. Prior to that, he acted as Project Director on multiple large mining and power plant projects for Rio Tinto across the U.S., Mongolia, China, Australia, and Argentina, and brings extensive expertise in managing projects in remote environments, such as Teck Resource's original Quebrada Blanca in Chile, BHP's Escondida Phase 3 and SX-EW Plant in Chile, and recently Rio Tinto's Rincon 3000 Lithium Project in Argentina.

During 2025, Donlin Gold participated in a wide range of community engagement and environmental initiatives. Representatives from Donlin Gold, NOVAGOLD, Paulson, and The Electrum Group LLC met with Calista Corporation ("Calista"), the Kuskokwim Corporation (TKC), and other stakeholders from the Yukon-Kuskokwim (Y-K) region. Additionally, Donlin Gold also hosted project site tours with stakeholders, investors, and analysts, followed by the owners' tour which included meetings with key Alaska government officials – such as Governor Mike Dunleavy, Department of Natural Resources (ADNR) Commissioner John Boyle, and former Revenue Commissioner Adam Crum – to introduce the new ownership and discuss shared priorities. The team also met with principal stakeholders from government agencies, engineering firms, logistics providers and other pivotal parties with the capacity and experience to support critical project infrastructure as Donlin Gold advances the BFS and development activities after its construction decision, and held discussions with natural gas pipeline developers to explore opportunities benefiting the project and its stakeholders. Additionally, Donlin Gold hosted the fourth and fifth Subsistence Community Advisory Committee meetings in Anchorage and at the project site, offering a deep dive in different areas of the project's development and operations, including camp and facility tours, aquatic resources monitoring and Snow Gulch restoration work. In addition, two new Shared Values Statements were finalized – bringing the total to 20 – with communities near the project. Environmental efforts advanced as well, including channel restoration work at Snow Gulch, a tributary of Donlin Creek historically mined for placer gold, to help restore natural habitat conditions and support aquatic life.

Donlin Gold's board approved a fiscal 2026 budget of $131.4 million ($78.8 million NOVAGOLD's share) which includes advancing the BFS, maintaining and securing outstanding permits, government affairs, community relations, workforce development, environmental activities and exploration.

For further information, see section *Item 7. Management*'*s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations*, below.

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

**Reclamation**

We will generally be required to mitigate long-term environmental impacts by stabilizing, contouring, re-sloping and re-vegetating various portions of a site after mining and mineral processing operations are completed. These reclamation efforts will be conducted in accordance with detailed plans, which are approved by the appropriate regulatory agencies. In addition, financial assurance acceptable to the regulatory authority with jurisdiction over reclamation must be provided in an amount and form that is determined to be sufficient by the authority to implement the approved reclamation plan in the event that the project owners fail to complete the work as provided in the plan.

**Government and Environmental Regulations**

Our exploration and development activities are subject to various national, state, and local laws and regulations in the United States, which govern prospecting, development, mining, production, exports, taxes, labor standards, occupational health, waste disposal, protection of the environment, mine safety, hazardous substances, disclosure requirements and other matters. We have obtained or have pending applications for those licenses, permits or other authorizations currently required to conduct our exploration and development programs. We believe that we are in compliance in all material respects with applicable mining, health, safety and environmental statutes and regulations in the United States. There are no existing orders or directions relating to our current activities with respect to the foregoing laws and regulations. For a more detailed discussion of the various government laws and regulations applicable to our operations and potential negative effects of these laws and regulations, see section *Item 1A. Risk Factors*, below.

**Competition**

We compete with other mineral resource exploration and development companies for financing, technical expertise, and the acquisition of mineral properties. Many of the companies with whom we compete have greater financial and technical resources. Accordingly, these competitors may be able to spend greater amounts on the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties. This competition could adversely impact our ability to finance further exploration and to obtain the financing necessary for us to develop the Donlin Gold project.

**Availability of Raw Materials and Skilled Employees**

Most aspects of our business require specialized skills and knowledge. Such skills and knowledge include the areas of geology, drilling, resource estimating, metallurgy, mine planning, logistical planning, preparation of pre-feasibility and feasibility studies, permitting, engineering, construction and operation of a mine, financing, legal, human resources, accounting, investor relations, and community relations. Historically, we have found that we can locate and retain appropriate employees and consultants and we believe we will continue to be able to do so.

The raw materials we require to carry on our business are readily available through normal supply or business contracting channels in the United States and Canada. Historically, we have been able to secure the appropriate equipment and supplies required to conduct our contemplated programs. As a result, we do not believe that we will experience any shortages of required equipment or supplies in the foreseeable future.

**Seasonality**

Our business can be seasonal as our mineral exploration and development activities take place in southwestern Alaska. Due to the northern climate, work on the Donlin Gold project can be limited due to excessive snow cover and cold temperatures. In general, surface work often is limited to late spring through early fall, although work in some locations is more readily and efficiently completed during the winter months when the ground is frozen.

**Gold Price History**

The price of gold is volatile and is affected by numerous factors, all of which are beyond our control, such as the sale or purchase of gold by various central banks and financial institutions, inflation, recession, fluctuation in the relative values of the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies, changes in global and regional gold demand, in addition to international and national political and economic conditions.

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

The following table presents the annual high, low and average daily afternoon London Bullion Market Association ("LBMA") Gold Price over the past five calendar years on the London Bullion Market ($/ounce):

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Year | High | Low | Average |
| 2021 | $1943 | $1684 | $1799 |
| 2022 | $2039 | $1628 | $1800 |
| 2023 | $2078 | $1811 | $1941 |
| 2024 | $2784 | $1985 | $2387 |
| 2025 | $4482 | $2632 | $3436 |
| 2026 (through January 16) | $4633 | $4353 | $4518 |

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On January 16, 2026, the afternoon LBMA gold price was $4,611 per ounce.

Data Source: lbma.org.uk

**Available Information**

We maintain a website at www.novagold.com and make available, through the Investors section of the website, our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, Section 16 filings and all amendments to those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with the SEC. These reports are also available at the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Certain other information, including but not limited to the Company's Corporate Governance Guidelines, the charters of key committees of its Board of Directors and its Code of Business Conduct and Ethics are also available on the website. Our website and the information contained therein or connected thereto are not intended to be, and are not incorporated into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 1A.** | **Risk Factors** |

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*You should carefully consider the following risk factors in addition to the other information included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Each of these risk factors could adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition, as well as adversely affect the value of an investment in our common shares. The risks described below are not the only ones facing the Company. Additional risks that we are not presently aware of, or that we currently believe are immaterial, may also adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition. We cannot assure you that we will successfully address these risks and caution that other unknown risks may exist or may arise that may affect our business.*

An investment in our securities is speculative and involves a high degree of risk due to the nature of our business and the present stage of exploration and development of our mineral properties. The following risk factors, as well as risks not currently known to us, could materially adversely affect our future business, operations and financial condition and could cause them to differ materially from the estimates described in the forward-looking statements relating to us.

**Risks Related to Our Business**

***We have no history of commercially producing precious metals from our mineral exploration properties and there can be no assurance that we will successfully establish mining operations or profitably produce precious metals.***

The Donlin Gold project is not in production or currently under construction, and we have no ongoing mining operations or revenue from mining operations. Mineral exploration and development has a high degree of risk and few properties that are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines. The future development of the Donlin Gold project will require having the necessary permits and financing in place to support the construction and ongoing operation of mines, processing plants and related infrastructure. As a result, we are subject to all of the risks associated with establishing new mining operations and business enterprises, including:

● the need to obtain and maintain necessary environmental and other governmental approvals and permits, and the timing and conditions of those approvals and permits;

● the availability and cost of funds to finance construction and development activities;

● the timing and cost, which can be considerable, of the construction of mining and processing facilities as well as related infrastructure;

● potential opposition from NGOs, environmental groups or local groups which may delay or prevent development activities;

● potential increases in construction and operating costs due to changes in the cost of labor, fuel, power, materials and supplies, services, and foreign exchange rates;

● the availability and cost of skilled labor and mining and processing equipment; and

● the availability and cost of appropriate smelting and/or refining arrangements.

The costs, timing and complexities of mine construction and development are increased by the remote location of our mineral properties, with additional challenges related thereto, including access, water and power supply, and other support infrastructure. Cost estimates may increase significantly as more detailed engineering work and studies are completed. New mining operations commonly experience unexpected costs, problems and delays during development, construction, and mine start-up. In addition, delays in the commencement of mineral production often occur. Accordingly, there are no assurances that our activities will result in profitable mining operations, or that we will successfully establish mining operations, or profitably produce precious metals at the Donlin Gold project.

In addition, there is no assurance that our mineral exploration activities will result in any discoveries of new ore bodies. If further mineralization is discovered there is also no assurance that the mineralized material would be economical for commercial production. Discovery of mineral deposits is dependent upon a number of factors and significantly influenced by the technical skill of the exploration personnel involved. The commercial viability of a mineral deposit is also dependent upon a number of factors which are beyond our control, including the attributes of the deposit, commodity prices, government policies and regulation, and environmental protection requirements.

***We are dependent on the cooperation of a third party in the exploration and development of our Donlin Gold project.***

Our success with respect to the Donlin Gold project depends on the cooperation of the co-owner of Donlin Gold. We currently hold a 60% economic interest in Donlin Gold and the remaining 40% economic interest is held by a third party that is not under our control or direction. Furthermore, governance of Donlin Gold is shared on an equal basis, so we will continue to be dependent on the cooperation of a third party for the progress and development of the Donlin Gold project. The third party may have different priorities which could impact the timing and cost of development of the Donlin Gold project. If the third party defaults on its agreements with us, with or without our knowledge, it may put the mineral property and related assets at risk. The existence or occurrence of one or more of the following circumstances and events could have a material adverse impact on our ability to achieve our business plan, profitability, or the viability of our interests held with the third party, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, future cash flows, earnings, results of operations and financial condition: (i) disagreement with the third party on how to develop and operate the Donlin Gold project efficiently; (ii) disagreement with the third party on certain strategic decisions in respect of the Donlin Gold project; (iii) inability of the third party to meet their obligations to Donlin Gold or other parties; and (iv) litigation with the third party regarding joint business matters.

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

***Despite our ownership of 60% of the membership interests of Donlin Gold, our voting interests are contractually reduced in the A&R LLC Agreement.***

Consistent with the limited liability company agreement with Barrick Gold U.S. Inc. and Donlin Gold dated December 1, 2007, as amended from time to time, the funding for Donlin Gold is shared by both parties based on their percentage ownership. For example, since NOVAGOLD Resources Alaska, Inc. ("NGRA") holds 60% of the membership interests of Donlin Gold, it will have the responsibility to fund 60% of the expenses of Donlin Gold; however, even though Paulson holds 40% of Donlin Gold, the parties have equal governance rights. This adjustment to the parties' voting interests as set forth in the amended and restated limited liability company agreement entered into by NGRA, Donlin Holdings and Donlin Gold means that (i) NGRA's voting percentage interests are defined as its participating interest from time to time less an absolute 10% and (ii) Paulson's voting percentage interests are defined as its participating interest from time to time plus an absolute 10%. For this reason, even though NGRA holds 60% of the membership interests of Donlin Gold, the Company has a 50% voting interest at Donlin Gold, not 60%. These reduced voting rights may decrease the value attributed to our interest in Donlin Gold and reduces our ability to assert our proportionate rights at the project.

***We identified a deficiency in our disclosure controls and procedures in the quarter ended August 31, 2025 which has been remediated. If we fail to maintain an effective system of disclosure controls, our ability to produce timely and accurate public disclosure or comply with applicable laws and regulations could be impeded.***

During the quarter ended August 31, 2025, we did not timely file a Current Report on Form 8-K with respect to the resignation of a member of our Board of Directors. During the quarter, the Company took remedial action including (i) revising our written policies with respect to director and named executive officer resignation to require that resignations be tendered to specified personnel and (ii) instituting additional training on disclosure controls and procedures, particularly with respect to Form 8-K compliance, for members of the Board of Directors. We cannot be certain that the measures we have taken to date, and actions we may take in the future, will be sufficient to prevent or avoid potential future disclosure failures. Our current controls and any new controls that we develop may become inadequate because of changes in conditions in our business or otherwise. Further, weaknesses in our disclosure controls may be discovered in the future. Any failure to develop or maintain effective controls or any difficulties encountered in their implementation or improvement could harm our operating results or cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations and may impact our ability to access capital markets on a timely basis, which may result in investors losing confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our periodic reports and adversely affect the market price of our common shares. As a result of the delinquent filing of the Form 8-K, we will not be eligible to use Form S-3 to register our securities with the SEC until July 2026.

***We have a history of net losses and expect losses to continue for the foreseeable future.***

The Donlin Gold project has not advanced to the commercial production stage and we have no history of earnings or cash flow from operations. We expect to continue to incur net losses unless and until such time the Donlin Gold project commences commercial production and generates sufficient revenues to fund continuing operations. The development of our mineral properties to achieve production will require the commitment of substantial financial resources. The amount and timing of expenditures will depend on a number of factors, including the progress of ongoing exploration and development, the results of consultants' analyses and recommendations, the rate at which operating losses are incurred, the process of obtaining required government permits and approvals, the availability and cost of financing, the participation of our partners, and the execution of any sale or joint venture agreements with strategic partners. These factors, and others, are beyond our control. There is no assurance that we will be profitable in the future.

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

***We have a limited property portfolio.***

At present, our only material mineral property is the interest that we hold in the Donlin Gold project. Unless we acquire or develop additional mineral properties, we will be solely dependent upon this property. If no additional mineral properties are acquired by us, any adverse development affecting our operations and further development at the Donlin Gold project may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

***Our ability to continue the exploration, permitting and development of the Donlin Gold project, to complete the Bankable Feasibility Study for the Donlin Gold project, to fund construction of the Donlin Gold project, and to continue as a going concern, will depend in part on our ability to obtain suitable financing.***

We have limited financial resources. We will need external financing to continue the exploration, permitting, and development of the Donlin Gold project, to complete the Bankable Feasibility Study for the Donlin Gold project and to construct and ultimately operate the Donlin Gold project. In addition, according to the S-K 1300 Report (as defined below), the total initial capital cost estimate for the Donlin Gold project is approximately $9,233 million which includes the costs related to the natural gas pipeline (100% basis). These cost estimates may change materially as our studies are updated. Our failure to obtain sufficient financing could result in the delay or indefinite postponement of the completion of the Bankable Feasibility Study or exploration, development, construction, or production at the Donlin Gold project. The cost and terms of such financing may significantly reduce the expected benefits from development of the Donlin Gold project and/or render such development uneconomic. There can be no assurance that additional capital or other types of financing will be available when needed or that, if available, the terms of such financing will be favorable. Our failure to obtain financing could have a material adverse effect on our growth strategy and results of operations and financial condition.

We intend to fund our near-term business plan from working capital. Longer term, our ability to continue future exploration, permitting, development, and construction activities, if any, will depend in part on our ability to obtain suitable equity, debt, or other forms of financing. If we raise additional funding by issuing additional equity securities or other securities that are convertible into equity securities, such financing may substantially dilute the interest of existing or future shareholders. Sales or issuances of a substantial number of securities, or the perception that such sales could occur, may adversely affect the prevailing market price for our common shares. With any additional sale or issuance of equity securities, investors will suffer dilution of their voting power and may experience dilution in earnings per share.

There can be no assurance that we will commence production at the Donlin Gold project or generate sufficient revenues to meet our obligations as they become due or obtain necessary financing on acceptable terms, if at all. Our failure to meet our ongoing obligations on a timely basis could result in the loss or substantial dilution of our interests (as existing or as proposed to be acquired) in the Donlin Gold project. In addition, should we incur significant losses in future periods, we may be unable to continue as a going concern, and realization of assets and settlement of liabilities in other than the normal course of business may be at amounts materially different than our estimates.

***Actual capital costs, operating costs, production and economic returns may differ significantly from those we have anticipated and there are no assurances that any future development activities will result in profitable mining operations.***

The capital costs to take the Donlin Gold project into production may be significantly higher than anticipated. As a result of the content updates included in the 2025 Technical Report (as defined below) and 2025 Technical Report Summary (as defined below), the total initial capital cost estimate for the Donlin Gold project is $9,233 million and the total sustaining capital estimate is $2,325 million.

We do not have an operating history upon which we can base estimates of future operating costs. Decisions about the development of the Donlin Gold project will ultimately be based upon feasibility studies. Feasibility studies derive estimates of cash operating costs based upon, among other things:

● anticipated tonnage, grades and metallurgical characteristics of the ore to be mined and processed;

● anticipated recovery rates of gold and other precious metals from the ore;

● cash operating costs of comparable facilities and equipment; and

● anticipated climatic conditions.

Capital costs, operating costs, production and economic returns, and other estimates contained in studies or estimates prepared by or for us may differ significantly from those anticipated by our current or future studies and estimates, and there can be no assurance that the initial capital costs incurred to construct, and the sustaining capital and operating costs incurred in operating the Donlin Gold project will not be higher than currently anticipated.

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

***Changes in the market price of gold, which in the past has fluctuated widely, affect our financial condition.***

Our profitability and long-term viability will depend, in large part, upon the market price of gold that may be produced from our Donlin Gold project. The market price of gold is volatile and is impacted by numerous factors beyond our control, including:

● global or regional consumption patterns;

● expectations with respect to the rate of inflation;

● the relative strength of the U.S. dollar and certain other currencies;

● interest rates;

● global or regional political or economic conditions, including interest rates and currency values;

● supply and demand for jewelry and industrial products containing gold; and

● sales or purchases by central banks and other holders, speculators, and producers of gold in response to any of the above factors.

We cannot predict the effect of these factors on the price of gold. A decrease in the market price of gold could affect our ability to finance the development of the Donlin Gold project, which would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. There can be no assurance that the market price of gold will remain at current levels or that such prices will improve. An increase in worldwide supply, and consequent downward pressure on prices, may result over the longer term from increased production from the development of new or expansion of existing mines. There is no assurance that if commercial quantities of gold are discovered, that a profitable market may exist or continue to exist for a production decision to be made or for the ultimate sale of gold.

***General economic conditions may adversely affect our growth, future profitability and ability to finance.***

Some key impacts which can contribute to financial market turmoil potentially impacting the mining industry include contraction in credit markets resulting in a widening of credit risk, imposition of trade tariffs among various countries, devaluations, high volatility in global equity, commodity, foreign exchange and precious metal markets and a lack of market liquidity. The prices of gold and gold mining company equities have experienced significant volatility over the past few years.

A decrease in the price of gold or tightening of credit in the financial markets or other economic conditions, including but not limited to, consumer spending, employment rates, business conditions, inflation, fuel and energy costs, consumer debt levels, lack of available credit, the state of the financial markets, interest rates and tax rates, may adversely affect our ability to finance development and construction of the Donlin Gold project. Specifically:

● global economic conditions could make other investment sectors more attractive, thereby affecting the cost and availability of financing to us and our ability to achieve our business plan;

● the imposition of protectionist or retaliatory trade tariffs by countries may impact our ability to import materials needed to construct our projects or conduct our operations, or to export our products, at prices that are economically feasible for our operations, or at all;

● the volatility of metal prices would impact the economic viability of the Donlin Gold project and any future revenues, profits, losses and cash flow;

● negative economic pressures could adversely impact demand for future production from the Donlin Gold project;

● construction related costs could increase and adversely affect the economics of the Donlin Gold project;

● volatile energy, commodity and consumables prices and currency exchange rates would impact our future production costs; and

● the devaluation and volatility of global stock markets would impact the valuation of our equity and other securities.

***Opposition to our operations from local stakeholders or NGOs could have a material adverse effect on us.***

There is ongoing public concern relating to the effect of mining production on its surroundings, communities, and environment. Local communities and NGOs, some of which oppose resource development, are often vocal critics of the mining industry. While we seek to operate in a socially responsible manner, opposition to extractive industries or our operations specifically or adverse publicity generated by local communities or NGOs related to extractive industries, or our operations specifically, could have an adverse effect on our reputation and financial condition or our relationships with the communities in which we operate. As a result of such opposition or adverse publicity, we may be unable to obtain permits necessary for our operations or to continue our operations as planned or at all. See "Recent Developments" above.

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

***We require various permits to conduct our current and anticipated future operations, and delays or a failure to obtain such permits, or a failure to comply with the terms of any such permits that we have obtained, could have a material adverse impact on us.***

Our current and anticipated future operations, including further exploration and development activities and commencement of production on the Donlin Gold project, require permits from various United States federal, state, and local governmental authorities. There can be no assurance that all permits that we require for the construction of mining facilities and to conduct mining operations will be obtainable on reasonable terms, or at all. Delays or a failure to obtain such permits, or a failure to comply with the terms of any such permits that we have obtained, could have a material adverse impact on us.

The duration and success of efforts to obtain and renew permits are contingent upon many variables not within our control. Shortage of qualified and experienced personnel in the various levels of government could result in delays or inefficiencies. Backlog within the permitting agencies could affect the permitting timeline of the various projects. Other factors that could affect the permitting timeline include (i) the number of other large-scale projects currently in a more advanced stage of development which could slow down the review process and (ii) significant public response regarding a specific project. Also, it can be difficult to assess what specific permitting requirements will ultimately apply to the Donlin Gold project.

***The quantities for our mineral resources and mineral reserves are estimates based on interpretation and assumptions and may yield less mineral production under actual conditions than is currently estimated.***

Unless otherwise indicated, mineralization quantities presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and in our other filings with securities regulatory authorities, press releases and other public statements that may be made from time to time are based upon estimates made by our personnel and independent professionals. In addition, these estimates depend upon geologic interpretation and statistical inferences drawn from drilling and sampling analysis available at the time of the estimate, and may change with further work.

Because we have not commenced commercial production at the Donlin Gold project, mineral resource estimates may require adjustments, including potential downward revisions based upon further exploration or development work, actual production experience, or changes in the price of gold. In addition, the grade of ore ultimately mined, if any, may differ from that indicated by drilling results. There can be no assurance that the percentage of minerals recovered in small-scale tests will be duplicated in large-scale tests under on-site conditions or at production scale.

Mineral resource estimates for mineral properties that have not commenced production are based, in many instances, on limited and widely spaced drill hole information, which is not necessarily indicative of the conditions between and around drill holes. Accordingly, such mineral resource estimates may require revision as more drilling information becomes available or as actual production experience is gained.

The estimating of mineral reserves and mineral resources is a subjective process that relies on the judgment and experience of the persons preparing the estimates. The process relies on the quantity and quality of available data and is based on knowledge, mining experience, analysis of drilling results and industry practices. Valid estimates made at a given time may significantly change when new information becomes available. There can be no assurances that actual results will meet the estimates contained in studies.

Estimated mineral reserves or mineral resources may have to be revised based on changes in metal prices, further exploration or development activity, or actual production experience. In addition, if production costs increase, recovery rates decrease, if applicable laws and regulations are adversely changed, there is no assurance that the anticipated level of recovery will be realized or that mineral reserves or mineral resources as currently reported can be mined or processed profitably. This could materially and adversely affect estimates of the volume or grade of mineralization, estimated recovery rates or other important factors that influence mineral reserve or mineral resource estimates. The extent to which mineral resources may ultimately be reclassified as mineral reserves is dependent upon the demonstration of their profitable recovery. Any material changes in mineral resource estimates and grades of mineralization will affect the economic viability of placing a mineral property into production and a mineral property's return on capital. We cannot provide assurance that mineral resources identified at the Donlin Gold project can or will be mined or processed profitably.

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

The mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K have been determined and valued based on assumed future prices, cut-off grades and operating costs that may prove to be inaccurate. Extended declines in market prices for gold may render portions of our mineral resource uneconomic and result in reduced reported mineral resources. Any material reductions in estimates of mineral resources, or of our ability to extract these mineral resources, could have a material adverse effect on our ability to implement our business strategy, the results of operations or our financial condition.

We have established the presence of proven and probable mineral reserves at the Donlin Gold project in accordance with the disclosure definition and standards contained in S-K 1300 and in NI 43-101. There can be no assurance that additional mineral resources will ultimately be reclassified as mineral reserves. The failure to increase mineral reserves could restrict our ability to successfully implement our strategies for long-term growth and could impact future cash flows, earnings, results of operation and financial condition.

***Lack of infrastructure could delay or prevent us from developing the Donlin Gold project.***

Completion of the development of the Donlin Gold project is subject to various requirements, including the availability and timing of acceptable arrangements for power, water, transportation, access, and facilities. The lack of availability on acceptable terms or the delay in the availability of any one or more of these items could prevent or delay development of the project. There can be no assurance that adequate infrastructure, including access and power supply, will be built, that it will be built in a timely manner or that the cost of such infrastructure will be reasonable or that it will be sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the project. If adequate infrastructure is not available in a timely manner, there can be no assurance that:

● the development of the Donlin Gold project will be commenced or completed on a timely basis, if at all;

● the resulting operations will achieve the anticipated production volume; or

● the construction costs and ongoing operating costs associated with the development of the Donlin Gold project will not be higher than anticipated.

Access to the Donlin Gold project is limited and there is no infrastructure that serves the project area. An approximately 507-kilometer natural gas pipeline is needed to supply fuel to the proposed on-site generating plant to provide power for the Donlin Gold project. The proposed pipeline would traverse generally undeveloped areas in Alaska that are difficult to access. Transportation of most of the supplies needed to construct and operate the Donlin Gold project would be accomplished by barging materials on the Kuskokwim River during the annual shipping season which typically occurs from late April to mid-October. Two ports would be needed on the Kuskokwim River, the first located in Bethel, Alaska, where ocean barges would transition materials to river barges; and the second located approximately 312 kilometers upriver from Bethel. A 44-kilometer access road from the upriver port to the project site is needed to deliver the materials. Additionally, an airstrip would be built to provide year-round access to the project. Terrain, geologic conditions, ground conditions, steep slopes, river levels, ice breakup, weather, climate change impacts and other natural conditions that are beyond our control along the pipeline and transportation routes present design, permitting, construction, and operational challenges for the project. Cost and schedule estimates may increase significantly as more detailed engineering work, geotechnical and geological studies are completed.

***Title and other rights to our mineral properties are subject to agreements with other parties.***

The subsurface mineral and surface rights at the Donlin Gold project are owned by Calista and TKC, respectively, two Native corporations. Donlin Gold operates on these lands pursuant to a mining lease with Calista (the "Calista Lease") and a Surface Use Agreement ("SUA") with TKC. The ability of Donlin Gold to continue to explore and develop the Donlin Gold project depends upon its continued compliance with the terms and conditions of the Calista Lease and SUA. Furthermore, our ability to continue to explore and develop other mineral properties may be subject to agreements with other third parties, including agreements with Native corporations, for instance.

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

***Our largest shareholder has significant influence on us and may also affect the market price and liquidity of our securities.***

Electrum Strategic Resources L.P. ("Electrum") and its affiliate GRAT Holdings LLC hold in the aggregate 24.1% of our issued and outstanding common shares as of January 16, 2026. Accordingly, Electrum and its affiliates will have significant influence in determining the outcome of any corporate transaction or other matter submitted to the shareholders for approval, including mergers, consolidations, and the sale of all or substantially all of our assets and other significant corporate actions. Unless full participation of all shareholders takes place in such shareholder meetings, Electrum and its affiliates may be able to approve such matters itself. The concentration of ownership of the common shares by Electrum and its affiliates may: (i) delay or deter a change of control of the Company; (ii) deprive shareholders of an opportunity to receive a premium for their common shares as part of a sale of the Company; and (iii) affect the market price and liquidity of the common shares. In conjunction with the January 22, 2009 financing, we provided Electrum with the right to designate an observer at all meetings of the Board and any committee thereof so long as Electrum and its affiliates hold not less than 15% of our common shares. In November 2011, Dr. Thomas S. Kaplan, was appointed Chairman of our Board. Dr. Kaplan is also the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Investment Officer of The Electrum Group LLC. As long as Electrum and its affiliates maintain its shareholdings in the Company, Electrum will have significant influence in determining the members of the Board. Without the consent of Electrum, we could be prevented from entering into transactions that are otherwise beneficial to us. The interests of Electrum and its affiliates may differ from or be adverse to the interests of our other shareholders. The effect of these rights and Electrum's influence may impact the price that investors are willing to pay for our shares. If Electrum or its affiliates sell a substantial number of our common shares in the public market, the market price of the common shares could be adversely impacted. The perception among the public that these sales will occur could also contribute to a decline in the market price of our common shares.

***Some of the directors and officers have conflicts of interest as a result of their involvement with other natural resource companies.***

Certain of our directors and officers also serve as directors, or have significant shareholdings in, other companies involved in natural resource exploration and development or mining-related activities. To the extent that such other companies may participate in ventures in which we may participate in or in ventures which we may seek to participate in, the directors and officers may have a conflict of interest. In all cases where the directors or officers have an interest in other companies, such other companies may also compete with us for the acquisition of mineral property investments. Any decision made by any of these directors and officers involving the Company will be made in accordance with their duties and obligations to deal fairly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the Company. In addition, each of the directors is required to declare and refrain from voting on any matter in which these directors may have a conflict of interest in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) and other applicable laws. In appropriate cases, the Company will establish a special committee of independent directors to review a matter in which several directors, or management, may have a conflict. Nonetheless, as a result of these conflicts of interest, the Company may not have an opportunity to participate in certain transactions, which may have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, profitability, financial condition, results of operation, and prospects.

***We have ongoing reclamation on some of our mineral properties and may be required to fund additional work that could have a material adverse effect on our financial position.***

Land reclamation requirements are generally imposed on mineral exploration companies (as well as companies with mining operations) to minimize long-term effects of land disturbance. Reclamation include requirements to:

● treat ground and surface water to applicable water standards;

● control dispersion of potentially deleterious effluents;

● reasonably re-establish pre-disturbance landforms and vegetation; and

● provide adequate financial assurance to ensure required reclamation of land affected by our activities.

Exploration and other activities at the Donlin Gold project site have created disturbance that must be reclaimed. Financial resources spent on reclamation might otherwise be spent on further exploration and development programs. In addition, regulatory changes could increase our obligations to perform reclamation and mine closure activities. There can be no assurance that we will not be required to fund additional reclamation work at the site that could have a material adverse effect on our financial position.

***We are exposed to credit, liquidity, and interest rate risk.***

Credit risk is the risk of an unexpected loss if a customer or third party to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations. Our cash equivalents and term deposit investments are held through large Canadian chartered banks with high investment-grade ratings. These investments mature at various dates over the current operating period. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of our Galore Creek assets include notes receivable from a subsidiary of Newmont Corporation ("Newmont"), a publicly traded company with investment-grade credit ratings. The notes receivable included a $75 million note receivable of which payment was received on July 27, 2021 and included a $25 million note receivable of which payment was received on July 27, 2023. An additional $75 million will be receivable if and when a Galore Creek project construction plan is approved by the owner(s). No value was assigned to the final $75 million contingent note receivable due to the uncertainty with regards to the approval of a Galore Creek project construction plan. The carrying amount of financial assets recorded in the financial statements, net of any allowances for losses, represents our maximum exposure to credit risk.

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

Liquidity risk is the risk that we will not be able to meet our financial obligations as they come due. We manage liquidity risk through regular cash flow forecasts to assess our current and future financial position as well as maintaining sufficient capital resources and a prudent capital structure. Accounts payable and accrued liabilities are due within one year from the balance sheet date.

Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates. The risk that we will realize a loss as a result of a decline in the fair value of the term deposit investments is limited because these investments have an original term of less than one year and are generally held to maturity. The promissory note owed to Barrick is variable with the U.S. prime rate. Based on the amount owing on the promissory note as of November 30, 2025, and assuming all other variables remain constant, a 1% change in the U.S. prime rate would result in an increase/decrease of approximately $1.6 million in the interest accrued on the promissory note per annum. For more detail with respect to the promissory note, see section *Item 2, Properties* – *Donlin Gold Project, Alaska*, below.

**Risks Related to Our Industry**

***Mining is inherently risky and subject to conditions or events some of which are beyond our control, and which could have a material adverse effect on our business.***

Mining involves various types of risks, including:

● environmental hazards;

● industrial accidents;

● metallurgical and other processing problems;

● unusual or unexpected geologic formations and conditions;

● structural cave-ins or slides;

● flooding;

● fires;

● power outages;

● labor disruptions;

● explosions;

● landslides and avalanches;

● mechanical equipment and facility performance problems;

● availability of materials and equipment;

● tailings storage facility failures;

● metals losses; and

● periodic interruptions due to inclement or hazardous weather conditions.

These risks could result in damage to, or destruction of, mineral properties, production facilities or other properties; personal injury or death, including to employees; environmental damage; delays in construction or mining operations; increased production costs; asset write downs; monetary losses; and possible legal liability. We may not be able to obtain insurance to cover these risks at economically feasible premiums or at all. Insurance against certain environmental risks, including potential liability for pollution or other hazards as a result of the disposal of waste products occurring from mineral production, is not generally available to us or to other companies within the mining industry. We may suffer a material adverse impact on our business if we incur losses related to any significant events that are not covered by our insurance policies.

Exploration, construction, and production activities may be limited or delayed by inclement weather and shortened exploration, construction and operating seasons. For example, Donlin Gold proposes to transport the bulk of the supplies required to operate the Donlin Gold project to the site from ports in the United States and Canada. This would require the supplies to be transported by barge on the Kuskokwim River which is free of ice and open for barge traffic for a limited period each year. Delays in the ice breakup or early freeze-up, low flow levels and water depths, or other conditions affecting the Kuskokwim River could delay or prevent Donlin Gold from transporting supplies to the site. Any such interference with the delivery of needed supplies to the Donlin Gold project could adversely affect the construction or operation of the project and/or the costs associated with these activities which, in turn, would adversely affect our business.

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

***We are subject to significant governmental regulation.***

Our operations, exploration and development activities in the United States, are subject to extensive federal, state and local laws and regulations governing various matters, including:

● environmental protection;

● management and use of toxic substances and explosives;

● management of tailings and other wastes generated by our operations;

● management of natural resources;

● exploration and development of mines, production and post-closure reclamation;

● exports;

● price controls;

● taxation, tariffs and mining royalties;

● regulations concerning business dealings with indigenous groups;

● availability and use of water resources;

● labor standards and occupational health and safety, including mine safety; and

● preservation of historic and cultural resources.

Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations may result in civil or criminal fines or penalties or enforcement actions, including orders issued by regulatory or judicial authorities enjoining, curtailing or closing operations or requiring corrective measures, installation of additional equipment or remedial actions, any of which could result in us incurring significant expenditures. We may also be required to compensate private parties suffering loss or damage by reason of a breach of such laws, regulations or permitting requirements. It is also possible that future laws and regulations, or a more stringent enforcement of current laws and regulations by governmental authorities, could cause additional expense, capital expenditures, restrictions on or suspensions of our operations and delays in the exploration and development of our mineral properties.

***Our activities are subject to environmental laws and regulations that may increase our costs of doing business and restrict our operations.***

Our exploration, potential development and production activities in the United States are subject to regulation by governmental agencies under various environmental laws. To the extent that we conduct exploration activities or undertake new mining activities in other foreign countries, we will also be subject to environmental laws and regulations in those jurisdictions. These laws address emissions into the air, discharges into water, management of waste, management of hazardous substances, use of water, protection of natural resources, antiquities and endangered species, and reclamation of lands disturbed by mining operations. Environmental legislation and regulations continue to evolve, and the trend has been toward stricter standards and enforcement, increased fines and penalties for non-compliance, more stringent environmental assessments of proposed projects and increasing responsibility for companies and their officers, directors and employees. Compliance with environmental laws and regulations may require significant capital outlays on our behalf and may cause material changes or delays in our intended activities. There can be no assurance that future changes in environmental regulations will not adversely affect our business, and it is possible that future changes in these laws or regulations could have a significant adverse impact on some portion of our business, causing us to re-evaluate those activities at that time.

Environmental hazards may exist on our mineral properties that are unknown to us at the present time, and that have been caused by previous owners or operators or that may have occurred naturally. We may be liable for remediating such damage.

Failure to comply with applicable environmental laws, regulations and permitting requirements may result in enforcement actions thereunder, including orders issued by regulatory or judicial authorities, causing operations to cease or to be curtailed, and may include corrective measures requiring capital expenditures, installation of additional equipment or remedial actions.

***Our insurance will not cover all of the potential risks associated with mining operations.***

Our business is subject to a number of risks and hazards generally including adverse environmental conditions, industrial accidents, labor disputes, unusual or unexpected geological conditions, ground or slope failures, cave-ins, changes in the regulatory environment and natural phenomena, such as inclement weather conditions, floods, hurricanes and earthquakes. Such occurrences could result in damage to mineral properties or production facilities, personal injury or death, environmental damage to our properties or the property of others, delays in construction or mining, monetary losses, and possible legal liability.

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

Although we maintain insurance to protect against certain risks in such amounts as we consider reasonable, our insurance will not cover all the potential risks associated with a mining company's operations. We may also be unable to maintain insurance to cover these risks at economically feasible premiums. Insurance coverage may not continue to be available or may not be adequate to cover any resulting liability. Moreover, insurance against risks such as loss of title to mineral property, environmental pollution, or other hazards, as a result of exploration and production is not generally available to us or to other companies in the mining industry on acceptable terms. We might also become subject to liability for pollution or other hazards which may not be insured against or which we may elect not to insure against because of premium costs or other reasons. Losses from these events may cause us to incur significant costs that could have a material adverse effect on our financial performance and results of operations.

***Title and other rights to our mineral properties cannot be guaranteed and may be subject to prior unregistered agreements, transfers or claims and other defects.***

We cannot guarantee that title to our mineral properties will not be challenged. We may not have, or may not be able to obtain, all necessary surface rights to develop a mineral property. Title insurance is generally not available for mineral properties and our ability to ensure that we have obtained secure claim to individual mineral properties or mining concessions may be severely constrained. Our mineral properties may be subject to prior unregistered agreements, transfers or claims, and title may be affected by, among other things, undetected defects. We have not conducted surveys of all the mineral properties in which we hold direct or indirect interests. A successful challenge to the precise area and location of these mineral properties could result in us being unable to operate on our mineral properties as permitted or being unable to enforce our rights with respect to our mineral properties. This could result in us not being compensated for our prior investment relating to the mineral property.

***Rising metal prices encourage mining exploration, development, and construction activity, which in the past has increased demand for and cost of contract mining services and equipment.***

Increases in metal prices tend to encourage increases in mining exploration, development, and construction activities. During past expansions, demand for and the cost of contract exploration, development and construction services and equipment have increased as well. Increased demand for and cost of services and equipment could cause project costs to increase materially, resulting in delays if services or equipment cannot be obtained in a timely manner due to inadequate availability, and increased potential for scheduling difficulties and cost increases due to the need to coordinate the availability of services or equipment, any of which could materially increase project exploration, development, or construction costs, result in project delays, or both. There can be no assurance that increased costs may not adversely affect our development of our mineral properties in the future.

***We may experience difficulty attracting and retaining qualified management and technical personnel to meet our business objectives, and the failure to manage our business effectively could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.***

We are dependent on the services of key executives including our President and Chief Executive Officer and other highly skilled and experienced executives and personnel focused on managing our interests and the advancement of the Donlin Gold project, in addition to the identification of new opportunities for growth and funding. Due to our relatively small size, the loss of these persons or our inability to attract and retain additional highly skilled employees required for the development of our activities may have a material adverse effect on our business or future operations.

***We may be subject to legal proceedings.***

Due to the nature of our business, we may be subject to a variety of regulatory investigations, claims, lawsuits, and other proceedings in the ordinary course of our business. The results of these legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty due to the uncertainty inherent in litigation, including the effects of discovery of new evidence or advancement of new legal theories, the difficulty of predicting decisions of judges and juries and the possibility that decisions may be reversed on appeal. There can be no assurances that these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our business.

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

**General Risk Factors**

***Global climate change is an international concern and could impact our ability to conduct future operations.***

Global climate change is an international issue and receives an enormous amount of publicity. We would expect that the imposition of international treaties or U.S. or Canadian federal, state, provincial, or local laws or regulations pertaining to mandatory reductions in energy consumption or emissions of greenhouse gasses could affect the feasibility of mining projects and increase operating costs.

The Donlin Gold project is not directly threatened by current predictions of sea level rise as it is located inland at elevations 150 meters to 640 meters above sea level. However, changes in sea levels could affect ocean and river transportation and shipping facilities, which would be used to transport supplies, equipment and personnel to the Donlin Gold project and products from the project to world markets. The Donlin Gold project proposes to deliver the vast majority of construction and operations equipment, supplies, consumables, and other required materials to the project site via the Kuskokwim River when it is ice-free. Historically, the Kuskokwim River has been ice-free from late April until mid-October and models based on historic weather and river flow records predict that there would be sufficient flow in the river to allow the transportation of the required materials to the project site annually. If climate changes alter the ice-free season or flow patterns of the Kuskokwim River, the current supply logistics plan for the project may need to be modified.

Climate changes also could affect the availability of water required to sustain operations at the Donlin Gold project. Also, management of water is an essential component of the project's operating plans. Climate change could require modifications to the project's water management plan, which may require additional capital investments or increase operating costs, if precipitation increases or decreases relative to historic records.

Extreme weather events (such as increased frequency or intensity of storms, increased snowpack, prolonged drought, and associated fire danger) have the potential to disrupt operations. Where appropriate the Donlin Gold project has developed contingency plans for managing extreme weather conditions; however, extended disruptions to supply lines due to extreme weather could result in interruption of activities at the project site, delay or increase the cost of construction of the project, or otherwise adversely affect our business.

***The Company is dependent upon information technology systems, which are susceptible to disruption, damage, failure, and risks associated with implementation and integration.***

The Company's information technology systems used in its operations are subject to disruption, damage, or failure from a variety of sources, including, without limitation, computer viruses, security breaches, cyberattacks, natural disasters and defects in design. Cybersecurity incidents are evolving and include, but are not limited to, malicious software, attempts to gain unauthorized access to data or machines and equipment, and other electronic security breaches that could lead to disruptions in systems, unauthorized release of confidential or otherwise protected information, the corruption of data or the disabling, misuse or malfunction of machines and equipment. Various measures have been implemented to manage the Company's risks related to information technology systems and network disruptions. However, given the unpredictability of the timing, nature and scope of information or operational technology disruptions, the Company could potentially be subject to the compromising of confidential or otherwise protected information, destruction or corruption of data, security breaches, other manipulation or improper use of our systems and networks or financial losses from remedial actions, any of which could have a material adverse effect on cash flows, financial condition or results of operations.

The Company could also be adversely affected by system or network disruptions if new or upgraded information technology systems are defective, not installed properly or not properly integrated into operations. Various measures have been implemented to manage the risks related to the system implementation and modification, but system modification failures could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial position, and results of operations.

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

***The Company believes it was a passive foreign investment company for its fiscal year ended November 30, 2025 which could have negative tax consequences for U.S. investors.***

U.S. Holders (as defined below under *Item 5. Market for Registrant*'*s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities* "*Certain United States Federal Income Tax Considerations for U.S. Holders* – *U.S. Holders*") should be aware that the Company believes that it was a PFIC (as defined below under *Item 5. Market for Registrant*'*s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities* "*Certain United States Federal Income Tax Considerations for U.S. Holders* – *Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules*") for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2025, and based on current business plans and financial expectations, may be a PFIC in the current tax year and future tax years. If the Company is a PFIC for any year during a U.S. Holder's holding period of common shares, then such U.S. Holder generally will be required to treat any gain realized upon a disposition of the common shares or any so-called "excess distribution" received on its common shares as ordinary income, and to pay an interest charge on a portion of such gain or distribution. In certain circumstances, the sum of the tax and the interest ‎charge may exceed the total amount of proceeds realized on the disposition, or the amount of excess ‎distribution received, by the U.S. Holder. Subject to certain limitations, these tax consequences may be ‎mitigated if a U.S. taxpayer makes a timely and effective QEF Election or Mark-to-Market Election (each as defined below under *Item 5. Market for Registrant*'*s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities* "*Certain United States Federal Income Tax Considerations for U.S. Holders* – *Default PFIC Rules under Section 1291 of the Code*"). A U.S. Holder who makes a timely and effective QEF Election generally must report on a current basis its share of the Company's net capital gain and ordinary earnings for any year in which the Company is a PFIC, whether or not the Company distributes any amounts to its shareholders. A U.S. Holder who makes a Mark-to-Market Election in respect of its common shares generally must include as ordinary income each year the excess of the fair market value of the common shares over the U.S. Holder's tax basis therein. This paragraph is qualified in its entirety by the discussion below under *Item 5. Market for Registrant*'*s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities* "*Certain United States Federal Income Tax Considerations for U.S. Holders*." Each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the PFIC rules and the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of common shares.

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

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| **Item 1B.** | **Unresolved Staff Comments** |

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None.

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|:---|:---|
| **Item 1C.** | **Cybersecurity** |

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**Risk Management and Strategy** 

The Company utilizes a sophisticated network monitoring service as a first line of defense to identify, assess, manage, mitigate and respond to cybersecurity threats, which is supplemented by employee training to ensure rapid internal responsiveness should an incident be detected. The Company regularly assesses the threat landscape and takes a holistic view of cybersecurity risks, with a layered cybersecurity strategy based on prevention, detection and mitigation.

Recognizing the complexity and evolving nature of cybersecurity threats, we have partnered with a third-party cybersecurity company to leverage specialized knowledge and insights, ensuring our cybersecurity strategies and processes remain at the forefront of industry best practices. Our cybersecurity partner works to continuously scan and monitor our networks for threats and vulnerabilities, alert management in real-time with high-risk cybersecurity incidents, provide quarterly management updates summarizing recent cybersecurity activity and provide access to a 24/7 incident response team. This partnership is actively managed by the Chief Financial Officer ("CFO") to ensure effective implementation.

We recognize the importance of developing, implementing, and maintaining robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard our information systems and protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of our data. As a result, we have integrated cybersecurity risk management into our broader risk management framework to promote a holistic approach toward assessing, identifying, and managing material risks associated with cybersecurity threats. This integration ensures that cybersecurity considerations are an integral part of the decision-making processes throughout our organization.

As of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we have not identified risks from cybersecurity threats, including threats from any previous cybersecurity incidents, that have or are reasonably likely to materially affect us, including our operations, business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition. While we continually work to safeguard the information systems we use, and the proprietary, confidential and personal information residing therein, and mitigate potential risks, there can be no assurance that such actions will be sufficient to prevent cybersecurity incidents or mitigate all potential risks to such systems, networks and data or those of our third-party providers. For additional information, refer to Item 1A. Risk Factors – The Company is dependent upon information technology systems, which are susceptible to disruption, damage, failure, and risks associated with implementation and/or integration, above.

The Audit Committee has been delegated, by and on behalf of the Board, direct and primary oversight of the Company's cybersecurity risk exposures and the steps taken by management to monitor, mitigate and manage/respond to cybersecurity risks and incidents. The CFO is responsible for overseeing NOVAGOLD's cybersecurity program and other IT activities. No less than annually, the CFO briefs the Audit Committee on the effectiveness of the Company's cyber risk management program on a wide range of topics, including recent developments, vulnerability assessments, the threat environment, technological trends and information security considerations arising with respect to the Company. The Board and the Audit Committee receive prompt and timely information regarding any cybersecurity incident that meets the SEC, Canadian Securities Administrators and stock exchange-established reporting thresholds, as well as ongoing updates and follow-up disclosures regarding any such incident until it has been wholly addressed and remediated.

**Governance**

Cybersecurity is an important part of our risk management processes and an area of focus for our Board and management team. Our Audit Committee is responsible for the Board-level oversight of risks from cybersecurity threats. Members of our Audit Committee receive updates from the CFO at least annually and more frequently if warranted, regarding Company practices, programs, and other developments related to cybersecurity, cyber threats and our cybersecurity risk management and strategy program. Our Audit Committee is comprised of Board members with diverse and relevant expertise in risk management and strategy, sufficient to oversee cybersecurity risks effectively.

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

We maintain a cybersecurity incident response team composed of professionals across various functions, including information technology, legal, finance, accounting, and risk. This team is trained in managing cybersecurity incidents and leverages the information technology expertise of our third-party cybersecurity partner.

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

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|:---|:---|
| **Item 2.** | **Properties** |

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The Company has adopted the mining disclosure standards of *Subpart 229.1300 of Regulation S-K* – *Disclosure by Registrants Engaged in Mining Operations* ("S-K 1300"). The Company is subject to and required to disclose mineral resources and mineral reserves in accordance with S-K 1300. While the S-K 1300 rules are similar to NI 43-101 rules in Canada, they are not identical and therefore two reports have been produced for the Donlin Gold project. The information in *Item 2, Properties,* below is common to both reports and contains pertinent information required under S-K 1300.

*Donlin Gold Technical Report (NI 43-101)*

During 2025, the Company retained Wood Group USA Inc. ("Wood") and Geosyntec Consultants International, Inc. ("Geosyntec"), unaffiliated third-party firms comprising mining experts, to update content in its previously filed "*NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Donlin Gold Project, Alaska, USA*," with an effective date of June 1, 2021 (the "2021 Technical Report"). Wood and Geosyntec's Qualified Persons ("QPs") completed an exercise to verify which content in the 2021 Technical Report remains current, and what was required to update the report content with the latest information. Updated content includes legal agreements, drill hole database, geologic model, mineral resource estimates, mine plan, mineral reserve estimates, production schedule, operating costs, capital costs, tax law summary, long-term gold price, and the economic analysis. Additionally, work done on the property since 2021 with respect to exploration, drilling, permitting, and minor mine design changes as a result of recent permitting activities are summarized in the updated content. A data verification exercise was completed by each Wood and Geosyntec QP co-authoring the report. This included an August or September 2025 site visit by six of the report QPs; review of the drill and assay data, geologic data, geologic model, and resource model; review of metallurgical test work; review of designs for processing and infrastructure, including minor design updates; update of capital and operating cost estimates utilizing a combination of cost indices and vendor quotations; and updated mine designs, production schedule, and economic analysis. Canadian NI 43-101 Definitions, CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves ("CIM Definition Standards"), adopted by CIM Council on May 10, 2014, and CIM Estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves Best Practice Guidelines, November 29, 2019 (CIM MRMR Best Practice Guidelines) apply for this exercise.

The Wood and Geosyntec review determined that there was no material change to the mineral resources or mineral reserves as increases in operating costs since the 2021 Technical Report were generally offset by increases in the long-term gold price used in the study. On January 22, 2026, the Company filed an updated NI 43-101 technical report for the Donlin Gold project in Alaska, USA, and titled "*NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Donlin Gold Project, Alaska, USA*," with an effective date of November 30, 2025 (the "2025 Technical Report") reflecting the results of the above exercise. The 2025 Technical Report was prepared by Wood and Geosyntec. The 2025 Technical Report is available on the Company's website and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

*Donlin Gold Technical Report Summary (S-K 1300)*

The Company is a registrant with the SEC and is reporting its exploration results, mineral resources or mineral reserves using the mining disclosure standards of S-K 1300. The Company requested that Wood and Geosyntec update content in its previously filed "*S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary on the Donlin Gold Project, Alaska, USA*", with a report date of November 30, 2021 (the "2021 Technical Report Summary"). Material aspects of the 2021 Technical Report Summary were updated by Wood in 2025 and made current with "*S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary on the Donlin Gold Project, Alaska, USA*", with a report date of November 30, 2025 (the "2025 Technical Report Summary"). As part of the update process, Wood's subject matter experts completed an exercise to verify and update the content of the 2021 Technical Report Summary with the latest information under the supervision of Wood and Geosyntec's QPs. Updated content includes legal agreements, drill hole database, geologic model, resource estimates, mine plan, mineral reserve estimates, production schedule, operating costs, capital costs, forecast long-term gold price and the economic analysis. Additionally, work done since 2021 on the property with respect to exploration, drilling, permitting and minor project design changes as a result of recent permitting activities are summarized in the 2025 Technical Report Summary. A data verification exercise was completed by Wood and Geosyntec QPs. Wood and Geosyntec QPs verified that the updated content of the 2021 Technical Report Summary met at least pre-feasibility level of study as defined in S-K 1300, and it supports the disclosure of exploration results, mineral resources, and mineral reserves using S-K 1300 standards. The 2025 S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary is available on the Company's website and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. None of Wood or Geosyntec or their QP employees are affiliated with the Company or Donlin Gold.

*Results of the Donlin Gold Technical Report (NI 43-101) and Donlin Gold Technical Report Summary (S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary)*

Wood and Geosyntec used the recent drilling results (through December 31, 2024), updated costs, and long-term forecast gold prices to update the geologic and mineral resource models and prepare mineral resource estimates that are current as of November 30, 2025. The 2025 mineral resource model was used in the updated mine plan, along with current technical and economic inputs to the modifying factors to generate updated mineral reserve estimates that are current as of November 30, 2025. A long-term gold price of US$2,400 per ounce was used for the mineral resource estimates, and US$2,100/oz for the mineral reserves. The difference in gold price is to ensure the mineral reserves are a sub-set of the mineral resources. A comparison of the 2021 mineral resources and mineral reserves to the 2025 mineral resources and mineral reserves shows no material change to the estimates. The increase in costs were generally offset by the increased gold prices.

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

Outside of verifying the mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates, the primary efforts in the 2025 Technical Report and the 2025 Technical Report Summary were to incorporate recent exploration drilling data and updated economic assumptions. This includes updates to estimated capital costs, operating costs, reclamation and closure costs, royalties, taxes, and economic analysis, as well as current status of the permits. Updated capital costs are based on fourth calendar quarter 2025 pricing (cost indices and current commodity pricing and equipment quotes) applied to the engineering designs and material take-offs from the "Donlin Creek Gold Project Alaska, USA NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Second Updated Feasibility Study," effective November 18, 2011, and amended January 20, 2012 (the "2011 Mining Study"), except for minor changes made during permitting in the operations water treatment plant and the natural gas pipeline. As a result of the content updates, the total initial capital cost estimate is $9,233 million, which is an increase of 24.7% or $1,831 million compared to the 2021 Technical Report Summary total initial capital cost estimate. Likewise, the total sustaining capital estimate is $2,325 million, which is an increase of 34.9% or $602 million compared to the 2021 Technical Report Summary total sustaining capital estimate. The 2021 Technical Report Summary operating costs were updated to fourth calendar quarter 2025 by updating key cost drivers like energy, labor, consumables, and freight. The manning schedules and consumables remain largely unchanged. The updated estimated Life of Mine ("LOM") operating costs total $24,504 million.

The economic evaluation of the Donlin Gold project in both the 2025 Technical Report and the 2025 Technical Report Summary was updated using the following inputs:

● An updated open pit production plan based on 53,500 t/d ore processing by means of crushing, grinding, flotation, pressure oxidation, cyanidation and doré production. The pit designs and mineral reserves were based on the measured and indicated mineral resource estimates. Annual LOM gold production averages 1.1 million ounces per year over a production life of 27 years, including 1.4 million ounces per year for the first five full years of production.

● $2,100/oz gold price

● Current land and royalty agreements

● Initial and sustaining capital costs, and operating costs updated to fourth calendar quarter 2025

● Tax payments in accordance with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("TCJA") enacted in December 2017 and largely effective January 1, 2018, and the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act ("OBBBA") enacted in 2025, which extended or made permanent many TCJA provisions

● $423 million LOM contributions for reclamation, closure, and financial assurance

● Financing has been assumed on a 100%, all equity, stand-alone basis

● Escalation/inflation has been excluded

● No salvage is assumed at the end of operations

Based on the economic evaluation, the Donlin Gold project generates positive before and after-tax economic results. Total after-tax cash flow is $19,614 million, after-tax NPV at a 5% discount rate is $5,058 million, and the after-tax internal rate of return is 10.3%. After-tax payback is achieved 6.5 years following the start of production.

The following descriptions summarize selected information about the Company's 60% interest in the Donlin Gold project located in Alaska, USA. Except for subsequent events or as otherwise noted, the disclosure in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of a scientific or technical nature for the Donlin Gold project is based on both the 2025 Technical Report and the 2025 Technical Report Summary, as of November 30, 2025. The 2025 Technical Report Summary meets at least a pre-feasibility level. The 2025 Technical Report and the 2025 Technical Report Summary do not incorporate the latest Donlin Gold drill program, optimization work on the geologic modeling concepts, or other optimization work since these assessments are still underway.

The 2025 Technical Report was filed on SEDAR+ on January 22, 2026. The 2025 Technical Report Summary was filed on EDGAR on January 22, 2026. The 2025 Technical Report and the 2025 Technical Report Summary were prepared by Wood and Geosyntec.

The 2025 Technical Report has been filed with securities regulatory authorities in each province of Canada and the 2025 Technical Report Summary has been filed with the SEC. Portions of the following information are based on assumptions, qualifications and procedures that are not fully described herein. Reference should be made to the full text of the 2025 Technical Report which is available for review on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and the 2025 Technical Report Summary which is available for review on EDGAR at www.sec.gov.

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

Paul Chilson, P.E., a QP and an employee of the Company, has approved the mineral reserves and mineral resources included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K as of November 30, 2025 and reviewed the reserves and resources in the 2025 Technical Report and the 2025 Technical Report.

***Donlin Gold Project, Alaska, USA***

The Donlin Gold project (the "Project") is a development-stage gold project held by Donlin Gold, a limited liability company that is owned 60% by the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, NOVAGOLD Resources Alaska Inc., and 40% by Donlin Gold Holdings LLC, a subsidiary of Paulson. The Company's book value of its investment in the Donlin Gold project is $213.2 million as of November 30, 2025.

Prior to June 3, 2025, Donlin Gold was owned equally by wholly-owned subsidiaries of NOVAGOLD and Barrick since December 1, 2007 when the Company entered into the limited liability company agreement with Barrick ("LLC Agreement"). Pursuant to the LLC Agreement, the Company agreed to reimburse Barrick out of future mine production cash flow for a portion of Barrick's prior expenditures on the Donlin Gold project. As of November 30, 2025, the promissory note, including accrued interest, amounted to approximately $166.3 million. Concurrent with the closing of the Donlin Gold transaction on June 3, 2025 whereby Barrick sold its 50% interest in Donlin Gold to Donlin Gold Holdings LLC and NOVAGOLD Resources Alaska, Inc., the Company entered into an amended and restated secured promissory note with Barrick that provides the Company with the option to prepay the promissory note in full for $100 million on or before December 3, 2026. For more information regarding the amended and restated secured promissory note, refer to "*Amended and Restated Promissory Note*" in Management's Discussion and Analysis.

Except for events subsequent to the reports, or as otherwise stated or implied, the scientific and technical information regarding the Donlin Gold project in this Annual Report on Form 10-K is based on both the 2025 Technical Report and the 2025 Technical Report Summary.

***Property Description and Location***

The Donlin Gold deposits are situated approximately 61°86' north latitude and 158°13' west longitude, which is 450 km west of Anchorage and 250 km northeast of Bethel up the Kuskokwim River. The closest village is the community of Crooked Creek, approximately 20 km to the south, on the Kuskokwim River.

![map.jpg](map.jpg)

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

The resource areas are within T. 23 N., R. 49. W., Seward Meridian, Kuskokwim and Mt. McKinley Recording Districts, Crooked Creek Mining District, Iditarod A-5 USGS 1:63,360 topography map. The mineralization is centered on approximately 540222.50 east and 6878534.36 north, using the NAD 83 datum.

The Donlin Gold property is located in the Kuskokwim region of southwestern Alaska on private, Alaska Native-owned mineral and surface land and Alaska state mining claims. The property is under the Calista Lease for subsurface rights and some surface rights from Calista and SUA from TKC, two Alaska Native corporations. Calista is one of 13 regional Alaska Native corporations established as part of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 ("ANCSA") and under ANCSA has title to the subsurface estate and some surface rights in the region. TKC was formed in 1977 when the ANCSA village corporations of Lower Kalskag, Upper Kalskag, Aniak, Chuathbaluk, Napaimute, Crooked Creek, Red Devil, Georgetown, Sleetmute and Stony River, which are located along the middle region of the Kuskokwim River, merged. Under ANCSA, TKC has title to extensive surface estate in the region, including most of the project lands. The property hosts a gold deposit currently estimated at 32.8 million ounces of proven and probable mineral reserves averaging 2.02 grams per tonne. The Company believes that significant exploration potential remains in the Donlin Gold district, with prospects to increase mine life and/or justify future production expansions. See *Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource Estimate*, below.

Other lands required for offsite infrastructure, such as the Jungjuk port site, the road from the port site to the mine site, and natural gas pipeline are categorized as Native, State of Alaska conveyed, or BLM lands. Rights-of-way are required from other Alaska Native corporations, the State of Alaska and BLM for the road and pipeline alignments that cross Native corporation, state, and federal lands.

***Permits***

The Project is subject to a rigorous permitting regime at federal, state, and local levels. Major permits obtained include the USACE Section 404/10 permit (with a JROD issued in 2018), the ADEC Integrated Waste Management Permit, Air Quality Control Permit, and APDES permit. Additional permits for water rights, dam safety, and fish habitat are in place or in process. BLM and ADNR have issued right-of-way ("ROW") authorizations for the natural gas pipeline. The Project is working to secure a land agreement from Cook Inlet Region, Inc. ("CIRI") for the remaining piece of the ROW for the natural gas pipeline.

All permits remain current, with renewals processed as required and no expirations to date. Several permits have been administratively extended, merged into other ROW permits, or are under review for extensions consistent with regulatory timelines and Project contingencies. The permitting process has included extensive agency and stakeholder consultation, and the Project is designed to comply with the NEPA Clean Water Act, Alaska Dam Safety Guidelines, and other applicable regulations.

Donlin Gold obtained the necessary permits and certifications that allowed for the exploration, environmental monitoring, and Environmental Impact Study ("EIS") baseline data collection efforts. The current status of these permits is in line with the termination of the baseline data collection effort, temporary closure of the camp in May 2015, and the seasonal reopening of the site for the geological drill program from July to November 2017, the geotechnical drill program in 2019 and 2023 for the Alaska Dam Safety certificate applications, and the latest geological drill programs in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2025. The active permits include Alaska Department of Natural Resources ("ADNR") temporary use of water; ADNR Application for Permit to Mine in Alaska (approval for the 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2025 drill programs), the Corps individual 404 and nationwide 26 permits; Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation ("ADEC") authorizations (landfill, septic system, multisector stormwater general permit – sector G, air permit); and Federal Aviation Administration approval. Other permits were either put on hold, closed, or allowed to expire.

On August 7, 2012, we announced that Donlin Gold commenced permitting of the project by submitting a draft Plan of Operations and Section 404 Clean Water Act ("CWA") draft permit application to federal and state regulators. The Section 404 permit application initiated the environmental review process under the National Environmental Policy Act ("NEPA") which involves preparation of an EIS. The Corps selected AECOM, formerly URS, an independent contractor, to prepare the EIS. The Notice of Intent for the EIS was published in the Federal Register on December 14, 2012, and the NEPA public scoping process was completed on March 29, 2013. During the remainder of 2013 and through 2014 and 2015, Donlin Gold worked to address the remaining data needs for the draft EIS. Donlin Gold also continued to provide application materials and maintained ongoing dialogue with the key permitting agencies. The Corps addressed the cooperating agency comments on the preliminary draft and filed the Notice of Availability for public release of the draft EIS in the Federal Register in November 2015. After the filing of the draft EIS, the Corps issued a schedule for public meetings on the Donlin Gold draft EIS in the Y-K region and Anchorage, Alaska. The Corps conducted, and at the end of May 2016 completed, a six-month public comment period for the draft EIS, including 17 public comment meetings in communities across the Y-K region and in Anchorage. The Corps received comments from federal and state agencies, local and tribal governments, Alaska Native organizations, businesses, special interest groups/NGOs, and individuals.

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

On April 27, 2018, the Notice of Availability of the Donlin Gold final EIS was published in the *Federal Register*. On August 13, 2018, the Corps and the BLM issued a joint Federal Record of Decision ("ROD") for the Donlin Gold project. Along with the ROD, the Corps issued a combined permit under CWA Section 404 and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act. Additionally, the BLM issued the Offer to Lease for the state pipeline ROW for those portions of the natural gas pipeline that would cross federal lands. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration previously issued a special permit for the natural gas pipeline on June 5, 2018. As a result of a legal challenge, discussed in further detail below, the Corp and BLM are undertaking a supplementation of the EIS to analyze the environmental impacts of a larger hypothetical release from the tailings storage facility. The CWA permits and BLM ROW remain in place during this supplementation, which is being undertaken under the Fixing America's Transportation Act ("FAST-41") program coordinated by the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council ("Permitting Council"). The Corp has submitted a schedule for completing the supplemental analysis by mid-2027 to the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council.

Several major State of Alaska permits were also issued and advanced during 2018 through 2023. After a public notice and comment period, ADEC issued a Certificate of Reasonable Assurance under CWA Section 401 on August 10, 2018, indicating that the CWA 404 permit complies with the state's water quality standards. The Alaska Pollutant Discharge Elimination System ("APDES") water discharge permit was issued by ADEC on May 24, 2018 and became effective on July 1, 2018. Donlin Gold submitted its application to ADEC for the regularly scheduled re-issuance of its APDES permit, which originally was to expire in January 2024, but has been administratively extended pending renewal. The State of Alaska Department of Fish and Game ("ADFG") issued Title 16 Fish Habitat permits for the mine area and transportation corridor on August 30, 2018. The new air quality permit was issued by ADEC on July 1, 2023. The final approvals of the Donlin Gold Reclamation Plan and the Waste Management Permit were issued by ADNR and ADEC, respectively on January 18, 2019. On September 18, 2023, Donlin Gold submitted timely applications to ADEC and ADNR for renewal of the approval and permit. On October 17, 2023, ADEC administratively extended the Waste Management Permit pending renewal. The Reclamation Plan approval, which was also to expire in January 2024, has been administratively extended to January 2026. ADNR issued the easement, land leases, land use permits, and material site authorizations for the proposed transportation facilities, and easement for the fiber optic cable on state lands on January 2, 2020. On January 17, 2020, ADNR's State Pipeline Coordinator Services issued the final state ROW authorization for the natural gas pipeline. On June 29, 2021, ADNR's Division of Mining Land and Water issued 12 final Water Rights for the mine site and transportation corridor. On November 1, 2021, ADFG issued two Special Area Permits required for pipeline facilities located within the Susitna Flats State Game Refuge ("Refuge"). One permit authorizes the compressor station, and the other permit authorizes the section of the pipeline ROW in the Refuge. On November 1, 2022, ADNR finalized approval of the proposed re-location plan for public easements in the mine site and transportation facility areas.

The Project is working to secure a land agreement from CIRI for the remaining piece of the ROW for the natural gas pipeline. CIRI and Donlin Gold LLC have agreed on the terms of this lease and are working on finalizing the agreement. Other operational permits will be required immediately prior to construction, such as stream crossing from ADF&G, water sources from ADNR, and development from the Matanuska-Susitna borough. Legal challenges to ADNR's issuance of the ROW are also complete with the Alaska Supreme Court issuing a ruling in November upholding ADNR's issuance of the ROW.

On April 5, 2023, Earthjustice, representing Orutsararmiut Traditional Native Council ("ONC"), Kwethluk, and Tuluksak filed suit in the United States Federal Court for the District of Alaska, challenging BLM's and the USACE's issuance of the JROD.

On June 10, 2025, the District Court of Alaska issued an order remanding the matter to the federal agencies to supplement the EIS to include analysis of a larger hypothetical tailings release. The Court did not vacate the permits. Donlin Gold LLC has started working on the supplemental briefing while a Notice of Intent is expected from the Army Corp of Engineers in early 2026.

***Mineral Tenure***

The Calista Lease between Calista and Donlin Gold, includes subsurface (mineral) rights leased from Calista. Calista also owns the corresponding surface estate on a portion of these lands, the rights to which are also included in the Calista Lease. The Calista Lease provides Donlin Gold with rights to approximately 19,988 hectares of Calista-owned land. The Calista Lease was restated on February 11, 2011, to reflect all assignments and amendments made between its original execution on May 1, 1995 and February 11, 2011. The Calista Lease was amended once again effective June 6, 2014 (the "2014 Amendment"). The 2014 Amendment did not affect the lands subject to the Calista Lease as restated on February 11, 2011.

On June 6, 2014, the Company announced that Donlin Gold and TKC reached an updated long-term SUA for the Donlin Gold project. The SUA with TKC grants non-exclusive surface use rights to Donlin Gold for mining activities. TKC owns and contributed to the SUA the corresponding surface estate over most of Calista's subsurface estate included in the Calista Lease as well as some additional surface estate. The SUA with TKC provides Donlin Gold with rights to approximately 16,923 hectares of TKC-owned land.

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

A small surface estate of 5.7 hectares to which the Lyman family has title, is within the Snow Gulch area lying immediately to the north of the Project's pit shell. Lyman Resources in Alaska, Inc. ("Lyman Resources"), the Lyman family and Donlin Gold LLC executed a Surface Lease and Assignment of Mining Lease assigning the Lyman placer lease, located within the Calista Lease area, to Donlin Gold LLC for mining use (the "Lyman Lease").

In addition to the leased land, Donlin Gold holds 493 State of Alaska mining claims comprising approximately 29,008 hectares in the Kuskokwim and Mt. McKinley Recording Districts. The mining claims abut and largely surround northern and western boundaries of the lands subject to the Calista Lease and TKC SUA. The mining claims are located on lands that are owned by the State of Alaska (409) and on state-selected lands from the BLM (84). All claims are approximately either 16.2 hectares or 64.8 hectares in size.

The terms for the Calista Lease and TKC SUA include various royalty and other payment provisions and considerations such as shareholder employment and contracting opportunities. The Lyman Lease provides for rent and certain other payments.

Royalty terms of the Calista Lease include:

● Annual advance minimum royalty (variable) to 2030;

● All advance minimum payments are recoverable as a credit against the net smelter return royalty and net proceeds payment;

● Net smelter return of 1.5% for the earlier of the first five years following commencement of commercial production or until initial capital payback;

● Conversion to a 4.5% net smelter return after the earlier of five years or initial capital payback; and

● Net proceeds royalty of 8% of the net proceeds realized by Donlin Gold LLC commencing with the first quarter in which net proceeds are first realized.

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

Payment terms of the TKC SUA include:

● Annual advance minimum payment (variable per milestones);

● All advance minimum payments are recoverable as a credit against the milled tonnage fee and net proceeds payment;

● Milled tonnage fee of $0.40 per tonne processed for the first 10 years of production;

● Conversion of the milled tonnage fee to $0.50 per tonne processed for all production after 10 years; and

● Net proceeds payment of 3% of the net proceeds realized by Donlin Gold LLC commencing with the first quarter in which net proceeds are first realized.

The term of the Calista Lease is to April 30, 2031 and extends automatically year to year thereafter, so long as either mining or processing operations are carried out on or with respect to the property in good faith on a continuous basis in such year, or Donlin Gold pays to Calista an advanced minimum royalty of $3.0 million (subject to adjustment for increases in the Consumer Price Index) for such year. The TKC SUA remains in effect through April 30, 2031, and on a year-to-year basis thereafter, so long as the Calista Lease remains in effect. The Lyman Lease has an initial term of 20 years but shall be extended while Donlin Gold conducts operations on the property.

Additional estimated costs associated with various landowner and lease agreements, not already covered in initial capital or G&A operating costs, average approximately $8.6 million per year during the six pre-production years and $2.5 million per year during the 27 operating years. Annual rent, labor expenditures and filings are required to maintain Alaska State mining claims on state land. Mining license tax payments may also apply.

***Accessibility and Climate***

The Kuskokwim River is a regional transportation route and is serviced by commercial barge lines. A 25-kilometer winter road, designated as an Alaska State Highway route and transportation corridor, accesses the property from the barge landing at the village of Crooked Creek. The Donlin Gold project currently has an all-season, soft-sided camp. An adjacent 1,500-meter airstrip is capable of handling aircraft as large as C-130 Hercules (with a payload of 18,000 kg), allowing efficient shipment of personnel, some heavy equipment, and supplies. The Donlin Gold project can be reached directly by charter air facilities out of Anchorage and Aniak, 80 kilometers to the west.

The project area is one of low topographic relief on the western flank of the Kuskokwim Mountains. Elevations range from 150 meters to 640 meters. Ridges are well rounded and easily accessible by all-terrain vehicle. Hillsides are forested with black spruce, tamarack, alder, birch and larch. Soft muskeg and discontinuous permafrost are common in poorly drained areas at lower elevations. The area has a relatively dry interior continental climate with typically less than 500 millimeters total annual precipitation. Summer temperatures are relatively warm and may exceed 30°C. Minimum temperatures may fall to well below -42°C during the cold winter months. Permafrost is sporadic, typically confined to valley bottom and mid-slope, with thickness ranging from 1.5 m to over 15 m (average ~4 m). The site is in a seismically active region of Alaska, influenced by the collision of the Pacific and North American plates.

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

***Exploration History***

A total of 1,737 core (456,450 m) and 387 RC (37,457 m) holes conducted since 1995, were used to inform the resource estimate. Results from the 2025 drilling were compared to the geologic model and resource model and were found to support the interpretation of geology and estimation.

A total of 2,145 core and RC holes of 516,779 m were completed from 1995 through 2025 as summarized below. Holes drilled by previous operators between 1995 and 2000 include 347 core holes (86,298 m) and 77 RC holes (16,338 m). Holes drilled by Donlin Gold LLC include 491 core holes (121,383 m) and more recently 10 dual rotary holes (630 m).

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Year** | **Company** | **Work Performed** | **Results** |
| 1909-1956 | Various prospectors and placer miners | ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Gold discovered on Donlin Creek in 1909<br> ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Placer mining by hand, underground, and hydraulic methods | ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Total placer gold production of approximately 30,000 oz |
| 1970s-present | Robert Lyman and heirs | ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Resumed sluice mining in Donlin area and placer mined Snow Gulch | ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Small scale placer mining |
| 1974, 1975 | RAA | ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Regional mineral potential evaluation for Calista<br> ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Soil grid and three bulldozer trenches in the Snow Gulch area | ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Anomalous gold values in soil, rock, and vein samples |
| 1984-1987 | Calista | ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Minor work | ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; - |
| 1986 | Lyman Resources | ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Auger drilling for placer evaluation encounters sulfide-rich clay near Quartz Gulch | ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Initial discovery of Far Side (Carolyn) prospect |
| 1987 | Calista | ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rock sampling of ridge tops and auger drill sampling of Far Side prospect | ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Anomalous gold values from auger holes |
| 1988, 1989 | WestGold | ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Airborne geophysics, ground geophysics, geological mapping, and soil sampling over most of Project area<br> ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Trenching at all prospects First metallurgical tests and petrographic work | ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Initial work identified eight prospects (Snow, Dome, Quartz, Carolyn, Queen, Upper Lewis, Lower Lewis, and Rochelieu)<br> ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Drilling at most of these prospects led to identification of the Lewis areas as having the best bulk-mineable potential<br> ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Early resource estimate performed<br> ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; WestGold dissolved by early 1990 |

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Year** | **Company** | **Work Performed** | **Results** |
| 1993 | Teck | ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Trenching and soil lines in Lewis area<br> ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Petrographic, fluid inclusion, and metallurgical work | ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Identified new mineralized areas and expanded property, completed updated resource estimate<br> ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Metallurgical tests not favorable, property dropped |
| 1995-2000 | Placer Dome Inc. | ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 87,383 m of core, 11,909 of RC drilling, and 8,493 m of trenching | ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Drilled the American Creek magnetic anomaly (ACMA), discovered the ACMA deposit<br> ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Numerous Mineral Resource estimations |
| 2001, 2002 | DCJV (Placer Dome Inc. / NOVAGOLD) | ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 46,495 m of core including 89.5 m of geotechnical drilling, 11,589 m of RC drilling, and 268 m of water monitoring holes<br> ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mineral Resource estimate | ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expanded the ACMA resource |
| 2003-2005 | DCJV (Placer Dome Inc. / NOVAGOLD) | ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 25,448 m of core and 5,979 m of RC drilling<br> ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Calcium carbonate exploration drilling<br> ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Induced polarized (IP) lines for facility condemnation studies | ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Infill drilled throughout the resource area demonstrated continuity<br> ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Discovered a calcium carbonate resource<br> ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Poor quality IP data not useful for facility studies |
| 2006 | DCJV (Barrick / NOVAGOLD) | ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 92,804 m of core drilling for resource conversion, slope stability, metallurgy, waste rock, carbonate exploration, facilities, and port road studies | ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Geological model and internal resource updates |
| 2007 | DCJV | ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Core drilling totaled 72,257 m and included resource delineation, geotechnical and engineering, and carbonate exploration<br> ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 13 RC holes for monitor wells and pit pump tests totaled 1,043 m<br> ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Updated Mineral Resource estimate | ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Improved pit slope parameters<br> ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Positive hydrogeological results<br> ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Exploration for carbonate mineral source was negative |
| 2008 | DCLLC | ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 108 core holes totaling 33,425 m for exploration and facility related geotechnical and condemnation studies<br> ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Metallurgical testwork: flotation variability and cyanide (CN) leach<br> ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 54 test pits and 37 auger holes completed for overburden characterization | ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Resource expansion indicated for East ACMA<br> ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CN leach resource potential indicated for the main resource area, Snow, and Dome prospects<br> ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Facility sites successfully condemned<br> ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Updated resource estimates utilizing applicable data through 2007 |
| 2009 | Donlin Gold LLC (name change) | ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 19 geotechnical core holes totaling 950 m in facility sites and to address hydrology<br> ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimate update | ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; - |

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Year** | **Company** | **Work Performed** | **Results** |
| 2010 | Donlin Gold LLC | ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Six geotechnical core holes totaling 2,090 m to evaluate slope stability of expanded pit<br> ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Drilled 90 auger holes totaling 585 m and dug 59 test pits to further evaluate overburden conditions and gravel supplies within TSF (as defined below) area<br> ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimate update | ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pit slope stability of new pit design remained acceptable<br> ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Evaluation of construction suitability of surficial materials in TSF (as defined below) is ongoing |
| 2017 | Donlin Gold LLC | ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 16 HQ core holes totaling 7,040 m drilled within the resource area<br> ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Acoustic televiewer surveys were completed on 12 holes. Five of the holes were also logged by geotechnical engineering consultants for pit slope geotechnical data collection<br> ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Metallurgical sample collection was also conducted | ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Geologic, geotechnical, and assay data were incorporated into project database for internal geologic modeling and optimization updates<br> ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Metallurgical samples were tested in 2018, primarily for flotation optimization |
| 2019 | Donlin Gold LLC | ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 30 geotechnical core holes totaling 1,060 m were drilled as part of a site investigation program in support of detailed dam design | ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Geotechnical data were incorporated into a site investigation dataset to be utilized for detailed dam design and permitting once the field program is complete |
| 2020 | Donlin Gold LLC | ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 85 holes and 23,361 m HQ core drilling in ACMA and Lewis resource areas<br> ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Objectives on this program were to validate and increase the confidence in recent geologic modelling concepts and support future resource updates<br> ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Acoustic and optical televiewer surveying was completed on most of the holes<br> ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Geotechnical logging was performed on core from 10 holes | ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Available geologic and assay data were incorporated into the project database for internal geologic modeling and optimization updates<br> ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2020 drilling geological logs generally agrees with the DC9 geological model while suggesting local adjustments |
| 2021 | Donlin Gold LLC | ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 79 core holes totaling 24,263 m in both the ACMA and Lewis deposits to validate recent geologic modeling<br> ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Concepts and test for extensions of high-grade zones | ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2021 drilling geological logs and preliminary assays results generally agree with the DC9 model while suggesting local adjustments |

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Year** | **Company** | **Work Performed** | **Results** |
| 2022 | Donlin Gold LLC | ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 141 core holes totaling 42,331 m in both the ACMA and Lewis deposits in-pit and below pit in sparsely drilled areas<br> ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Platform mapping, waste rock facility condemnation drilling and geotechnical drilling for the Alaska Dam Safety certificates | ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mapping to confirm mineralization continuity and key geological controls in representative areas of the deposit and studies to support future mining study |
| 2023 | Donlin Gold LLC | ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 42 core holes totaling 1,833 m and 13 RC holes totaling 1,279 m were drilled as part of a site investigation program in support of detailed dam design, hydrogeologic studies and seismic surveys | ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Work supports the Alaska Dam Safety certificates and mine planning and design work |
| 2024 | Donlin Gold LLC | ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Metallurgical test work, field and geochemical data collection and advancement of the Donlin Gold mineral resource model | ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Work performed will support future mining studies including closure planning |
| 2025 | Donlin Gold LLC | ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 47 core holes totaling 18,056 m comprising of infill drilling, in-pit exploration and geotechnical drilling<br> ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 26 holes totaling 399 m geotechnical drilling at Jungjuk Port Road material sites | ●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Work performed will support future mining study |

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***Geology***

*Regional Geology*

The Kuskokwim region of southwestern Alaska is predominately underlain by rocks of the Upper Cretaceous Kuskokwim Group that filled a subsided northeast-trending strike-slip basin between a series of amalgamated terranes. Intermediate composition volcano-plutonic complexes intrude and overlie Kuskokwim Group rocks throughout the region.

*Local Geology*

The Donlin Gold deposits lie between two regional, northeast-trending, right lateral fault systems: the Denali-Farewell fault system to the south and the Iditarod-Nixon Fork fault system to the north. Undivided Kuskokwim Group sedimentary rocks and granite porphyry complexes are the main rock units.

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

*Property Geology*

Greywacke is dominant in the northern part of the area ("northern resource area" comprising Lewis, Queen, Rochelieu, and Akivik), while shale-rich units are common in the southern part of the area ("southern resource area" comprising South Lewis and ACMA).

Gold deposits are associated with an extensive Late Cretaceous–Early Tertiary gold–arsenic–antimony–mercury hydrothermal system. Gold-bearing zones exhibit strong structural and host rock control along north–northeast-trending fracture zones and are best developed where those zones intersect relatively competent host rocks. Mineralized material is most abundant in intrusive dikes and sills, but sedimentary rocks are also mineralized within strong fracture zones.

*Geotechnical and Hydrology*

A number of geotechnical and hydrological studies have been completed in support of at least pre-feasibility and environmental reports for Donlin Gold, including geotechnical assessments for the engineering to support design of the port site, airstrip, plant site and interconnecting roads. BGC, Inc ("BGC"). Performed geotechnical analyses for the design of the pit, waste rock facility ("WRF"), and Tailings Storage Facility ("TSF").

The site-wide surface water and groundwater models developed by BGC, are based on extensive drill data and climatic information for the area. The groundwater model is currently being updated based on the field work completed in 2023. BGC, CEMI, Hatch Ltd., and SRK, Inc. provided hydrologic studies, design criteria and associated test work for the water treatment plant requirements during construction, operations, and closure. Lorax Environmental performed water quality modeling for the post closure pit lake.

*Exploration Potential*

Exploration potential in the vicinity of the Project open pit designs include extensions to the south and west of ACMA and to the north and east of Lewis. Mineralization remains open at depth under the current pit limits. Mineralization also remains open to the north of the planned pit and has been tested by shallow trenching and soil sampling, with limited drilling undertaken to date.

Exploration potential also extends outside the areas that have been the subject of the mine design. Gold mineralization is associated with an overall north–northeasterly trending high level dike/sill complex and includes the Ophir, Dome, Far Side, Quartz/Duqum, and Snow prospects.

***Mineralization***

Southeast-dipping north-northeast-oriented fracture zones are the primary control on gold-bearing vein distribution within the north-northeast mineralized corridors. Composite vein zones or mineralized corridors range up to 30 meters in width and extend for hundreds of meters along strike. Intrusive rocks and to a lesser extent competent massive greywacke are the most favored host rocks, and act as a secondary control on the mineralization. Gold distribution in the deposit closely mimics the intrusive rocks. The more steeply dipping sills in the ACMA sill sequence host the highest-grade and most continuous igneous-hosted mineralized zones, particularly where intersected by northeast-striking "feeder" dikes and faults. Gold grade is directly proportional to vein density and intensity of overlapping disseminated sulfide vein aureoles. The dike-dominant Lewis deposit areas consist of sheeted veins with limited disseminated sulfide in the wall rocks and are characterized by lower-grade and less continuous mineralized zones.

Gold-bearing sulfides occur in both veins and disseminated zones in mafic igneous bodies, rhyodacite dikes and sills, and sedimentary rocks. Quartz-carbonate-sulfide (pyrite, stibnite, and arsenopyrite) veins are the primary mineralized features, but gold also occurs in thin, discontinuous sulfide fracture fillings.

*Minor Elements and Deleterious Materials*

The most abundant minor elements associated with gold-bearing material are iron, arsenic, antimony, and sulfur. They are contained primarily in the mineral suite associated with hydrothermal deposition of gold, including pyrite, arsenopyrite, realgar, native arsenic, and stibnite. Minor hydrothermal pyrrhotite, marcasite and syngenetic or sedimentary pyrite, also account for some of the iron and sulfur.

Three elements that have processing significance are mercury, chlorine, and fluorine. Graphitic carbon and carbonate minerals would also negatively affect the metallurgical process.

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

***Metallurgy***

Sufficient metallurgical test work was completed under the direction of Barrick personnel to support the S-K 1300 Report. Gold is mainly carried by arsenopyrite. Variation is observed in processing behavior between intrusive rocks and sedimentary rocks, but less so between the geographical sources.

Process testing generated development of the following conceptual flowsheet:

● conventional crushing and grinding;

● concentration by flotation;

● pressure oxidation of the concentrate in an autoclave;

● carbon-in-leach ("CIL") cyanidation of the oxidized concentrate;

● carbon strip and regeneration circuits;

● gold electrowinning; and

● refining and production of doré bars.

This processing concept incorporates proven commercial unit operations.

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

***Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve Estimates***

The mineral resources and mineral reserves for the Donlin Gold project were classified using criteria appropriate under the mining disclosure definitions and standards of NI 43-101 and S-K 1300 with an effective date of November 30, 2025.

The Mineral Resource model is based on 1,737 core holes (456,450 m) and 387 RC holes (37,457 m) drilled between 1995 and 2022. Trenches, auger holes, and water wells were not used for estimation. A total of 47 holes (18,056 m) were completed in 2025 within the resource area; however, they were not used in the development of the geologic or Mineral Resource model. All 2025 drilling results were checked against the geologic and Mineral Resource model with good correlation.

Mineral Resources exclusive of Mineral Reserves are summarized in the table below.

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Donlin Gold – 100%** | **Donlin Gold – 100%** |  | **Attributable to NOVAGOLD – 60%** | **Attributable to NOVAGOLD – 60%** |
| **Category** | **Tonnage<br> (kt)** | **Contained Au<br> (koz)** | **Au Grade<br> (g/t)** | **Tonnage<br> (kt)** | **Contained Au<br> (koz)** |
| Measured | 1432 | 54 | 1.18 | 859 | 33 |
| Indicated | 175224 | 7439 | 1.32 | 105134 | 4463 |
| **Total Measured and Indicated** | **176656** | **7493** | **1.32** | **105994** | **4496** |
| Inferred | 74426 | 4483 | 1.87 | 44656 | 2690 |

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Notes:

1. Mineral Resources are reported exclusive of Mineral Reserves. Mineral Resources are reported on a 100% ownership basis and a 60% ownership basis. The 60% basis is attributable to NOVAGOLD through their 60% ownership interest in the joint venture that owns the mineral rights and manages the Donlin Gold project property.

2. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The Wood QP has a reasonable expectation that the majority of Inferred Mineral Resources could be updated to Indicated or Measured Mineral Resources with continued exploration.

3. The Mineral Resource estimate is current as of November 30, 2025. A Wood QP is responsible for the preparation of the Mineral Resource estimate.

4. Mineral Resources are prepared in accordance with the definitions of S-K 1300.

5. The cut-off date for the sample database used in the Mineral Resource estimate is December 31, 2024. However, more recent drilling data up to November 30, 2025 was used to validate the Mineral Resource model as remaining current.

6. The point of reference for the Mineral Resource estimate is in situ.

7. Mineral Resources are constrained within a pit shell using the following assumptions: gold price of $2,400/oz; reference mining cost of $2.68/t mined incremented $0.0041/t mined/m with depth from the 220 m elevation (equates to an average mining cost of $3.23/t mined); mining sustaining cost of $0.41/t mined; variable metallurgical recoveries by rock type and geological domain, ranging from 29.4% in oxide to 94.2% in intrusive rocks in the Akivik domain; process operating cost of $20.01/t processed; process sustaining cost of $2.14/t processed; G&A cost of $4.57/t processed; stockpile reclaim cost of $0.30/t processed assuming a reclaim percentage of 45%; refining recovery of 99.9%; selling cost of $1.71/oz gold; royalty considerations of 4.5% NSR and $0.50/t processed; and variable pit slope angles, ranging from 22 to 47°.

8. The NSR value for each block is determined using the gold grade, processing and refining recoveries, gold price, selling costs, and royalties.

9. The timeframe over which the gold price and operating costs is 24 years which is the expected timeframe over which the Mineral Resources will be mined. The long-term forecast gold price for Mineral Resources is based on industry consensus and is 15% higher than the price used for the Mineral Reserves to ensure the Mineral Reserves are a subset of the Mineral Resources.

10. Mineral Resources are reported using a marginal NSR cut-off value of $26.86/t based on a total process cost of $22.15/t processed, G&A operating cost of $4.57/t processed, and a stockpile reclaim cost of $0.30/t processed assuming a reclaim percentage of 45%.

11. The average LOM process recovery for Mineral Resources is 89.8%.

12. Tonnage and grade measurements are in metric units. Contained gold ounces are reported as troy ounces.

13. Rounding may result in summation differences between tonnes, grade, and contained metal content.

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

Mineral Resources inclusive of Mineral Reserves are summarized in the table below.

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Donlin Gold – 100%** | **Donlin Gold – 100%** |  | **Attributable to NOVAGOLD – 60%** | **Attributable to NOVAGOLD – 60%** |
| **Category** | **Tonnage<br> (kt)** | **Contained Au<br> (koz)** | **Au Grade<br> (g/t)** | **Tonnage<br> (kt)** | **Contained Au<br> (koz)** |
| Measured | 9243 | 793 | 2.67 | 5546 | 476 |
| Indicated | 550727 | 39195 | 2.21 | 330436 | 23517 |
| **Total Measured and Indicated** | **559970** | **39988** | **2.22** | **335982** | **23993** |
| Inferred | 88886 | 5812 | 2.03 | 53332 | 3487 |

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Notes:

1. Mineral Resources are reported inclusive of Mineral Reserves. Mineral Resources are reported on a 100% ownership basis and a 60% ownership basis. The 60% basis is attributable to NOVAGOLD through their 60% ownership interest in the joint venture that owns the mineral rights and manages the Donlin Gold project property.

2. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The Wood QP has a reasonable expectation that the majority of Inferred Mineral Resources could be updated to Indicated or Measured Mineral Resources with continued exploration.

3. The Mineral Resource estimate is current as of November 30, 2025. A Wood QP is responsible for the preparation of the Mineral Resource estimate.

4. Mineral Resources are prepared in accordance with the definitions in the S-K 1300.

5. The cut-off date for the sample database used in the Mineral Resource estimate is 31 December 2024. However, more recent drilling data up to 30 November 2025 was used to validate the Mineral Resource model as remaining current.

6. The point of reference for the Mineral Resource estimate is in situ.

7. Mineral Resources are constrained within a pit shell using the following assumptions: gold price of $2,400/oz; reference mining cost of $2.68/t mined incremented $0.0041/t mined/m with depth from the 220 m elevation (equates to an average mining cost of $3.23/t mined); mining sustaining cost of $0.41/t mined; variable metallurgical recoveries by rock type and geological domain, ranging from 29.4% in oxide to 94.2% in intrusive rocks in the Akivik domain; process operating cost of $20.01/t processed; process sustaining cost of $2.14/t processed; G&A cost of $4.57/t processed; stockpile reclaim cost of $0.30/t processed assuming a reclaim percentage of 45%; refining recovery of 99.9%; selling cost of $1.71/oz gold; royalty considerations of 4.5% NSR and $0.50/t processed; and variable pit slope angles, ranging from 22 to 47°.

8. The NSR value for each block is determined using the gold grade, processing and refining recoveries, gold price, selling costs, and royalties.

9. The timeframe over which the gold price and operating costs is 24 years which is the expected timeframe over which the Mineral Resources will be mined. The long-term forecast gold price for Mineral Resources is based on industry consensus and is 15% higher than the price used for the Mineral Reserves to ensure the Mineral Reserves are a subset of the Mineral Resources.

10. Mineral Resources are reported using a marginal NSR cut-off value of $26.86/t based on a total process cost of $22.15/t processed, G&A operating cost of $4.57/t processed, and a stockpile reclaim cost of $0.30/t processed assuming a reclaim percentage of 45%.

11. The average LOM process recovery for Mineral Resources is 89.8%.

12. Tonnage and grade measurements are in metric units. Contained gold ounces are reported as troy ounces.

13. Rounding may result in summation differences between tonnes, grade, and contained metal content.

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

***Mineral Reserve Statement***

Mineral Reserves are summarized in the table below. Using the proposed open pit mining method, modifying factors identified have been applied to the Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources to determine Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves, in accordance with the S-K 1300 definitions. Inferred Mineral Resources contained within the pit design are classified as waste with zero grade.

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Donlin Gold – 100%** | **Donlin Gold – 100%** |  | **Attributable to NOVAGOLD – 60%** | **Attributable to NOVAGOLD – 60%** |
| **Category** | **Tonnage<br> (kt)**  | **Contained Au<br> (koz)** | **Au Grade<br> (g/t)** | **Tonnage<br> (kt)** | **Contained Au<br> (koz)** |
| Proven | 9487 | 698 | 2.29 | 5692 | 419 |
| Probable | 495324 | 32099 | 2.02 | 297194 | 19260 |
| **Total Proven and Probable** | **504811** | **32797** | **2.02** | **302887** | **19678** |

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Notes:

1. Mineral Reserves are reported on a 100% ownership basis and a 60% ownership basis. The 60% basis is attributable to NOVAGOLD through their 60% ownership interest in the joint venture that owns the mineral rights and manages the Donlin Gold project property.

2. The Mineral Reserve estimate is current as of November 30, 2025. A Wood QP is responsible for the preparation of the Mineral Reserve estimate.

3. Mineral Reserves are prepared in accordance with the definitions of S-K 1300.

4. The point of reference for the Mineral Reserve estimate is at the point of delivery to the mill.

5. Mineral Reserves are constrained within an engineered pit design using the following assumptions: gold price of $2,100/oz; reference mining cost of $2.68/t mined incremented $0.0041/t mined/m with depth from the 220 m elevation (equates to an average mining cost of $3.23/t mined); mining sustaining cost of $0.41/t mined; variable metallurgical recoveries by rock type and geological domain, ranging from 29.4% in oxide to 94.2% in intrusive rocks in the Akivik domain; process operating cost of $20.01/t processed; process sustaining cost of $2.14/t processed; G&A cost of $4.57/t processed; stockpile reclaim cost of $0.30/t processed assuming a reclaim percentage of 45%; refining recovery of 99.9%; selling cost of $1.71/oz gold; royalty considerations of 4.5% NSR and $0.50/t processed; and variable pit slope angles, ranging from 22 to 47°.

6. The timeframe over which the gold price and operating costs was 27 years which is the expected timeframe over which the Mineral Reserves will be mined. The long-term forecast gold price for Mineral Reserves is based on industry consensus.

7. The NSR value for each block is determined using the gold grade, processing and refining recoveries, gold price, selling costs, and royalties. Mineral Reserves are reported using an economic NSR cut-off value of $29.95–32.36/t and an elevated gold cut-off grade of 0.75 g/t.

8. The average LOM process recovery for the Mineral Reserves is 90.0%.

9. Tonnage and grade measurements are in metric units. Contained gold ounces are reported as troy ounces.

10. Rounding may result in summation differences between tonnes, grade, and contained metal content.

***Financial model parameters***

The proposed Project will be a conventional, large-tonnage, open-pit operation designed to provide for a nominal process throughput of 53,500 t/d. The operating mine life is estimated at 24 years with an additional three years of stockpile reclaim based on the planned processing rate.

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

*Base Case Project Sensitivity to Gold Price*

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Gold price<br> ($ per ounce) | After-tax<br> cash flow<br> ($ million) | After-tax NPV 5%<sub> </sub><br> ($ million) | After-tax IRR<br> (%) | Payback<br> (years) |
| 1470 | 5977 | (787) | 4.0 | 13.0 |
| 1680 | 10599 | 1206 | 6.4 | 9.2 |
| 1890 | 15096 | 3128 | 8.5 | 7.5 |
| **2100** | **19614** | **5058** | **10.3** | **6.5** |
| 2310 | 24021 | 6940 | 12.0 | 5.6 |
| 2520 | 27856 | 8681 | 13.5 | 5.1 |
| 2730 | 31160 | 10235 | 14.8 | 4.6 |

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Based on the economic evaluation, the Project generates positive before and after-tax economic results. After tax NPV is $5,058 million at a 5% discount rate, an IRR of 10.3% and payback of 6.5 years from the start of production. The following table provides a summary of key evaluation metrics.

*Summary of Key Evaluation Metrics*

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| Item | Value |
| Total Mined | 3803 |
| Ore Treated | 504.8 |
| Strip Ratio | 6.5 |
| Gold Recovered | 29.5 |
| Gold Recovery | 90.0 |
| Gold Payable | 99.9 |
| Gold Price | 2100 |
| Total Before Tax Cash Flow | 25415 |
| Total Before Tax NPV5% | 7516 |
| Before Tax IRR | 12.5 |
| Before Tax Payback Period | 4.9 |
| Total After Tax Cash Flow | 19614 |
| Total After Tax NPV5% | 5058 |
| After Tax IRR | 10.3 |
| After Tax Payback Period | 6.5 |
| Gross Revenue | 61952 |
| Selling Costs | 51 |
| Operating Costs (Inc. Royalties) | 24504 |
| Initial Capital | 9233 |
| Sustaining Capital | 2325 |
| Total LOM Capital | 11558 |
| Closure Costs | 423 |
| Taxes | 5801 |

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

*Operating Cost Estimates <sup>1</sup>*

The operating cost estimates were updated to fourth quarter 2025 pricing by updating key cost drivers like energy, labor, consumables, and freight. Mining costs have been updated to align with the new design and schedule. The level of accuracy for the estimate is ±25% of estimated final costs. The updated estimated LOM operating costs are $48.54/t processed.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | $ million | $ per tonne processed |
| Mine operations | 11946.7 | 23.67 |
| Processing operations | 7718.3 | 15.29 |
| G&A | 2070.4 | 4.10 |
| Land and Royalty Payments | 2768.8 | 5.48 |
|  | 24504.3 | 48.54 |

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Notes:

1. Column totals may not total correctly due to rounding.

*Capital Cost Estimates*

The capital cost estimate is based on updated, fourth quarter 2025 pricing applied to the engineering designs and material take-offs ("MTOs") from the 2011 Mining Study. The level of accuracy for the estimate is ±25% of estimated final costs, with a blended 13.8% contingency.

The total initial capital cost estimate is $9,233 million and total sustaining capital is $2,325 million.

*Economic Analysis*

The overall economic viability of the Project has been assessed using both undiscounted and discounted cash flow techniques. Undiscounted techniques include total net cash flow and payback period (measured from start of production). Discounted cash flow techniques include net present value ("NPV") and internal rate of return ("IRR"). Discounted values are calculated using a 5% discount rate and a discrete end-of-year convention relative to Year-6, the start of basic and detailed engineering.

Based on the economic evaluation using a forecast long-term gold price of $2,100/oz, the Project generates positive before and after tax economic results. After tax NPV5 is $5,058 million and the after tax IRR is 10.3%. After tax payback is achieved 6.5 years following the start of production.

Sensitivity analyses performed on gold price, gold grade, operating costs, and capital costs showed the Project is most sensitive to changes in the gold price and gold grade.

*Planned Mining Operations*

The Donlin Gold project will be mined by a conventional truck-and-shovel operation. Initial pioneering and pit development will be undertaken to remove overburden, develop mine access roads suitable for large mining equipment, and "face-up" the initial pit for the large shovel and mining equipment.

Primary loading units for both bulk and selective mining in ore and waste will be large electric-hydraulic shovels, with large front-end loaders as secondary units. Large 363 tonne capacity haul trucks will be used for transporting both ore and waste out of the pit.

Blast hole drilling will be performed by medium-sized rotary and down-the-hole hammer drills with various hole diameters depending on bench height and desired mining selectivity. Reverse circulation ("RC") drilling is planned for detailed geologic definition and grade control.

Support equipment will be used for road, bench, dump maintenance, and miscellaneous projects.

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

*Planned Processing Operations*

The Donlin Gold project ore will be processed by crushing and grinding, sulfide flotation concentration, concentrate treatment by pressure oxidation ("POX") in an autoclave, CIL cyanide leaching of the oxidized concentrate, electrowinning, and refining to produce doré bars on site.

Due to gold being associated with sulfide mineralization, primarily arsenopyrite and pyrite, the ore is considered refractory and requires POX pre-treatment to liberate the gold prior to CIL leaching. Sulfide flotation concentration is required prior to POX to concentrate the sulfide content to a level sufficient to fuel the POX operation.

Concentrate is recovered from the primary rougher flotation followed by regrinding of the tailings prior to secondary rougher flotation. The secondary rougher concentrate is processed through a cleaner scavenger circuit producing a concentrate which is combined with the primary rougher concentrate for treatment by POX. The final tailings from the secondary rougher flotation tailings is thickened, and due to their neutralizing potential, is then utilized to modify the pH of the excess POX discharge solution prior to being transported to the TSF.

The oxidized concentrate from the POX operation would then be cyanide leached in a conventional CIL circuit to produce a pregnant (gold-bearing) solution. Gold from the solution is absorbed onto activated carbon, which is later stripped (gold desorbed from carbon) in an elution circuit. The pregnant solution after elution is fed through electrowinning ("EW") cells, where cathodes are plated with gold-bearing materials, which are periodically removed, dried in a retort, and melted in an induction furnace to produce doré bars.

Tailings from the CIL circuit would be treated in a cyanide detoxification process using SO2/air technology prior to being recombined with the flotation tailings and transported to the TSF.

Mercury naturally occurs in the Donlin Gold project ores and mercury abatement controls will be installed in six areas of the process facilities including POX, hot cure, EW, retort, refinery furnace, and carbon regeneration kiln. In these control systems, mercury will be collected for off-site shipment and management. Chemicals will be added to tailings to limit the potential for mercury releases from the TSF. Based on the process design which includes mercury removal and abatement measures, the presence of the deleterious elements will not significantly affect potential economic extraction.

*Proposed Waste Rock Facility (WRF)*

Waste rock from open pit mining will be placed in an ex-pit WRF in the American Creek Valley, east of the pit area, or in a backfill dump in the ACMA pit. Approximately 2,318 Mt of waste rock (including overburden) will be placed in the WRF. The top lift of the WRF will be at an elevation of approximately 610 m amsl, resulting in a maximum dump height of about 430 m. Most of the WRF will be constructed in 30 m lifts. The toe of each subsequent lift will be set back 47 m from the crest of the previous lift, resulting in an overall dump slope of 3H:1V.

The facility will be constructed in lifts and will be reclaimed as soon as practical after each lift or portion of the facility is complete. After active dumping ceases on each lift, the slopes will be regraded to an overall 3H:1V slope or flatter.

A series of channels is required to collect and convey runoff from the surface of the reclaimed WRF to the pit lake during the closure period. The LCWD and UCWD will be removed, and surface runoff and seepage from the WRF will be directed to the ACMA pit. The seepage flows rom the WRF will be isolated by constructing concrete containment structures at the outlet of the rock drains for American Creek and Rob's Gulch and piped to the pit bottom to promote stratification.

Concurrent reclamation of the waste rock facility will be undertaken during operations.

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

*Proposed Tailings Storage Facility (TSF)*

Before the end of operations, the tailings deposition procedure will be modified so that the operating pond will be directed to the southeast corner of the TSF. The TSF will be reclaimed with a multilayer cover system: 0.35 m of peat/organic growth medium over 0.3 m of colluvium or terrace gravel, and 1.0 m of competent rockfill to provide a capillary break. The TSF surface will be contoured to direct runoff toward the southeast corner, where a lined collection pond will store runoff for testing before discharge. A spillway will be excavated in the ridge between Anaconda Creek and Crevice Creek catchments, with an invert elevation of 254 meters above mean sea level ("amsl") and designed for a PMF of 380 m³/s. Discharge to Crevice Creek will occur only after water meets applicable standards, which is anticipated to be around 10 years post-closure.

During the first year of closure, TSF pond water will be pumped to the pit via the reclaim pipeline. Over 5 years, the tailings surface will be progressively covered, while pumping continues to prevent pond redevelopment. From years 6 to 52, water from tailings consolidation and infiltration will be collected via drain sumps in manholes and pumped to the pit. Approximately 16.28 mm³ of void water is expected during consolidation. The SRS downstream of the TSF will remain active, pumping seepage (estimated at 102 m³/h) to the pit lake until water quality meets standards.

*Water Diversion Dams*

Water dams are required during the construction period and initial years of operation to protect the lined upstream face of the tailings-starter dam from a significant flood event, to provide a reliable source of fresh water during operation of the process plant, and to minimize runoff into the TSF.

*Current and Planned On-Site Infrastructure*

Current site infrastructure comprises an all-season, soft-sided camp with facilities consisting of kitchen, living quarters, equipment shop, drill shack and other buildings required for support of year-round exploration activities.

There is sufficient area within the project area to host an open pit mining operation, including the proposed open pit, waste rock facility, TSF and process facilities (primary and pebble crushers, coarse ore conveyor and coarse ore stockpile, concentrator, flotation, water treatment plants, POX, oxygen plant, boiler house, utility corridors, leach, refinery, cyanide destruct, and access walkways). Other planned site infrastructure is comprised of access roads, airstrip, accommodation camp, fuel tank farm, dual-fueled power plant, truck shop, truck wash, workshops and vehicle repair facilities, assay laboratory, administration facilities and change rooms. Donlin Gold has secured the surface rights for the areas that may host these facilities.

In nearby villages, Crooked Creek has approximately 105 residents and Aniak has a population of approximately 500. The workforce for the project would be sourced from the local area, from Alaskan regional centers and from other sources as required.

The project is a greenfield site. The on-site infrastructure for the project includes three main development sites in remote locations: the mine and plant site area (including the power plant), the permanent camp, and the airstrip. The plant site, power plant and fuel tank farm will be on a ridge above the proposed TSF. The layout of the plant site was designed to take maximum advantage of the natural topography. The layout also provides for efficient movement of equipment and material products around the site.

*Planned Off-site Infrastructure*

The off-site infrastructure for the project includes three main development sites in remote locations: the Jungjuk port site and mine access road, the natural gas pipeline, and the Bethel port facilities. The Jungjuk port site is situated upriver from Bethel on the Kuskokwim River near the mouth of Jungjuk creek. A port-to-mine access road, approximately 44 kilometers long, will traverse varied terrain from the Jungjuk port site to the mine site. A spur road, approximately 4.8 kilometers long, beginning at route km 8.7, will serve the proposed project airstrip. The mine permanent camp facilities will be located at 3.9 km from the mine site. There are 50 identified stream or drainage crossings along the road route, but only six of them are significant and will require bridging. Bridge lengths vary from 7.5-25 m.

The access road enables the transport of cargo, fuel, equipment, and personnel throughout both construction and operational phases. The road traverses remote upland terrain where no prior road connections or settlements exist. Short spur roads branch off to serve the airstrip, material borrow sites, and the permanent accommodation camp.

The natural gas pipeline is described under the "Power" heading below. The proposed Bethel port will be situated near the town of Bethel, a community of approximately 6,080 residents, that is the main existing port on the Kuskokwim River and is an administrative and transportation hub for the 56 villages in the Y-K region. The existing Bethel port is the northernmost medium-draft port in the United States and is served by ocean-going barges. The proposed port would serve as a trans-shipment point from ocean barges to river barges to supply the project during the summer ice-free period.

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

*Power*

Natural gas will be delivered to site by an approximately 507-kilometer, 356-millimeter diameter pipeline to supply an on-site power generation facility. The 2025 Technical Report Summary contemplates that the electric power for the site will be generated from a dual-fueled (natural gas and diesel), reciprocating engine power plant with a steam turbine utilizing waste heat recovery from the engines. The power plant consists of two equal halves, each consisting of six reciprocating engines, and a separate steam turbine. The total generation facility is nominally rated at 182 MW initially and will increase to 215 MW after four years with the addition of two more generators (one in each half) to allow for N+2 redundancy, thus allowing planned maintenance and predicted outages without cutting back production.

Operating costs are based on importing liquefied natural gas ("LNG") by ship to Anchorage and total delivery cost to site which includes regasification of the LNG and delivery from Anchorage to the Donlin Gold project via the pipeline.

The pipeline would commence at the west end of the Beluga Gas Field, approximately 50 kilometers northwest of Anchorage at a tie-in near Beluga located in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough and would run to the mine site. The pipeline would receive booster compression supplied by one compressor station. No additional compression along the pipeline route would be required. The pipeline would have capacity to transport approximately 2 million cubic meters per day of natural gas.

Fuel sourced at refineries in the Pacific Northwest will be delivered by ocean barge to Dutch Harbor, where it will be stored in 49 ML fuel tanks to await onward transport to Bethel. The first shipments should leave the refineries in early May. Fuel will be shipped from Dutch Harbor to Bethel using an ocean barge with an 11 ML capacity. The barge will be loaded in a way to avoid the need to reduce draft before navigating the shallower sections downstream of Bethel. At Bethel, fuel will either be transferred to 38 ML storage tanks or loaded directly to a river barge for transport to Jungjuk. At Jungjuk, fuel will be offloaded into 9.5 ML storage tanks. From there, a fleet of tanker trucks with total capacity of 0.51 ML will deliver fuel to the mine site where it will be stored in fuel storage tanks with combined capacity of 142 ML. The fuel terminals at Dutch Harbor and Bethel, as well as the ocean and river barge fleets will be operated by third-party contractors.

*Water*

Water requirements for the proposed project have been summarized in a Water Resources Management Plan, which has been subject to review by state and federal agencies. Water primarily will be sourced from the two drainages (American and Anaconda Creeks) within the mine footprint and pit dewatering. In extremely dry years, the water supply from these sources may not be able to meet the makeup water requirements for the plant. In these circumstances, additional water will be obtained primarily from a proposed reservoir in Snow Gulch.

The source of water supply for the construction camp and, later, the plant site potable water systems is an array of eight deep wells south of Omega Gulch, near Crooked Creek. Water supply will be pumped to freshwater storage tanks and will be treated prior to consumption.

*Markets*

NOVAGOLD's portion of gold production is likely to be sold on the spot market, by marketing experts retained by or on behalf of NOVAGOLD. Gold can be readily sold on numerous markets throughout the world and it is not difficult to ascertain its market price at any time, therefore there is no need for a preliminary marketing study to support the assumed gold price or market for the gold production from this Project.

The long-term forecast gold price of $2,100/oz used for mine planning and cash flow analysis was based on a combination of information derived from a number of reputable banks as well as cash flow prices used in technical reports filed in Canada over the previous 12-month period and historical price averaging.

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

*Taxation*

The following taxation summary was provided by NOVAGOLD for the Project.

*U.S. Federal Corporate Income Tax*

In accordance with the TCJA enacted in December 2017 and largely effective January 1, 2018, and the OBBBA enacted in 2025, which extended or made permanent many TCJA provisions:

● Corporate income tax rate is 21%.

● Post-2017 net operating loss (NOL) carryovers are limited to 80% of taxable income, while there is no limitation on pre-2018 NOL carryovers.

● The TCJA changed the NOL rules by limiting NOL deductions to 80% of taxable income, disallowing NOL carrybacks, and lifting the 20-year limit on NOL carryovers for post-2017 NOLs. The pre-TCJA NOL rules (80% limitation, disallowed carrybacks, 20-year carryover period) still apply to pre-2018 NOLs. The NOL rules were not meaningfully modified by the OBBBA.

● The alternative minimum tax (AMT) was eliminated, but the corporate alternative minimum tax (CAMT) replaced it with the enactment of the Inflation Reduction Act ("IRA") in 2022. The CAMT generally only applies to corporations with average annual adjusted financial statement income in excess of $1 billion over a three-taxable-year period.

● A percentage depletion deduction is applied upon the commencement of production and sale of gold. Cost depreciation is not applicable as there is no Project tax basis for the mineral property.

● Bonus depreciation is not considered in the tax depreciation calculation.

*Alaska Corporate Income Tax*

● Alaska corporate income tax rate is 9.4%.

● Alaska conforms to U.S. federal tax treatment, and it imposes a state CAMT equal to 18% of the federal CAMT.

*Alaska Mining License Tax*

● Alaska mining license tax rate is 7%.

● Alaska mining license tax holiday is applied for the first 3 years from the start of production.

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

*Financial results*

The total initial capital cost estimate for the Donlin Gold project is approximately $9,233 million. The project's estimated after-tax NPV at a 5% discount rate is $5,058 million with an IRR after-tax at 10.3% using the base case gold price of $2,100 per ounce. The undiscounted break-even gold price is $1,342 per ounce and at a 5% discount rate is $1,554 per ounce. In the 2025 Technical Report Summary, the overall economic viability of the project was evaluated by both discounted and undiscounted cash flow analyses, based on the engineering studies and cost estimates discussed in the 2025 Technical Report Summary.

Assumptions in the model comprised:

● Costs prior to project Year -6, the start of basic and detailed engineering, are considered sunk. For discounted cash flow (or NPV) purposes, the model commences in Year -6. Estimates were prepared for all the individual elements of cash revenue and cash expenditures for ongoing operations.

● Estimated cash flows from revenue are based on a gold price of $2,100 per ounce. The pit has been optimized at a gold price of $2,100 per ounce.

● Gold recovery is estimated to average 90.0% over the LOM based on work and testing performed for at least pre-feasibility study purposes.

● Doré refining and shipping charges were estimated at $1.56 per ounce based on escalating to 2025 the actual refining charges for large U.S.-based mining operations and a quotation for transportation and insurance costs from the Donlin Gold project site to a U.S.-based refinery utilized in 2011. In addition, 0.1% of gold produced from the mine is deducted as a cost of refining.

● The current hydrometallurgical process selection renders any contained silver into a greater refractory state, which provides less than 10% silver recovery through standard metal leaching. As a consequence, silver is not included in the Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates, and no silver credit has been applied to the Donlin Gold project.

● To fund the $1,721 million reclamation and closure costs, the Donlin Gold project provides $895 million at closure by contributing to a Trust Fund commencing in Year -5 and continuing through the end of operations with annual contributions of $11.6 million. In addition to the Trust Fund, financial assurance in the form of letters of credit and/or surety bonds is required to construct and operate the mine. Per the Donlin Gold Project Reclamation Plan Approval from ADNR, financial assurance in the amount of approximately $404 million must be submitted in a form and substance approved by ADNR. The cost to maintain this financial assurance is assumed to be 0.4% of the total assured amount, annually. This equates to approximately $1.6 million per year, paid from the start of construction through the end of operations.

● No salvage is assumed at the end of operations.

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

***Current Activities***

For information on current activities, see section *Item 7, Management*'*s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations*, below.

***Change in Mineral Resources and Reserves from 2024 to 2025***

The following table is the variance of the Donlin Gold project's Mineral Resources Exclusive of Reserves from November 30, 2024 to November 30, 2025.

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| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | November 30, 2025 | November 30, 2025 | November 30, 2024 | November 30, 2024 | Difference | Difference | Difference | Difference |
|  | Tonnage | Cont. Au | Tonnage | Cont. Au | Tonnage | Tonnage | Cont. Au | Cont. Au |
|  | (kt) | (koz) | (kt) | (koz) | (kt) | (kt) | (koz) | (koz) |
| Measured | 1432 | 54 | 869 | 62 | +64.8 | +64.8% |  | -12.9% |
| Indicated | 175224 | 7439 | 69402 | 5435 | +152.5 | +152.5% | +36.9 | +36.9% |
| Total Measured & Indicated | 176656 | 7493 | 70271 | 5497 | +151.4 | +151.4% | +36.3 | +36.3% |
| Inferred | 74426 | 4483 | 92216 | 5993 |  | -19.3% |  | -25.2% |

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There was no material change to the mineral resources as increases in operating costs since the 2021 Technical Report Summary were generally offset by increases in the long-term gold price used in the study. Changes to the inputs and assumptions influencing the Mineral Resource estimate include: updated geologic model and resource model to include exploration drilling through December 31, 2024, gold price used in estimating Mineral Resources increased from $1,500/oz to $2,400/oz, operating costs escalated from 2021 to 2025, revised pit slope parameters.

The following table is the variance of the Donlin Gold project's Mineral Reserves from November 30, 2024 to November 30, 2025.

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| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | November 30, 2025 | November 30, 2025 | November 30, 2024 | November 30, 2024 | Difference | Difference | Difference | Difference |
|  | Tonnage | Cont. Au | Tonnage | Cont. Au | Tonnage | Tonnage | Cont. Au | Cont. Au |
|  | (kt) | (koz) | (kt) | (koz) | (kt) | (kt) | (koz) | (koz) |
| Proven | 9487 | 698 | 7683 | 573 | +23.5 | +23.5% | +21.8 | +21.8% |
| Probable | 495324 | 32099 | 497128 | 33276 |  | -0.4% |  | -3.5% |
| Total Proven & Probable | 504811 | 32797 | 504811 | 33849 |  | 0.0% |  | -3.1% |

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There was no material change to the mineral reserves as increases in operating costs since the 2021 Technical Report Summary were generally offset by increases in the long-term gold price used in the study. Changes to the inputs and assumptions influencing the Mineral Reserve estimate include: updated geologic model and resource model to include exploration drilling through December 31, 2024, gold price used in estimating Mineral Reserves increased from $1,200/oz to $2,100/oz, operating costs escalated from 2021 to 2025, revised pit slope parameters, updated pit design and production schedule.

***Mineral Resource and Reserve Internal Controls***

The Company has internal controls for reviewing and documenting the information supporting the mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates, describing the methods used, and ensuring the validity of the estimates. These internal control processes were not materially impacted by the adoption of S-K 1300 in 2021. Information that is used in the mineral resource and mineral reserve estimation process was reviewed and approved by appropriate QPs that prepared the content of the NI 43-101 and S-K 1300 reports for the Donlin Gold project. The mineral resources and mineral reserves are subject to our internal review process on an annual basis, which includes review by NOVAGOLD's QP based in our corporate office in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.

Sample collection, preparation, analysis and security for all Donlin Gold core drill programs are in line with industry-standard methods for gold deposits.

● Drill programs included insertion of blank, duplicate and SRM samples.

● Quality Assurance/Quality Control program results do not indicate any problems with the analytical programs.

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

● Data is subject to validation, which includes checks on surveys, collar coordinates, lithology data, and assay data. The checks are appropriate, and consistent with industry standards.

● Independent data audits have been conducted and indicate that the sample collection and database entry procedures are acceptable.

● All core has been catalogued and stored in designated areas.

Modifications made to the 2025 quality control protocol include:

● Preparation of all samples at BV Fairbanks.

● Pulverization in Fairbanks rather than in Vancouver.

● Completion of multi-element analysis in BV Vancouver using their custom MD250 method.

● Re-introduction of a 250 g subsample at the crush stage rather than 1,000 g subsample.

● Pulp splits of an extra 250 g specifically for ALS to perform their work was discontinued; rather, the remaining pulp material following BV analysis was sent to ALS.

● Finally, 250 g archive pulp splits were created in BV during prep which Donlin Gold retain in long-term storage in Chugiak, AK.

Mineral resources and mineral reserves are estimates that are imprecise and depend upon geologic interpretation and statistical inferences drawn from drilling and sampling analysis, which may prove to be unreliable. See *Risk Factors* – "*The quantities for our mineral resources and mineral reserves are estimates based on interpretation and assumptions and may yield less mineral production under actual conditions than is currently estimated.*"

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 3.** | **Legal Proceedings** |

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Periodically, we are a party to or otherwise involved in legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business. Management does not believe that there is any pending or threatened proceeding against the Company which, if determined adversely, would have a material adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity or results of operations. There are no material proceedings pursuant to which any of our directors, officers or affiliates or any owner of record or beneficial owner of more than 5% of our securities or any associate of any such director, officer or securityholder is a party adverse to us or has a material interest adverse to us.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 4.** | **Mine Safety Disclosures** |

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Pursuant to Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Act, issuers that are operators, or that have a subsidiary that is an operator, of a coal or other mine in the United States are required to disclose specified information about mine health and safety in their periodic reports. These reporting requirements are based on the safety and health requirements applicable to mines under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (the "Mine Act") which is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration ("MSHA"). During the fiscal year ended November 30, 2025, the Company and its subsidiaries were not subject to regulation by MSHA under the Mine Act and thus no disclosure is required under Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Act. Donlin Gold LLC is the operator of the Donlin Gold project. Donlin Gold LLC is not a "subsidiary" of the Company for purposes of Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Act because the Company does not control Donlin Gold LLC.

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

**PART II**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 5.** | **Market for Registrant**'**s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities** |

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**Market Information**

Our common shares trade on the NYSE American and on the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") under the symbol "NG." On January 16, 2026, there were 544 holders of record of our shares, which does not include shareholders for which shares are held in nominee or street name. The Company believes that more than half of our common shares are beneficially owned by investors in the United States.

**Dividends**

We have never declared or paid dividends on our common shares and our current business plan requires that, for the foreseeable future, any future earnings be reinvested to finance growth and development of our business. We will pay dividends on our common shares only if and when declared by our Board. In determining whether to declare dividends, the Board will consider our financial condition, results of operations, working capital requirements, future prospects, and other factors it considers relevant.

**Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations for U.S. Residents**

The following is, as of the date hereof, a general summary of the principal Canadian federal income tax considerations under the *Income Tax Act* (Canada) and the regulations enacted thereunder (collectively, the "Canadian Tax Act") and the Canada-United States Income Tax Convention (1980) (the "Convention") generally applicable to the holding and disposition of our common shares.

This summary applies only to a holder who is a beneficial owner of our common shares and who, at all relevant times, for the purposes of the Canadian Tax Act and the Convention, (i) is not resident or deemed to be resident, nor has ever been resident, in Canada, (ii) is resident solely in the United States for tax purposes, (iii) is a "qualifying person" under and entitled to the benefits of the Convention, (iv) holds all common shares as capital property, (v) deals at arm's length with and is not affiliated with NOVAGOLD, (vi) does not and is not deemed to use or hold any common shares in a business carried on in Canada (including an adventure or concern in the nature of trade), (vii) is not an insurer that carries on business in Canada and elsewhere, (viii) is not an "authorized foreign bank" (as defined in the Canadian Tax Act), (ix) has not entered into, and will not enter into, a "derivative forward agreement", "synthetic equity arrangement" or "synthetic disposition arrangement" (each as defined in the Canadian Tax Act) in respect of the common shares and (x) does not have and has not had, at any time, a "permanent establishment" (as defined in the Convention) of any kind in Canada. Holders who meet all of the criteria in clauses (i) through (x) above are referred to herein as "U.S. Resident Holders", and this summary only addresses such U.S. Resident Holders.

Certain U.S.-resident entities that are fiscally transparent for United States federal income tax purposes (including certain limited liability companies) may not in all circumstances be entitled to the benefits of the Convention. Members of or holders of an interest in such an entity that holds common shares should consult their own tax advisors regarding the extent, if any, to which the benefits of the Convention will apply to the entity in respect of its common shares.

Generally, a U.S. Resident Holder's common shares will be considered to be capital property of such U.S. Resident Holder unless the U.S. Resident Holder holds or uses, or is deemed to hold or use, the common shares in the course of carrying on a business of trading or dealing in securities or has acquired them or is deemed to have acquired them in a transaction or transactions considered to be an adventure or concern in the nature of trade.

This summary is based on the information contained in this Form 10-K, the current provisions of the Canadian Tax Act and the Convention in effect as of the date prior to the date hereof, all specific proposals to amend the Canadian Tax Act and Convention publicly and officially announced by or on behalf of the Minister of Finance (Canada) prior to the date hereof ("Proposed Amendments"), and counsel's understanding of the administrative policies and assessing practices of the Canada Revenue Agency (the "CRA") published in writing by the CRA and publicly available prior to the date hereof. This summary assumes that the Proposed Amendments will be enacted in the form proposed, although no assurance can be given that the Proposed Amendments will be enacted in the form proposed or at all. Other than the Proposed Amendments, this summary does not take into account nor anticipate any changes in law or in the CRA's administrative policies or assessing practices, whether by way of judicial, legislative, governmental, or administrative decision or action, although no assurance can be given in these respects. Except as otherwise expressly provided, this summary does not take into account any provincial, territorial or foreign tax considerations, which may differ materially from those set out herein.

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

This summary is of a general nature only, is not exhaustive of all possible Canadian federal income tax considerations, and is not intended to be and should not be construed as legal or tax advice to any particular U.S. Resident Holder and no representations with respect to the tax consequences to any U.S. Resident Holder are made herein. The tax consequences of acquiring, holding and disposing of our common shares will vary according to the U.S. Resident Holder's particular circumstances. U.S. Resident Holders are urged to consult their own tax advisers for advice with respect to their particular circumstances. The discussion below is qualified accordingly.

*Currency conversion*

Generally, for the purposes of the Canadian Tax Act, all amounts relating to the acquisition, holding or disposition of common shares (including dividends, adjusted cost base and proceeds of disposition) must be converted into Canadian dollars based on the relevant exchange rate as determined in accordance with the Canadian Tax Act.

*Dividends on common shares*

A U.S. Resident Holder to whom NOVAGOLD pays or credits or is deemed to pay or credit a dividend on such holder's common shares will generally be subject to Canadian withholding tax, and NOVAGOLD will be required to withhold the tax from the dividend and remit it to the CRA for the holder's account. The rate of withholding tax under the Canadian Tax Act is 25% of the gross amount of the dividend, but should generally be reduced under the Convention to 15% (or, if the U.S. Resident Holder is a company that beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, at least 10% of the voting stock of NOVAGOLD, 5%) of the gross amount of the dividend. For this purpose, a company that is a resident of the United States for purposes of the Canadian Tax Act and the Convention and is entitled to the benefits of the Convention shall be considered to own the voting stock of NOVAGOLD owned by an entity that is considered fiscally transparent under the laws of the United States and that is not a resident of Canada, in proportion to such company's ownership interest in that entity.

*Disposition of common shares*

A U.S. Resident Holder generally will not be subject to tax under the Canadian Tax Act in respect of a capital gain realized on the disposition or deemed disposition of one or more common shares, nor will a capital loss arising therefrom be recognized under the Canadian Tax Act, unless such common shares are "taxable Canadian property" (as defined in the Canadian Tax Act) of the U.S. Resident Holder at the time of disposition and the U.S. Resident Holder is not entitled to relief under the Convention.

Generally, a U.S. Resident Holder's common shares will not constitute "taxable Canadian property" of such holder at a particular time provided the common shares are listed on a "designated stock exchange" (as defined in the Canadian Tax Act) (which currently includes the TSX and NYSE American) at that time unless both of the following conditions are concurrently met:

(i) at any time during the 60-month period that ends at the particular time, 25% or more of the issued shares of any class or series of the capital stock of NOVAGOLD were owned by or belonged to one or any combination of:

a. the U.S. Resident Holder,

b. persons with whom the U.S. Resident Holder did not deal at arm's length, and

c. partnerships in which the U.S. Resident Holder or a person referred to in clause b. holds a membership interest directly or indirectly through one or more partnerships, and

(ii) at any time during the 60-month period that ends at the particular time, more than 50% of the fair market value of the common shares was derived, directly or indirectly, from one or any combination of, real or immovable property situated in Canada, "Canadian resource properties" (as defined in the Canadian Tax Act), "timber resource properties" (as defined in the Canadian Tax Act), or options in respect of, interests in, or, for civil law, rights in, such properties, whether or not the property exists.

In certain circumstances, a common share may also be deemed to be "taxable Canadian property" for purposes of the Canadian Tax Act.

Even if the common shares constitute "taxable Canadian property" to a U.S. Resident Holder, under the Convention, such a U.S. Resident Holder will not be subject to tax under the Canadian Tax Act on any capital gain realized by such holder on a disposition of such common shares, provided the value of such common shares is not derived principally from real property situated in Canada (within the meaning of the Convention).

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

***U.S. Resident Holders whose shares are or may be taxable Canadian property should consult their own tax advisors with respect to the tax and compliance considerations that may be relevant to them, including with respect to any potential relief under the Convention.***

**Certain United States Federal Income Tax Considerations for U.S. Holders**

The following is a general summary of certain anticipated U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to a U.S. Holder (as defined below) arising from and relating to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of common shares.

This summary is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be a complete analysis or listing of all potential U.S. federal income tax considerations that may apply to a U.S. Holder arising from or relating to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of common shares. Furthermore, this summary does not take into account the individual facts and circumstances of any particular U.S. Holder that may affect the U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to such U.S. Holder, including, without limitation, specific tax considerations applicable to a U.S. Holder under an applicable tax treaty. Accordingly, this summary is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, legal or U.S. federal income tax advice with respect to any particular U.S. Holder. This summary does not address the U.S. federal alternative minimum tax, U.S. federal net investment income tax, U.S. federal estate and gift tax, U.S. state and local tax, or non-U.S. tax considerations applicable to U.S. Holders arising from or relating to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of common shares. In addition, except as specified below, this summary does not discuss applicable tax reporting requirements. Each prospective U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal, U.S. state and local, and non-U.S. tax consequences relating to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of common shares.

No ruling from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") or legal opinion from legal counsel has been requested, or will be obtained, regarding the U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to U.S. Holders discussed in this summary. This summary is not binding on the IRS, and the IRS is not precluded from taking a position that is different from, or contrary to, the considerations described in this summary. In addition, because the authorities on which this summary is based are subject to various interpretations, the IRS and the U.S. courts could disagree with one or more of the considerations described in this summary.

This summary is based on the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), U.S. Treasury Regulations (whether final, temporary or proposed) promulgated thereunder ("Treasury Regulations"), U.S. court decisions, published rulings and administrative positions of the IRS, and the Convention, that are applicable and, in each case, in effect as of the date of this document. Any of the authorities on which this summary is based could be changed in a material and adverse manner at any time, and any such change could be applied on a retroactive or prospective basis, which could affect the U.S. federal income tax considerations described in this summary. This summary does not discuss the potential effects, whether adverse or beneficial, of any proposed legislation that, if enacted, could be applied on a retroactive or prospective basis.

***U.S. Holders***

For purposes of this summary, a "U.S. Holder" is a beneficial owner of common shares that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is (a) a citizen or individual resident of the United States; (b) a corporation, or other entity classified as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, that is created in or organized under the laws of the United States or any state in the United States, or the District of Columbia; (c) an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of the source of such income; or (d) a trust if (i) such trust has validly elected to be treated as a U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes, or (ii) a U.S. court is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of such trust and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of such trust.

***U.S. Holders Subject to Special U.S. Federal Income Tax Rules Not Addressed***

This summary does not address the U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to U.S. Holders that are subject to special provisions under the Code, including U.S. Holders that: (a) are tax-exempt entities, qualified retirement plans, individual retirement accounts or other tax-deferred accounts; (b) are banks, financial institutions, underwriters, insurance companies, real estate investment trusts or regulated investment companies; (c) are broker-dealers, dealers or traders in securities or currencies that elect to apply a mark-to-market accounting method; (d) have a "functional currency" other than the U.S. dollar; (e) own common shares as part of a straddle, hedge, conversion transaction, constructive sale or other integrated transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes; (f) acquired common shares in connection with the exercise or cancellation of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation for services; (g) hold common shares other than as a capital asset (generally property held for investment purposes) within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code; (h) are subject to special tax accounting rules with respect to their common shares; (i) own, directly, indirectly or by attribution, 10% or more, by voting power or value, of the outstanding shares of the Company; (j) are partnerships or other pass-through entities (and partners or other owners thereof); (k) are S corporations (and shareholders thereof); (l) are U.S. expatriates or former long-term residents of the United States; or (m) hold common shares in connection with a trade or business, permanent establishment, or fixed base outside the United States. U.S. Holders that are subject to special provisions under the Code, including, but not limited to, U.S. Holders described immediately above, should consult their own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal, U.S. state and local, and non-U.S. tax considerations relating to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of common shares.

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

If an entity or arrangement that is classified as a partnership (or other "pass-through" entity) for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds or is the beneficial owner of common shares, the U.S. federal income tax consequences applicable to such entity and the partners (or other owners or participants) of such entity or arrangement generally will depend on the activities of the entity or arrangement and the status of such partners (or owners or participants). This summary does not address the tax considerations applicable to any such entity or arrangement. Partners (or owners or participants) of entities or arrangements that are classified as partnerships or as "pass-through" entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes should consult their own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences relating to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of common shares.

**U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Acquisition, Ownership and Disposition of Common Shares**

The following discussion is subject, in its entirety, to the rules described below under the heading "Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules".

***Distributions on Common Shares***

A U.S. Holder that receives a distribution, including a constructive distribution, with respect to a common share will be required to include the amount of such distribution in gross income as a dividend (without reduction for any Canadian income tax withheld from such distribution) to the extent of the current or accumulated "earnings and profits" of the Company, as computed under U.S. federal income tax principles. The amount of any distribution made by the Company in property other than cash will generally be the fair market value of such property on the date of the distribution. To the extent that a distribution exceeds the current and accumulated "earnings and profits" of the Company, such distribution will be treated first as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of a U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in the common shares and thereafter as a gain from the sale or exchange of such common shares (see "*Sale or Other Taxable Disposition of Common Shares*" below). However, the Company does not intend to maintain calculations of its earnings and profits in accordance with U.S. federal income tax principles, and each U.S. Holder should therefore assume that any distribution by the Company with respect to the common shares will be treated as a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In the case of a U.S. Holder that is a corporation, dividends received on the common shares will not be eligible for the "dividends received deduction" in respect of dividends received from domestic corporations. Subject to applicable limitations and provided the Company is eligible for the benefits of the Convention or the common shares are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States, dividends paid by the Company to non-corporate U.S. Holders, including individuals, generally will be eligible for the preferential tax rates applicable to long-term capital gains for dividends, provided certain holding period and other conditions are satisfied, including that the Company not be classified as a PFIC in the tax year of distribution or in the preceding tax year. A dividend generally will be taxed to a U.S. Holder at ordinary income tax rates if the Company is a PFIC for the tax year of such distribution or the preceding tax year. The dividend rules are complex, and each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the application of such rules.

***Sale or Other Taxable Disposition of Common Shares***

A U.S. Holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss upon the sale or other taxable disposition of common shares in an amount equal to the difference, if any, between (a) the amount of cash plus the fair market value of any property received and (b) such U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in such common shares sold or otherwise disposed of. Any gain or loss recognized on such sale or other taxable disposition will generally be capital gain or loss, which will be long-term capital gain or loss if, at the time of the sale or other disposition, such common shares are held for longer than one year. Preferential tax rates apply to long-term capital gains of a U.S. Holder that is an individual, estate, or trust. There are currently no preferential tax rates for long-term capital gains of a U.S. Holder that is a corporation. Deductions for capital losses are subject to significant limitations under the Code.

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

**Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules**

***PFIC Status of the Company***

If the Company were to constitute a "passive foreign investment company" within the meaning of Section 1297(a) of the Code (a "PFIC") for any tax year during a U.S. Holder's holding period for its common shares, then certain potentially adverse rules would affect the U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to a U.S. Holder arising from the acquisition, ownership and disposition of common shares. The Company believes that it was a PFIC for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2025, and based on current business plans and financial expectations, may be a PFIC in the current tax year and future tax years. No opinion of legal counsel or ruling from the IRS concerning the status of the Company as a PFIC has been obtained or is currently planned to be requested. The determination of whether the Company (or a subsidiary of the Company) was, or will be, a PFIC for a tax year depends, in part, on the application of complex U.S. federal income tax rules, which are subject to differing interpretations. In addition, whether the Company (or subsidiary) will be a PFIC for any tax year depends on the assets and income of the Company (and each such subsidiary) over the course of each such tax year and, as a result, cannot be predicted with certainty as of the date of this document. Consequently, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not challenge any determination made by the Company (or subsidiary) concerning its PFIC status or that the Company (and any subsidiary) was not, or will not be, a PFIC for any tax year. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the PFIC status of the Company and any subsidiary of the Company.

In addition, for any tax year in which the Company is classified as a PFIC, a U.S. Holder will be required to file an annual report with the IRS containing such information as Treasury Regulations and/or other IRS guidance may require. In addition to penalties, a failure to satisfy such reporting requirements may result in an extension of the time period during which the IRS can assess a tax. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the requirements of filing such information returns under these rules, including the requirement to file an IRS Form 8621 annually.

The Company generally will be a PFIC if, after the application of certain "look-through" rules with respect to subsidiaries in which the Company holds at least 25% of the value of such subsidiary, for a tax year, (a) 75% or more of the gross income of the Company for such tax year is passive income (the "PFIC income test") or (b) 50% or more of the value of the Company's assets either produce passive income or are held for the production of passive income, based on the quarterly average of the fair market value of such assets (the "PFIC asset test"). "Gross income" generally includes all sales revenues less the cost of goods sold plus income from investments and from incidental or outside operations or sources, and "passive income" generally includes, for example, dividends, interest, certain rents and royalties, certain gains from the sale of stock and securities, and certain gains from commodities transactions. Active business gains arising from the sale of commodities generally are excluded from passive income if substantially all of a foreign corporation's commodities are stock in trade or inventory, depreciable property used in a trade or business, or supplies regularly used or consumed in a trade or business, and certain other requirements are satisfied.

For purposes of the PFIC income test and the PFIC asset test described above, if the Company owns, directly or indirectly, 25% or more of the total value of the outstanding shares of another corporation, the Company will be treated as if it (a) held a proportionate share of the assets of such other corporation and (b) received directly a proportionate share of the income of such other corporation. In addition, for purposes of the PFIC income test and PFIC asset test described above, and assuming certain other requirements are met, "passive income" does not include certain interest, dividends, rents, or royalties that are received or accrued by the Company from certain "related persons" (as defined in Section 954(d)(3) of the Code), to the extent such items are properly allocable to the income of such related person that is not passive income.

Under certain attribution rules, if the Company is a PFIC, U.S. Holders will generally be deemed to own their proportionate share of the Company's direct or indirect equity interest in any company that is also a PFIC (a "Subsidiary PFIC"), and will generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax on their proportionate share of (a) any "excess distributions" (as described below) on the stock of a Subsidiary PFIC and (b) a disposition or deemed disposition of the stock of a Subsidiary PFIC by the Company or another Subsidiary PFIC, both as if such U.S. Holders directly held the shares of such Subsidiary PFIC. In addition, U.S. Holders may be subject to U.S. federal income tax on any indirect gain realized on the stock of a Subsidiary PFIC on the sale or disposition of common shares. Accordingly, U.S. Holders should be aware that they could be subject to tax under the PFIC rules even if no distributions are received and no redemptions or other dispositions of common shares are made.

***Default PFIC Rules under Section 1291 of the Code***

If the Company is a PFIC for any tax year during which a U.S. Holder owns common shares, the U.S. federal income tax consequences to such U.S. Holder of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of common shares will depend on whether such U.S. Holder makes an election to treat the Company and each Subsidiary PFIC, if any, as a "qualified electing fund" or "QEF" under Section 1295 of the Code (each, a "QEF Election") for the first taxable year in which the Company or its Subsidiary PFIC (as applicable) is a PFIC in which the U.S. Holder holds common shares (or is deemed to hold stock of the Subsidiary PFIC), or a QEF Election together with a "purging" election with respect to such entity, or makes a mark-to-market election under Section 1296 of the Code (a "Mark-to-Market Election") with respect to its common shares. A U.S. Holder that does not make either a QEF Election or a Mark-to-Market Election will be referred to in this summary as a "Non-Electing U.S. Holder" and will generally be subject to tax as described below.

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

A Non-Electing U.S. Holder will be subject to the default rules of Section 1291 of the Code (described below) with respect to: (a) any gain recognized on the sale or other taxable disposition of the common shares (which, subject to the effectiveness of proposed Treasury Regulations, may include gain realized by reason of transfers of common shares that would otherwise qualify as non-recognition transactions for U.S. federal income tax purposes); and (b) any "excess distribution" received on the common shares. A distribution generally will be an "excess distribution" to the extent that such distribution (together with all other distributions received in the current tax year) exceeds 125% of the average distributions received during the three preceding tax years (or during a U.S. Holder's holding period for the common shares, if shorter).

Under Section 1291 of the Code, if the Company were to constitute a PFIC during a Non-Electing U.S. Holder's holding period, any gain recognized on the sale or other taxable disposition of common shares (including an indirect disposition of the stock of any Subsidiary PFIC), and any "excess distribution" received on the common shares or with respect to the stock of a Subsidiary PFIC must be ratably allocated to each day in a Non-Electing U.S. Holder's holding period for the respective common shares. The amount of any such gain or excess distribution allocated to the tax year of disposition or distribution of the excess distribution and to years before the Company became a PFIC, if any, would be taxed as ordinary income (and not eligible for certain preferred tax rates). The amounts allocated to any other tax year would be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the highest tax rate applicable to ordinary income in each such year, and an interest charge would be imposed on the tax liability for each such year, calculated as if such tax liability had been due in each such year. A Non-Electing U.S. Holder that is not a corporation must treat any such interest paid as "personal interest", which is not deductible.

If the Company is a PFIC for any tax year during which a Non-Electing U.S. Holder holds common shares, the Company will continue to be treated as a PFIC with respect to such Non-Electing U.S. Holder, regardless of whether the Company ceases to be a PFIC in one or more subsequent years. If the Company ceases to be a PFIC, a Non-Electing U.S. Holder may terminate this deemed PFIC status with respect to the common shares by electing to recognize gain (which will be taxed under the default rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed above), but not loss, as if such common shares were sold on the last day of the last tax year for which the Company was a PFIC.

***QEF Election***

A U.S. Holder that makes a timely and effective QEF Election for the first tax year in which such U.S. Holder's holding period of its common shares begins generally will not be subject to the default rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed above with respect to its common shares. A U.S. Holder that makes a timely and effective QEF Election will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on such U.S. Holder's pro rata share of (a) the net capital gain of the Company, which will be taxed as long-term capital gain to such U.S. Holder, and (b) the ordinary earnings of the Company, which will be taxed as ordinary income to such U.S. Holder. Generally, "net capital gain" is the excess of (a) net long-term capital gain over (i) net short-term capital gain, and "ordinary earnings" are the excess of (a) "earnings and profits" over (ii) net capital gain. A U.S. Holder that makes a QEF Election will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on such amounts for each tax year in which the Company is a PFIC, regardless of whether such amounts are actually distributed to such U.S. Holder by the Company. However, for any tax year in which the Company is a PFIC and has no net income or gain, U.S. Holders that have made a QEF Election would not have any income inclusions as a result of the QEF Election. If a U.S. Holder that made a QEF Election has an income inclusion, such U.S. Holder may, subject to certain limitations, elect to defer payment of current U.S. federal income tax on such amounts, subject to an interest charge. If such U.S. Holder is not a corporation, any such interest paid will be treated as "personal interest", which is not deductible.

A U.S. Holder that makes a timely and effective QEF Election with respect to the Company generally (a) may receive a tax-free distribution from the Company to the extent that such distribution represents "earnings and profits" of the Company that were previously included in income by the U.S. Holder because of such QEF Election and (b) will adjust such U.S. Holder's tax basis in the common shares to reflect the amount included in income or allowed as a tax-free distribution because of such QEF Election. In addition, a U.S. Holder that makes a timely and effective QEF Election generally will recognize capital gain or loss on the sale or other taxable disposition of common shares.

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

The procedure for making a QEF Election, and the U.S. federal income tax consequences of making a QEF Election, will depend on whether such QEF Election is timely. A QEF Election will be treated as "timely" if such QEF Election is made for the first year in the U.S. Holder's holding period for the common shares in which the Company was a PFIC. A U.S. Holder may make a timely QEF Election by filing the appropriate QEF Election documents at the time such U.S. Holder files a timely-filed U.S. federal income tax return for such year. If a U.S. Holder does not make a timely and effective QEF Election for the first year in the U.S. Holder's holding period for the common shares, the U.S. Holder may still be able to make a timely and effective QEF Election in a subsequent year if such U.S. Holder meets certain requirements and makes a "purging" election to recognize gain (which will be taxed under the default rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed above) as if such common shares were sold for their fair market value on the day the QEF Election is effective. If a U.S. Holder makes a QEF Election but does not make a "purging" election to recognize gain as discussed in the preceding sentence, then such U.S. Holder shall be subject to the QEF Election rules and shall continue to be subject to tax under the default rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed above with respect to its common shares. If a U.S. Holder makes a "purging" election, the U.S. Holder will have additional tax basis (to the extent of any gain recognized on the deemed sale) and, solely for purposes of the PFIC rules, a new holding period in the common shares. If a U.S. Holder owns PFIC stock indirectly through another PFIC, separate QEF Elections must be made for the PFIC in which the U.S. Holder is a direct shareholder and the Subsidiary PFIC for the QEF rules to apply to both PFICs.

A QEF Election is made on a shareholder-by-shareholder basis and will apply to the tax year for which such QEF Election is made and to all subsequent tax years, unless such QEF Election is invalidated or terminated or the IRS consents to revocation of such QEF Election. If a U.S. Holder makes a QEF Election and, in a subsequent tax year, the Company ceases to be a PFIC, the QEF Election will remain in effect (although it will not be applicable) during those tax years in which the Company is not a PFIC. Accordingly, if the Company becomes a PFIC in a later tax year, the QEF Election will still be effective, and the U.S. Holder will be subject to the QEF rules described above during any subsequent tax year in which the Company is treated as a PFIC.

A U.S. Holder makes a QEF Election by attaching a completed IRS Form 8621, including a PFIC Annual Information Statement, to a timely-filed United States federal income tax return. However, if the Company does not provide the required information with regard to it or any of its Subsidiary PFICs, U.S. Holders will not be able to make a QEF Election for such entity and will continue to be subject to the default rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed above that apply to Non-Electing U.S. Holders with respect to the taxation of gains and excess distributions. Retroactive QEF Elections generally may be made only by filing a protective statement with such tax return and if certain other conditions are met or with the consent of the IRS.

The Company will make available to U.S. Holders, upon their written request, all information and documentation that a U.S. Holder making a QEF Election with respect to the Company is required to obtain for U.S. federal income tax purposes in the event the Company is a PFIC. Such information may be included on the Company's website. However, U.S. Holders should be aware that the Company can provide no assurances that it will provide any such information relating to any Subsidiary PFIC. Because the Company may own shares in one or more Subsidiary PFICs and may acquire shares in one or more Subsidiary PFICs in the future, U.S. Holders will continue to be subject to the default rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed above with respect to the taxation of gains and excess distributions with respect to any Subsidiary PFIC for which the U.S. Holders do not obtain the required information to file a QEF Election. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisor regarding the availability of, and procedure for making, a QEF Election with respect to the Company and any Subsidiary PFIC.

***Mark-to-Market Election***

A U.S. Holder may make a Mark-to-Market Election with respect to the common shares only if the common shares are marketable stock. The common shares generally will be "marketable stock" if the common shares are regularly traded on (a) a national securities exchange that is registered with the SEC; (b) the national market system established pursuant to Section 11A of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934; or (c) a foreign securities exchange that is regulated or supervised by a governmental authority of the country in which the market is located, provided that (i) such foreign exchange has trading volume, listing, financial disclosure, and surveillance requirements, and meets other requirements and the laws of the country in which such foreign exchange is located, together with the rules of such foreign exchange, ensure that such requirements are actually enforced; and (ii) the rules of such foreign exchange effectively promote active trading of listed stocks. If such stock is traded on such a qualified exchange or other market, such stock generally will be "regularly traded" for any calendar year during which such stock is traded, other than in de minimis quantities, on at least 15 days during each calendar quarter. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor with respect to whether the common shares are "marketable stock" for this purpose.

A U.S. Holder that makes a Mark-to-Market Election with respect to its common shares generally will not be subject to the default rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed above with respect to such common shares. However, if a U.S. Holder does not make a Mark-to-Market Election beginning in the first tax year of such U.S. Holder's holding period for common shares for which the Company is a PFIC and such U.S. Holder has not made a timely QEF Election, the default rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed above will apply to certain dispositions of, and distributions on, the common shares.

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

A U.S. Holder that makes a Mark-to-Market Election will include in ordinary income, for each tax year in which the Company is a PFIC, an amount equal to the excess, if any, of (a) the fair market value of the common shares, as of the close of such tax year over (b) such U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in such common shares. A U.S. Holder that makes a Mark-to-Market Election will be allowed a deduction in an amount equal to the excess, if any, of (i) such U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in the common shares over (ii) the fair market value of such common shares (but only to the extent of the net amount of previously included income as a result of the Mark-to-Market Election for prior tax years).

A U.S. Holder that makes a Mark-to-Market Election generally also will adjust such U.S. Holder's tax basis in the common shares to reflect the amount included in gross income or allowed as a deduction because of such Mark-to-Market Election. In addition, upon a sale or other taxable disposition of common shares, a U.S. Holder that makes a Mark-to-Market Election will recognize ordinary income or ordinary loss (not to exceed the excess, if any, of (a) the amount included in ordinary income because of such Mark-to-Market Election for prior tax years over (b) the amount allowed as a deduction because of such Mark-to-Market Election for prior tax years). Losses that exceed this limitation are subject to the rules generally applicable to losses provided in the Code and Treasury Regulations. These amounts of ordinary income would not be eligible for preferential tax rates applicable to qualified dividend income or long-term capital gains.

A U.S. Holder makes a Mark-to-Market Election by attaching a properly completed IRS Form 8621 to a timely filed United States federal income tax return. A timely Mark-to-Market Election applies to the tax year in which such Mark-to-Market Election is made and to each subsequent tax year, unless the common shares cease to be "marketable stock" or the IRS consents to revocation of such election. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisors regarding the availability of, and procedure for making, a Mark-to-Market Election.

Although a U.S. Holder may be eligible to make a Mark-to-Market Election with respect to the common shares, no such election may be made with respect to the stock of any Subsidiary PFIC that a U.S. Holder is treated as owning, because such stock is not marketable stock. Hence, the Mark-to-Market Election will not be effective to avoid the application of the default rules of Section 1291 of the Code as described above with respect to deemed dispositions of Subsidiary PFIC stock or excess distributions from a Subsidiary PFIC to its shareholder.

***Other PFIC Rules***

Under Section 1291(f) of the Code, the IRS has issued proposed Treasury Regulations that would impact certain consequences of the application of the PFIC regime to U.S. Holders. Among other consequences, and subject to certain exceptions, such proposed Treasury Regulations would cause a U.S. Holder that had not made a timely QEF Election to recognize gain (but not loss) upon certain transfers of common shares that would otherwise be tax-deferred (e.g., gifts and exchanges pursuant to corporate reorganizations). However, the specific U.S. federal income tax consequences to a U.S. Holder may vary based on the manner in which common shares are transferred.

Certain additional adverse rules may apply with respect to a U.S. Holder if the Company is a PFIC, regardless of whether such U.S. Holder makes a QEF Election. For example, under Section 1298(b)(6) of the Code, a U.S. Holder that uses common shares as security for a loan will, except as may be provided in Treasury Regulations, be treated as having made a taxable disposition of such common shares.

In any year in which the Company is classified as a PFIC, a U.S. Holder will be required to file an annual report with the IRS containing such information as Treasury Regulations and/or other IRS guidance may require. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the requirements of filing such information returns under these rules, including the requirement to file an IRS Form 8621.

In addition, a U.S. Holder who acquires common shares from a decedent generally will not receive a "step up" in tax basis of such common shares to fair market value unless such decedent had a timely and effective QEF Election in place.

Special rules also apply to the amount of foreign tax credit that a U.S. Holder may claim on a distribution from a PFIC. Subject to such special rules, foreign taxes paid with respect to any distribution in respect of stock in a PFIC are generally eligible for the foreign tax credit. The rules relating to distributions by a PFIC and their eligibility for the foreign tax credit are complicated, and each U.S. Holder should consult with its own tax advisors regarding the availability of the foreign tax credit with respect to distributions by a PFIC.

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

The PFIC rules are complex, and each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisors regarding the PFIC rules and how the PFIC rules may affect the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of common shares.

***Receipt of Foreign Currency***

The amount of any distribution paid to a U.S. Holder in foreign currency, or payment received on the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of common shares, generally will be equal to the U.S. dollar value of such foreign currency based on the exchange rate applicable on the date of receipt or, if applicable, the date of settlement if the common shares are traded on an established securities market (regardless of whether such foreign currency is converted into U.S. dollars at that time). A U.S. Holder will have a tax basis in the foreign currency equal to its U.S. dollar value on the date of receipt. Any U.S. Holder that converts or otherwise disposes of the foreign currency after the date of receipt may have a foreign currency exchange gain or loss that would be treated as ordinary income or loss, and generally will be U.S. source income or loss for foreign tax credit purposes. Different rules apply to U.S. Holders who use the accrual method of tax accounting. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of receiving, owning and disposing of foreign currency.

***Foreign Tax Credit***

Dividends paid on the common shares will be treated as foreign-source income, and generally will be treated as "passive category income" or "general category income" for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes. Any gain or loss recognized on a sale or other disposition of common shares generally will be United States source gain or loss. Certain U.S. Holders that are eligible for the benefits of Convention may elect to treat such gain or loss as Canadian source gain or loss for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes. The Code applies various complex limitations on the amount of foreign taxes that may be claimed as a credit by U.S. taxpayers. In addition, Treasury Regulations that apply to foreign taxes paid or accrued (the "Foreign Tax Credit Regulations") impose additional requirements for Canadian withholding taxes to be eligible for a foreign tax credit, and there can be no assurance that those requirements will be satisfied. The Treasury Department has released guidance temporarily pausing the application of certain of the Foreign Tax Credit Regulations.

Subject to the PFIC rules and the Foreign Tax Credit Regulations, each as discussed above, a U.S. Holder that pays (whether directly or through withholding) Canadian income tax with respect to dividends paid on the common shares generally will be entitled, at the election of such U.S. Holder, to receive either a deduction or a credit for such Canadian income tax paid. Generally, a credit will reduce a U.S. Holder's U.S. federal income tax liability on a dollar-for-dollar basis, whereas a deduction will reduce a U.S. Holder's income that is subject to U.S. federal income tax. This election is made on a year-by-year basis and applies to all foreign taxes paid or accrued (whether directly or through withholding) by a U.S. Holder during a year. The foreign tax credit rules are complex and involve the application of rules that depend on a U.S. Holder's particular circumstances. Accordingly, each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the foreign tax credit rules.

***Information Reporting and Backup Withholding***

Under U.S. federal income tax law and Treasury Regulations, certain categories of U.S. Holders must file information returns with respect to their investment in, or involvement in, a foreign corporation. For example, U.S. return disclosure obligations (and related penalties) are imposed on U.S. Holders that hold certain specified foreign financial assets in excess of certain threshold amounts. The definition of specified foreign financial assets includes not only financial accounts maintained in foreign financial institutions, but also, unless held in accounts maintained by a financial institution, any stock or security issued by a non-U.S. person, any financial instrument or contract held for investment that has an issuer or counterparty other than a U.S. person and any interest in a non-U.S. entity. U.S. Holders may be subject to these reporting requirements unless their common shares are held in an account at certain financial institutions. Penalties for failure to file certain of these information returns are substantial. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the requirements of filing information returns, including the requirement to file an IRS Form 8938.

Payments made within the United States or by a U.S. payor or U.S. middleman, of dividends on, and proceeds arising from the sale or other taxable disposition of common shares will generally be subject to information reporting and backup withholding tax, currently at the rate of 24%, if a U.S. Holder (a) fails to furnish such U.S. Holder's correct U.S. taxpayer identification number (generally on IRS Form W-9), (b) furnishes an incorrect U.S. taxpayer identification number, (c) is notified by the IRS that such U.S. Holder has previously failed to properly report items subject to backup withholding tax, or (d) fails to certify, under penalty of perjury, that such U.S. Holder has furnished its correct U.S. taxpayer identification number and that the IRS has not notified such U.S. Holder that it is subject to backup withholding tax. However, certain exempt persons, such as U.S. Holders that are corporations, generally are excluded from these information reporting and backup withholding rules. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the U.S. backup withholding tax rules generally will be allowed as a credit against a U.S. Holder's U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, or will be refunded, if such U.S. Holder furnishes required information to the IRS in a timely manner.

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The discussion of reporting requirements set forth above is not intended to constitute a complete description of all reporting requirements that may apply to a U.S. Holder. A failure to satisfy certain reporting requirements may result in an extension of the time period during which the IRS can assess a tax, and under certain circumstances, such an extension may apply to assessments of amounts unrelated to any unsatisfied reporting requirement. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisors regarding the information reporting and backup withholding rules.

**THE ABOVE SUMMARY IS NOT INTENDED TO CONSTITUTE A COMPLETE ANALYSIS OF ALL TAX CONSIDERATIONS APPLICABLE TO U.S. HOLDERS WITH RESPECT TO THE ACQUISITION, OWNERSHIP, AND DISPOSITION OF COMMON SHARES. U.S. HOLDERS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS AS TO THE TAX CONSIDERATIONS APPLICABLE TO THEM IN LIGHT OF THEIR OWN PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES.**

**Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities**

None.

**Repurchase of Securities**

None.

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| **Item 6.** | **[Reserved]** |

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Not applicable.

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| **Item 7.** | **Management**'**s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations**  |

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The following Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") provides information that management believes is relevant to an assessment and understanding of the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC., incorporated in British Columbia, Canada, and its subsidiaries (collectively, "NOVAGOLD," the "Company," "our" and "we"). This item should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto included in this annual report. References herein to $ refer to United States dollars and C$ to Canadian dollars, except as otherwise specified.

The following MD&A generally discusses our consolidated financial condition and results of operations for 2025 and year-over-year comparisons between 2025 and 2024. Discussions of our consolidated financial condition and results of operations for 2024 and year-over-year comparisons between 2024 and 2023 are included in Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2024, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 23, 2025, are incorporated by reference into this MD&A.

Paulson Advantage Plus Master Ltd. and Paulson Partners LP (together, "Paulson") are investment funds managed by Paulson Advisers LLC.

Paul Chilson, P.E., who is the Manager, Mine Engineering for NOVAGOLD and a "qualified person" under National Instrument 43-101 – *Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects* ("NI 43-101") and the Securities and Exchange Commission's ("SEC") current mining disclosure rules has approved the scientific and technical information contained herein.

**Highlights**

On June 3, 2025, NOVAGOLD and Paulson, through wholly-owned subsidiaries, completed the $1 billion acquisition of Barrick's 50% interest in Donlin Gold (the "Donlin Gold Transaction"), increasing NOVAGOLD's economic stake in Donlin Gold LLC ("Donlin Gold") to 60%. Paulson's subsidiary acquired the remaining 40% of Donlin Gold. Both owners have equal governance rights in Donlin Gold. The Donlin Gold Transaction marks a significant milestone in a long-term strategy to advance Donlin Gold. NOVAGOLD's portion of the acquisition was funded through a combination of a public equity offering and a concurrent private placement.

NOVAGOLD closed a $195.2 million underwritten public offering (issuing approximately 48 million common shares in the second quarter and approximately 7.2 million common shares as part of the exercise of the overallotment option early in the third quarter), and a $64.4 million private placement (issuing approximately 17.2 million common shares in the second quarter), representing a total of $260.4 million (an aggregate of approximately 72.2 million common shares). NOVAGOLD purchased the additional 10% interest in Donlin Gold LLC with proceeds from the offerings and will use the balance of the funds from the offerings for general corporate purposes, including its share of expenses associated with advancing the Donlin Gold Bankable Feasibility Study (the "BFS").

**Company Overview**

We operate in the gold mining industry, primarily focused on advancing the Donlin Gold project in Alaska. The Donlin Gold project is held by Donlin Gold, a limited liability company which, following the closing of the Donlin Gold Transaction on June 3, 2025, is owned 60% by a wholly-owned subsidiary of NOVAGOLD and 40% by a wholly-owned subsidiary of Paulson. While NOVAGOLD has a 60% economic interest in Donlin Gold, governance of Donlin Gold is shared equally by NOVAGOLD and Paulson. We record our interest in the Donlin Gold project as an equity investment, which results in our 60% share of Donlin Gold's expenses being recorded in the income statement as an operating loss.

Our corporate goals include completing the BFS and moving to a subsequent construction decision; maintaining a favorable reputation of NOVAGOLD and the Donlin Gold project among shareholders; promoting strong community outreach and a sustainability culture; maintaining strong safety and environmental performance; and managing the Company's treasury effectively and efficiently. Our operations primarily relate to the delivery of project milestones, including the achievement of various technical, environmental, sustainable development, economic and legal objectives, obtaining necessary permits and maintaining those received in good standing, advancement to a BFS, preparation of engineering designs and maintaining sufficient capital resources to fund these objectives.

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**Overview of Donlin Gold Transaction and Financing Activities During 2025**

As noted above, on June 3, 2025, the Company and Paulson, through wholly-owned subsidiaries, completed the Donlin Gold Transaction pursuant to the terms of the membership interest purchase agreement dated April 22, 2025 (the "MIPA") among Barrick Gold U.S. Inc ("Barrick Gold"), Barrick, Paulson, Donlin Gold Holdings LLC, a subsidiary of Paulson ("Donlin Holdings"), and NOVAGOLD Resources Alaska, Inc. ("NGRA"), a subsidiary of the Company. NOVAGOLD, through NGRA, acquired an additional 10% interest in Donlin Gold for $200 million, increasing its stake to 60% of Donlin Gold, while Paulson, through Donlin Holdings, acquired the remaining 40% interest for $800 million.

*Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement for Donlin Gold LLC*

In connection with the closing of the Donlin Gold Transaction, NGRA, Donlin Holdings and Donlin Gold entered into an amended and restated limited liability company agreement (the "A&R LLC Agreement") governing Donlin Gold, pursuant to which the Company and Paulson have equal governance rights. NGRA had previously entered into a limited liability company agreement with Barrick Gold and Donlin Gold (the "Prior LLC Agreement") dated December 1, 2007, as amended from time to time. Pursuant to the terms of the A&R LLC Agreement, the primary amendments to the Prior LLC Agreement consist of the following:

● The deadlock provision contained in Article XVI of the Prior LLC Agreement has been replaced with a provision for non-binding mediation for dispute resolution.

● Consistent with the Prior LLC Agreement, the funding for Donlin Gold will be shared by both parties based on their percentage ownership. For example, since NGRA now holds 60% of the membership interests of Donlin Gold, it will have the responsibility to fund 60% of the expenses of Donlin Gold. However, regardless of the fact that Donlin Holdings holds 40% of Donlin Gold, Donlin Holdings and NGRA have equal governance rights. This adjustment to the parties' voting interests, as set forth in the A&R LLC Agreement means that (i) NGRA's voting percentage interests are defined as its membership interest from time to time less an absolute 10% and (ii) Donlin Holdings' voting percentage interests are defined as its membership interest from time to time plus an absolute 10%. For this reason, although NGRA holds 60% of the membership interests of Donlin Gold, it only has a 50% voting interest.

● The parties agree to manage the operations of Donlin Gold in a manner to avoid adverse tax consequences to the parties, including pursuant to Section 4943 of the Internal Revenue Code.

● Certain provisions in the Prior LLC Agreement have been deleted or amended as a result of such provisions being outdated or no longer relevant due to the current development and permitting status of Donlin Gold.

*Amended and Restated Promissory Note*

Pursuant to the Prior LLC Agreement for Donlin Gold, the Company issued a promissory note to Barrick Gold to repay Barrick out of future mine production cash flow for a portion of Barrick's prior expenditures on the Donlin Gold project. Concurrent with the Donlin Gold Transaction announcement on April 22, 2025, NOVAGOLD entered into a prepayment option agreement with Barrick, which provided the Company with an option to prepay the promissory note in full for $90 million prior to the closing of the Donlin Gold Transaction. The $90 million prepayment option was not exercised prior to closing. In connection with the closing of the Donlin Gold Transaction, on June 3, 2025 NGRA and Barrick Gold amended and restated the promissory note primarily to (i) modify the security package in order to exclude any property held by Donlin Gold or membership interest in Donlin Gold held by NGRA, but ensure it remains secured by NGRA's right, title and interest to proceeds from Donlin Gold and (ii) provide the ability for NGRA to prepay and retire the promissory note for an aggregate of $100 million until December 3, 2026. In connection with the amended and restated promissory note, NGRA has made an irrevocable direction to Donlin Gold whereby Donlin Gold shall distribute to Barrick Gold, until the promissory note is fully repaid, 85% of distributed processed products, cash and other assets, and payments of 5% of certain net proceeds specified in the promissory note. As per the amended and restated promissory note, the principal amount owed is $158.9 million.

*Backstop Agreement*

In order to ensure available financing for the Company's $200 million obligation under the MIPA, funding commitments of up to $170 million were obtained from Electrum Strategic Resources L.P. ("Electrum"), Paulson, and Kopernik Global Investors, LLC, on behalf of investment funds and accounts managed by them ("Kopernik", together with Electrum and Paulson, the "Investors") pursuant to a backstop agreement dated April 22, 2025 ("Backstop Agreement"). Pursuant to the Backstop Agreement, the Investors agreed to purchase, on a non-brokered, private placement basis, up to $170 million in the Company's common shares at $3.00 per share, representing up to 56,666,667 common shares in the aggregate.

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While the Company did not exercise its rights provided by the Backstop Agreement, in consideration for entering into the Backstop Agreement, the Company issued an aggregate of 25,500,000 warrants to purchase the Company's common shares (the "Warrants"), with each Warrant entitling the holder thereof to purchase one common share (a "Warrant Share") at an exercise price of $3.00 per Warrant Share for a period of five years from the date of issuance. The Warrants contain a "cashless exercise" feature, such that, in lieu of making the cash payment otherwise contemplated to be made to us upon such exercise of the Warrant, the holder may elect instead to receive upon such exercise (either in whole or in part) the net number of common shares determined according to a formula set forth in the Warrants. The Warrants were issued in the following amounts: (i) 12,750,000 Warrants to Paulson; (ii) 6,375,000 Warrants to Electrum; and (iii) 6,375,000 Warrants to Kopernik.

The Backstop Agreement further provided the Investors with registration rights, pursuant to which the Company had agreed to, among other things, file a registration statement with the SEC registering the resale of the Warrant Shares and to cause such registration statement to remain effective until the earlier of (a) three years from the issuance of the Subscribed Shares (which were not issued), (b) the date on which all of the Subscribed Shares and Warrant Shares shall have been sold, or (c) on the first date on which each Investor can sell all of its Subscribed Shares and/or Warrant Shares (or shares received in exchange therefor) under Rule 144 of the Securities Act without limitation as to the manner of sale or the amount of such securities that may be sold. The Backstop Agreement also contained customary indemnification and other provisions customary for registration rights of this type. Pursuant to discussions with the Investors and the Placement Investors (as defined below), the Company may file a resale registration statement in the future upon request of such investors with respect to the Warrant Shares or common shares issued pursuant to the Subscription Agreement (as defined below).

*Public Offering and Concurrent Private Placement*

On May 7, 2025, the Company entered into an underwriting agreement related to a public offering of 47,850,000 of the Company's common shares at a public offering price of $3.75 per share (the "Underwriting Agreement"). In addition, the Company granted the underwriters an option exercisable for 30 days from the date of the Underwriting Agreement to purchase up to 7,177,500 of additional common shares of the Company (the "Overallotment Option"). The net proceeds from the public offering were approximately $169.7 million. The Overallotment Option was exercised in full on June 5, 2025, bringing the total net proceeds to the Company for the public offering and the Overallotment Option to approximately $195.2 million after deducting the underwriting discount and offering expenses. The Company made certain customary representations, warranties and covenants concerning the Company and the registration statement in the Underwriting Agreement and also agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").

Concurrently with the public offering announced in May 2025, the Company completed a private placement offering on May 9, 2025 of 17,173,853 common shares at a price equal to the public offering price for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $64.4 million with Electrum and investments funds and accounts managed by Kopernik Global Investors, LLC (each a "Placement Investor"). The Company entered into a Subscription Agreement dated May 7, 2025 (the "Subscription Agreement") with each of the Placement Investors setting out the terms of the concurrent private placement, which included similar resale registration rights as contained in the Backstop Agreement. The concurrent private placement closed on May 9, 2025.

**Donlin Gold project**

NOVAGOLD and Donlin Gold advanced key activities in 2025 to position the project to update technical work and cost estimates. Primary activities included 1) issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for its Bankable Feasibility Study (BFS) to top-tier engineering firms with the expertise to design what is expected to be the largest single gold mine in the United States. Proposals were received in October, and the Prime Contractor is expected to be selected in the first quarter of 2026. RFPs were also issued in the fourth quarter of 2025 for specialist contractors for the power plant, pipeline, and pressure oxidation and oxygen plant scopes of work; and 2) mine planning and resource conversion advanced through the completion of an 18,454-meter 2025 drill program. The work targeted three core objectives: grid drilling to refine mine planning parameters, in-pit exploration to strengthen geological modelling and resource conversion, and geotechnical drilling to inform the updated resource model, mine planning and assess sites for the planned port access road. The program was successfully executed by a site team of approximately 80 locally hired staff and external contractors, with results providing critical inputs for engineering, mine planning, and resource modelling.

To support the advancement of the BFS and move the project toward development, management has identified key project requirements and commenced recruiting for critical positions. Donlin Gold hired Frank Arcese as Project Director. Frank brings more than four decades of global project leadership to Donlin Gold and has deep experience in the execution of large-scale mining capital projects in both the U.S. and international jurisdictions. Most recently, he served as Capital Projects Business Leader for North and South American mining operations at WSP Global Inc., and Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management (EPCM) firm. Prior to that, he acted as Project Director on multiple large mining and power plant project for Rio Tinto across the U.S., Mongolia, China, Australia, and Argentina, and brings extensive expertise in managing projects in remote environments, such as Teck Resource's original Quebrada Blanca in Chile, BHP's Escondida Phase 3 and SX-EW Plant in Chile, and recently Rio Tinto's Rincon 3000 Lithium Project in Argentina.

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The Donlin Gold board must approve the BFS, construction program and budget before the Donlin Gold project can be developed. The timing of the required engineering work and the Donlin Gold board's approval of an updated feasibility study, construction program and budget, the receipt of all required governmental permits and approvals, and the availability of financing, commodity price fluctuations, risks related to market events and general economic conditions among other factors, will affect the timing of and whether to develop the Donlin Gold project. Among other reasons, project delays could occur due to public opposition, litigation challenging permit decisions, requests for additional information or analysis, limitations in agency staff resources during regulatory review and permitting, or project changes made by Donlin Gold.

*Stakeholder and government engagement*

In collaboration with Calista Corporation ("Calista") and The Kuskokwim Corporation (TKC), Donlin Gold LLC had engagement with local communities, stakeholders, and government representatives across the Y-K region, Alaska, and Washington, D.C., advancing project development and permitting. Our longstanding outreach efforts — includes decades of work with 62 Y-K region communities and has strengthened relationships, created knowledge-sharing opportunities, reinforced the project's social license, and built considerable trust. The company and the Donlin Gold team remain committed to advancing the project responsibly through transparent, respectful, and lasting partnerships and engagement with both community and government entities.

To support these efforts, Donlin Gold maintained frequent engagement with numerous stakeholders throughout the Y-K region, Alaska, and Washington D.C. In 2025, NOVAGOLD and Donlin Gold staff traveled to Juneau and Washington, D.C., to meet with Alaska's state legislators, the U.S. congressional delegations and staff, Federal officials, the Federal Permitting Council, and the National Security Council to provide project updates and its importance to Alaska and the Y-K region, discuss energy needs, and highlight the State's environmental standards. Donlin Gold's new General Manager and other team members also met with Governor Mike Dunleavy, Department of Interior representatives, Karen Kelleher, Alaska's Bureau of Land Management acting Director, and other industry officials for an introduction and project update. Meetings also took place with former Alaska state legislators Senator Hughes, Representative Kopp, Representative Coulombe, and Representative Jimmie during the Donlin Gold's Alaska Federation of Natives reception.

Donlin Gold hosted the fourth and fifth Subsistence Community Advisory Committee meetings in Anchorage and at the project site, offering a deep dive in different areas of the project's development and operations, including camp and facility tours, as well as aquatic resources monitoring, and Snow Gulch restoration work.

Additionally, site tours were held with stakeholders, investors, and analysts, followed by the owners' tour which included meetings with principal stakeholders, including Alaska Native landowners, government agencies, engineering firms, and logistics providers and other pivotal parties with the capacity and experience to support critical project infrastructure as Donlin Gold advances the BFS and development activities that follow its construction decision.

Donlin Gold and NOVAGOLD staff traveled to Crooked Creek on several occasions to meet with community members to share information and answer questions from attendees about the Donlin Gold project. Additionally, Donlin Gold and Calista traveled to Crooked Creek and Aniak to provide project updates.

As part of the owners' site tour last summer, meetings were held with key Alaska government officials – including Governor Mike Dunleavy, former Department of Natural Resources Commissioner John Boyle, and former Revenue Commissioner Adam Crum among others – to introduce the new Donlin Gold ownership and to discuss shared priorities between the State of Alaska and the project. In addition, a series of discussions were held with natural gas pipeline developers to explore opportunities benefiting the project and its stakeholders.

Additionally, Donlin Gold hosted a site tour for State of Alaska representatives, state directors for all three U.S. delegation offices, and RDC staff. Donlin Gold also hosted an additional tour including staff from the offices of Senator Lisa Murkowski, Senator Dan Sullivan, and Representative Senator Nick Begich, as well as a Calista intern. The Donlin Gold team met with Representative Begich in Aniak, followed by the Director of the Bureau of Land Management and his staff in Alaska.

Representatives from Donlin Gold, Paulson and NOVAGOLD, as well as Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy participated in a keynote luncheon panel on the Donlin Gold project during the Alaska Miners Association Convention. Panelists discussed the project's ongoing development, its importance to Alaska and the Y-K region, and how close collaboration among partners and stakeholders is advancing the project responsibly. During the Alaska Miners Association Convention, Donlin Gold's Permitting and Environmental Manager Enric Fernandez was awarded the Alaska Miners Association Environmental Stewardship Award while the Donlin Gold team received the Alaska Miners Association Hard Hat Safety award – recognizing the team's outstanding dedication to safety, teamwork and care for one another.

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*Environment and social investments*

NOVAGOLD is committed to education, community wellness, cultural preservation, ecological stewardship, and best practices that enhance the economic, health, and social well-being of our employees, the people of the Y-K region, and surrounding communities. Donlin Gold supports these efforts through fisheries studies, environmental activities, subsistence initiatives, and grants, while recognizing the importance of the region's traditions and subsistence way of life, where environmental health is paramount.

Meaningful collaboration was deepened with the Native Village of Napaimute, with Donlin Gold extending financial assistance to maintain the Kuskokwim River Ice Road — a pivotal winter infrastructure that ensures the safe transport of residents to community events and serves as a conduit of economic activity for the Kuskokwim River communities. Additionally, Donlin Gold pursued its support of and participation in the Alaska Safe Riders initiative, which promotes the secure use of snowmachines, all-terrain vehicles, and recreational off-road vehicles. Financial assistance was also provided to Camp Fire Alaska, an organization dedicated to offering summer camps and programs to youth in rural communities across Alaska. Activities included music, sports, science, field trips, and numerous outdoor recreation opportunities.

Donlin Gold continued its participation and support of the Kuskokwim River summer safety Program with NOVAGOLD team members, traveling with 2019 Iditarod champion and Donlin Gold employee, Pete Kaiser. Together, they visited seven villages in the Y-K region to distribute life jackets and promote water safety among local residents. That same month, Donlin Gold extended its support to 47 communities for the annual "Clean-up Greenup" program.

NOVAGOLD and Donlin Gold also provided financial support to the Alaska Community Foundation to aid community recovery efforts in the region following Typhoon Halong. They also partnered with the AVCP Regional Housing Authority to provide generators and insulation.

Over the year, Donlin Gold further engaged in a variety of community events and initiatives that celebrate cultural preservation, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and promote the economic and social well-being of the Y-K region. These included Calista's Shareholder Relations Committee meetings, the Alaska Federation of Natives convention, village gatherings such as Napaimute's annual event, Nikolai Elder Food Program and School Carnival, RuralCap McGrath's Bluegrass Festival, the Alaska Native Heritage Center's 2025 Garden Party, the Aniak Traditional Council Annual Fair, Kalskag's Culture Camp, Calista's Golf Tournament, the Kwethluk Church Event, and the Napaskiak Summer Festival.

Donlin Gold continues to support a range of educational programs, including Crooked Creek's Traditional Council Summer Youth Employment Program, Alaska Resource Education, collaborating with the Lower Kuskokwim School District to host an annual College & Career Fair, EXCEL Alaska, and Covenant House Alaska's Bethel Jobs for American Graduates program, which helps high school graduates transition to postsecondary education and employment.

Throughout the year, Donlin Gold supported local sports initiatives, including the Alaska School Activities Association, Special Olympics Alaska, the Donlin Gold Invitational Basketball Tournament at Bethel Regional High School, The Iditarod Sled Dog Trail Race, Iron Dog Race and Y-K mushers Isaac Underwood, Mike Williams Jr., and Pete Kaiser.

Donlin Gold also continued to build on the progress of its aquatic habitat restoration project at Snow Gulch, which began in 2021 and is improving access and habitat for resident fish in areas affected by historic placer mining. Further development and restoration of the inlet channel were carried out in 2025 to help restore natural habitat conditions in support of aquatic life.

*Permitting*

Donlin Gold is a federally permitted project on private land designated for mining activities by Calista Corporation, owner of the mineral rights, and The Kuskokwim Corporation (TKC) owner of the surface estate. Permitting in Alaska is a substantial undertaking supported by a diligent, thorough, transparent, and inclusive process for all involved, including stakeholders from the Y-K region.

Comments from ADNR on the preliminary design packages are anticipated in 2026. BGC Engineering has been appointed as the contractor for the Detailed Design Packages. The Detailed Design Packages are anticipated to be completed by the end of 2026/early 2027 with potential issuance of the Dam Safety Certificates in 2028.

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*Litigation*

On September 20, 2021, Earthjustice, representing ONC, Cook Inletkeeper, and three Y-K villages, filed an appeal of the State pipeline ROW authorization in Alaska Superior Court. On April 12, 2023, the Alaska Superior Court affirmed the Alaska Department of Natural Resources' ("ADNR") issuance of the ROW lease in the Earthjustice case. Earthjustice appealed the Superior Court's decision to the Alaska Supreme Court. On May 25, 2022, Earthjustice, representing ONC and five Y-K villages, filed an appeal of ADNR's issuance of certain water rights permits to Donlin Gold in Alaska Superior Court. After briefing and oral argument, on September 1, 2023, the Alaska Superior Court affirmed ADNR's decision on Donlin Gold's water rights permits. On October 2, 2023, Earthjustice appealed the Superior Court's decision to the Alaska Supreme Court. Earthjustice's opening brief was submitted to the Alaska Supreme Court on January 4, 2024. Response briefs from the State of Alaska and Donlin Gold were completed in April 2024, and Earthjustice subsequently filed their reply brief in May 2024. Briefing on Earthjustice's appeal of the Alaska Superior Court affirmation of ADNR's issuance of the State pipeline ROW lease to the Alaska Supreme Court was completed in February 2024. On November 14, 2025, Donlin Gold welcomed the Alaska Supreme Court's decision affirming both the project's water rights permits for the mine and the Department of Natural Resources' approval of the State's ROW for the state-owned lands portion of the proposed 316-mile natural gas pipeline. The ruling validates the State of Alaska's thorough review process and reinforces that the project can move forward in a manner that safeguards the lands, waters, and communities of the Yukon-Kuskokwim and southcentral regions.

NOVAGOLD continues to support the State of Alaska in defending the Department of Environmental Conservation's ("ADEC") Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certification ("401 Certification"), which is the only remaining challenge to Donlin Gold's permits in state court. On May 6, 2025, the Alaska Superior Court upheld ADEC's issuance of the 401 Certification. Earthjustice filed an appeal in the Alaska Supreme Court and filed their opening brief on September 16, 2025. Donlin Gold's and the State of Alaska's briefs were filed on November 25, 2025, and Earthjustice's reply brief was filed on January 9, 2026.

On April 5, 2023, Earthjustice representing ONC and six Y-K villages filed suit against the U.S. government in the U.S. District Court for Alaska (the "Federal District Court") asking the Federal District Court to invalidate the Donlin Gold JROD, which included the Corps' issuance of the 404 permit and the Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management's issuance of the ROW lease for the portions of the pipeline on Federal lands. The U.S. Department of Justice ("DOJ") is defending the issuance of the permits by those Federal agencies. The State of Alaska, Donlin Gold, and Calista were granted intervenor status in this case. The DOJ filed their brief supporting the issuance of the JROD and the sufficiency of the environmental analysis in the Final Environmental Impact Statement on April 2, 2024. Amicus briefs supporting the project were filed by the village of Crooked Creek and the Alaska federal Congressional delegation. Oral arguments were held on June 24, 2024, and the Federal District Court issued a decision on September 30, 2024. The decision rejected the plaintiffs' arguments on two of the three issues raised in the litigation but agreed with plaintiffs that the federal agencies took too narrow of a view in analyzing the impact of a theoretical release from the tailings' storage facility. The Federal District Court requested supplemental briefing on the appropriate remedy for addressing this issue. On October 7, 2024, the plaintiffs filed a request for reconsideration on one of the issues on which the Federal District Court had ruled against the plaintiffs and, at DOJ's request, the Federal District Court suspended the schedule for briefing on the appropriate remedy until after the Federal District Court ruled on plaintiffs' motion for reconsideration. On December 23, 2024, the Federal District Court denied plaintiffs' request for reconsideration. Remedy briefing was completed in March 2025 and oral argument on remedy was held May 9, 2025. On June 10, 2025, the Federal District Court issued an order denying Earthjustice's request to vacate the permits and remanding the case to the agencies to supplement the NEPA analysis on the narrow issue regarding the analysis of a potential larger release from the tailings storage facility. The Court retained jurisdiction over the case during the remand and ordered the agencies to file periodic status updates with the court. USACE, in consultation with BLM and other federal agencies, will be the lead agency for this Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement ("SEIS") process to ensure a transparent, science-based review that provides the public and decision-makers with complete and accurate information. On October 27, 2025, Donlin Gold was also formally accepted into the FAST-41 program, a federal initiative that increases transparency, accountability, and predictability in permitting, and the project is now listed on the Federal Permitting Dashboard in connection with the SEIS. The USACE has submitted a schedule to the Permitting Council for completion of the supplemental analysis in mid-2027.

To date, all permits and approvals granted to Donlin Gold by federal and state agencies remain in place while the legal challenges described above proceed. We recognize the importance of preparedness and organization on these matters. Donlin Gold and its owners continue their unwavering support of the state and federal agencies in defending their thorough and diligent permitting processes, including working with the federal agencies and all stakeholders on an appropriate remedy to address the Federal District Court's remand decision.

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**Other remediation**

During 2025, $219,524 in remediation expenditures were incurred for fieldwork at the historic former New Gold House property in Nome, Alaska, including re-seeding, sampling and monitoring. Monitoring, sampling and maintenance work (as needed, based on monitoring results) is planned for the 2026 field season.

**Functional Currency Change**

The functional currency of the Company is the U.S. dollar. Prior to April 22, 2025, the functional currency of NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC., the parent company, was the Canadian dollar. Management reassessed the functional currency of the parent company, NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC., and determined that as of April 22, 2025, given the increasing prevalence of U.S. dollar denominated activities and financing transactions, its functional currency changed from the Canadian dollar to the U.S. dollar. Prior to April 22, 2025, the effects of translating the Company's Canadian operations from the Canadian dollar to the U.S. dollar were recorded in *Other comprehensive income (loss)* and *Accumulated other comprehensive loss*. The change in functional currency was accounted for prospectively from April 22, 2025, and prior period consolidated financial statements were not restated. Previously recorded cumulative translation adjustments were not reversed.

**Consolidated Financial Results for Fiscal 2025**

The details of our *Net loss* are set forth below*:*

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | Years ended November 30, | Years ended November 30, |  |
|  | 2025 | 2024 | Change |
| Net loss | $(94659) | $(45621) | $(49038) |
| Net loss per common share, basic and diluted | $(0.25) | $(0.14) | $(0.11) |

---

*Net loss* in fiscal 2025 increased by $49.0 million from the comparable prior year period primarily due to a $39.6 million non-cash, non-recurring charge related to warrants issued under a backstop commitment agreement signed on April 22, 2025 concurrent with the announcement of the Donlin Gold Transaction as well as $9.0 million of higher Donlin Gold field expenses. Other items leading to an increase in net loss in fiscal 2025 include higher general and administrative expenses and lower interest income on cash and term deposits.

Donlin Gold expenses recognized during fiscal 2025 were higher with increased site activity at Donlin Gold in 2025 compared to 2024 when field work activities were minimal and due to the Company's share of Donlin Gold expenditures increasing by 10% to 60% starting in the third quarter. General and administrative expenses increased by $0.4 million in fiscal 2025 from the comparable prior year period primarily due to higher professional fees partially offset by lower share-based compensation. Professional fees increased by $0.9 million in fiscal 2025 as a result of the closing of the Donlin Gold Transaction as well as costs incurred to prepare updated NI 43-101 and S-K 1300 technical reports for the Donlin Gold project.

Costs of $9.1 million incurred during the second and third quarter mainly for investment banking and legal fees related to the Donlin Gold Transaction have been capitalized to the Company's *Investment in Donlin Gold* along with $201.0 million of consideration paid to Barrick for the acquisition of an additional 10% interest in Donlin Gold.

**2025 Fourth Quarter Results**

*Net loss* during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025 was $15.6 million which was $4.1 million higher than the comparative prior year period. The increase in net loss primarily resulted from higher Donlin Gold expenses recognized during fiscal 2025 and higher professional fees, both due to the same factors noted in the fiscal 2025 results above.

**Liquidity and Capital Resources** 

*Liquidity overview*

The Company monitors its liquidity and capital resources on a regular basis to ensure it has sufficient liquidity and capital resources to meet its current operating and capital requirements.

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

As of November 30, 2025, the Company had cash resources comprising cash and cash equivalents, term deposits, and marketable securities totaling approximately $120 million, which are sufficient to cover the anticipated funding costs in respect of the Donlin Gold project and corporate general and administrative costs for at least the next twelve months.

In 2026, NOVAGOLD's pro-rata share of Donlin Gold expenditures is expected to increase from fiscal 2025 levels over the coming two years with the commencement of work associated with its BFS. Depending on the timing of these costs and the Company's decisions regarding when to commence detailed engineering and its option to prepay the Barrick promissory note, the Company expects to raise additional capital at some point to support these activities. As a result of a delinquent filing of a Form 8-K in June 2025, NOVAGOLD will not be eligible to use a Form S-3 registration statement to register its securities with the SEC until July 2026. This may adversely impact the Company's ability to raise capital prior to that time.

Future funding to support fully developing the Donlin Gold project is anticipated to include, among of things, a combination of corporate debt and equity, project specific debt, and potentially a royalty, stream and government support. NOVAGOLD's continued operations, in the longer term, are dependent on its ability to generate future cash flows and maintain sufficient capital resources. There is no assurance that the Company will be successful in its efforts to raise additional capital on favorable terms, or at all. For further information, see section *Item 1A. Risk Factors* – *Our ability to continue the exploration, permitting, and development of the Donlin Gold project, to complete the Bankable Feasibility Study for the Donlin Gold project, to fund construction of the Donlin Gold project, and to continue as a going concern, will depend in part on our ability to obtain suitable financing*.

NOVAGOLD's anticipated expenditures in fiscal year 2026 are approximately $98.5 million, including $78.8 million to fund the Donlin Gold project, and $19.7 million for corporate general and administrative costs.

The Company's financial position includes the following as of November 30, 2025:

● Cash and cash equivalents of $110,143, primarily held at three large Canadian chartered banks with investment grade credit ratings.

● Term deposits of $5,000 held at a large U.S. bank with investment grade credit ratings and maturities of less than one year.

● Marketable securities of $4,406 traded on active markets.

● Promissory note payable to Barrick of $166.3 million, including accrued interest at U.S. prime plus 2%, compounded semi-annually. The promissory note and accrued interest are payable from 85% of distributed processed products, cash and other assets, and payments of 5% of certain net proceeds specified in the promissory note. On June 3, 2025 the Company entered into an amended and restated secured promissory note with Barrick that provides the Company with an option to prepay the promissory note in full for $100 million on or before December 3, 2026. Absent a prepayment of the promissory note in 2026, at the current interest rate of 8.75%, interest on the note in fiscal year 2026 will total approximately $14.9 million.

*Cash flows*

During fiscal 2025, cash equivalents increased by $67.9 million primarily due to $270.8 million in proceeds from a public equity offering and concurrent private placement, net of $11.2 million of issuance costs and $54.0 million in net redemptions of term deposits partially offset by $210.1 million paid to complete the Donlin Gold Transaction, $22.5 million in Donlin Gold funding and corporate general and administrative costs.

Cash used in operating activities during fiscal 2025 was $1.4 million higher than the comparative prior year period. Cash used in investing activities during fiscal 2025 increased by $186.9 million from the comparative prior year period primarily due to $210.1 million paid to complete the Donlin Gold Transaction and $10.0 million in incremental Donlin Gold funding partially offset by $33.0 million in net redemptions of term deposits. Funding of Donlin Gold was higher in fiscal 2025 due to increased site activity than the comparative prior year period when field work activities were minimal and due to the Company's 10% increased Donlin Gold funding obligation starting in the third quarter.

Cash generated from financing activities increased by $259.7 million primarily due to $243.8 million in proceeds from a May 2025 public equity offering and concurrent private placement, net of $9.7 million of issuance costs and $26.9 million in proceeds from the exercise of an underwriter's overallotment option on the May 2025 equity offering, net of $1.4 million of issuance costs. The PSU awards that matured and vested in December 2024 at 25% of the grant amount were settled with the issuance of net common shares. The issuance of common shares in lieu of a cash payout represents a non-cash financing activity.

**Outstanding share data**

As of January 16, 2026, the Company had 406,994,531 common shares issued and outstanding. Also, as of January 16, 2026, the Company had: i) a total of 25,500,000 warrants outstanding with an exercise price of $3.00 per share; ii) a total of 9,504,633 stock options outstanding; 8,237,633 with a weighted-average exercise price of $5.36 per share and the remaining 1,267,000 of those stock options with a weighted-average exercise price of C$6.97 per share; and iii) 1,578,800 PSUs; and iv) 315,953 deferred share units outstanding. Upon exercise or pay out, as applicable, of the foregoing convertible securities, the Company would be required to issue a maximum of 37,688,786 common shares.

------

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

**Related party transactions**

The Company provided management and administrative services to Donlin Gold for $1.2 million in 2025 ($0.7 million in 2024). As of November 30, 2025, the Company had accounts receivable from Donlin Gold of $1.0 million (November 30, 2024: $0.2 million) included in *Other current assets*. Subsequent to November 30, 2025, the accounts receivable balance has been fully settled.

As consideration for providing a backstop commitment to the Company on April 22, 2025, NOVAGOLD issued Backstop Warrants (Note 11) to three institutional investors, one of which was Electrum. The Backstop Warrants have an estimated aggregate fair value of $39.6 million. Electrum received 6,375,000 Backstop Warrants having a fair value of approximately $9.9 million. Dr. Thomas Kaplan, NOVAGOLD's Chairman of the Board, is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Electrum Group LLC, an affiliate of Electrum. Electrum is the largest shareholder of NOVAGOLD.

Additionally, Electrum was one of two institutional investors who participated in a private placement that closed concurrent with the May 2025 public equity offering at the same price as the public equity offering. Electrum purchased 13,333,334 shares of NOVAGOLD in the private placement.

**Critical Accounting Policies**

We believe the following accounting policies are critical to our financial statements due to the degree of uncertainty regarding the judgements or assumptions involved and/or the magnitude of the asset, liability, or expense being reported.

*Contingent note receivable*

A portion of the consideration from the Company's 2018 sale of Galore Creek to a subsidiary of Newmont Corporation ("Newmont") included a $75,000 note receivable, contingent upon the approval of a Galore Creek project construction plan by the owner(s) (see Note 4 to the financial statements). The Company has not assigned a value to the contingent note receivable as management determined that the approval of the Galore Creek project construction was not probable as of the closing of the Galore Creek sale or in subsequent periods. The contingent note will be recognized when, in management's judgement, it is probable that the payment will occur, and that the amount recorded will not reverse in subsequent periods.

*Investment in affiliates*

Investments in unconsolidated ventures over which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence, but does not control, are accounted for under the equity method and include the Company's investment in the Donlin Gold project. The Company identified Donlin Gold as a Variable Interest Entity ("VIE") as it is dependent on funding from its owners. Historically, all funding, ownership, voting rights, and power was shared equally on a 50/50 basis between the owners of the VIE. On June 3, 2025, the Company increased its ownership interest in Donlin Gold to 60% (see Note 5 to the financial statements) resulting in the funding and ownership being shared on a 60/40 basis between the Company and its new Donlin Gold partner. However, the power to exercise control and direct the activities of Donlin Gold continues to be shared equally on a 50/50 basis between the Company and its new Donlin Gold partner. As such, the Company has determined it continues to not be the primary beneficiary of the VIE.

The Company's maximum exposure to loss is its investment in Donlin Gold of $213.2 million as of November 30, 2025. The Company reviews and evaluates its investment in the Donlin Gold project for other than temporary impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Events that could indicate impairment of an investment in an affiliate include a significant decrease in long-term expected gold price, a significant increase in expected operating or capital costs, unfavorable exploration results or technical studies, a significant decrease in reserves, a loss of significant mineral claims, or a change in the development plan or strategy for the project. Management reviewed potential impairment indicators and determined that there were none as of November 30, 2025.

*Share-based compensation*

We grant share-based compensation awards in exchange for employee services, including a stock option plan and a performance share unit ("PSU") plan. The fair value of awards granted under the plans are recognized in the *Consolidated Statements of Loss* over the related service period. The fair values of stock options are estimated at the time of each grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model, and the fair values of PSUs are measured at each grant date using a Monte Carlo valuation model. The fair value estimates may be impacted by certain variables including, but not limited to, stock price volatility, employee stock option exercise behaviors, additional stock option and PSU grants, estimates of forfeitures, the Company's performance, and the Company's performance in relation to its peers.

------

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

We grant members of the Board deferred share units ("DSUs") whereby each DSU entitles the directors to receive one common share of the Company or the market value thereof in cash, at the Company's option, when they retire from service with the Company. The fair value of the DSUs is measured at the date of the grant in amounts ranging from 50% to 100% of directors' annual retainers at the election of the directors. The fair value is recognized in the *Consolidated Statements of Loss* at the time of grant over the related service period.

In 2025, we incurred $6.7 million in share-based compensation costs, a decrease of $0.5 million from the prior year primarily due to the timing of share-based compensation issuance and the forfeiture of options and performance share units following the departure of certain employees during the prior year.

During 2025, we had 408,400 PSU awards that vested at 25% of the grant amount and 79,065 DSU awards that vested and were settled with the issuance of common shares. As of November 30, 2025, we had $4.4 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to 5,308,654 non-vested stock options expected to be expensed and vest over a period of approximately 2.7 years. Also, as of November 30, 2025, we had 2,074,300 non-vested PSU awards outstanding of which 495,500 were fully expensed and vested in December 2025 without meeting the performance payout criteria. The remaining 1,578,800 non-vested PSU awards with $4.0 million of unrecognized compensation cost will be expensed over a period of approximately 2.4 years.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 7A.** | **Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk** |

---

Our financial instruments are exposed to certain financial risks, including credit and interest rate risks.

*Credit risk*

Concentration of credit risk exists with respect to our cash and cash equivalents, and term deposit investments. All term deposits are held at two Canadian chartered banks and one large U.S. bank with investment grade credit ratings and maturities of less than one year.

*Interest rate risk*

The interest rate on the promissory note owed to Barrick is variable with the U.S. prime rate. Based on the amount owing on the promissory note as of November 30, 2025, and assuming all other variables remain constant, a 1% change in the U.S. prime rate would result in an increase/decrease of approximately $1.7 million in the interest accrued on the promissory note per annum.

------

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 8.**  | **Financial Statements and Supplementary Data** |

---

**Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm**

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

**Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting**

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. and its subsidiaries (the Company) as of November 30, 2025 and 2024, and the related consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss, equity (deficit) and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended November 30, 2025, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the consolidated financial statements). We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of November 30, 2025, based on criteria established in Internal Control ‒ Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of November 30, 2025 and 2024, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended November 30, 2025 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of November 30, 2025, based on criteria established in *Internal Control* ‒ *Integrated Framework* (2013) issued by the COSO.

**Basis for Opinions**

The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Company's consolidated financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

**Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting**

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

**Critical Audit Matters** 

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

*Recognition of the contingent note receivable*

As described in Notes 2 and 4 to the consolidated financial statements, on July 27, 2018, the Company sold its interest in the Galore Creek project (the sale). As part of the consideration for the sale, the Company received a $75 million note (the contingent note receivable), which is contingent upon the approval of a Galore Creek project construction plan by the owner(s). The Company has not assigned a value to the contingent note receivable as management determined that Galore Creek project construction approval was not probable as at the closing of the Galore Creek sale or in subsequent periods. Management's assessment did not change as of November 30, 2025. The contingent note will be recognized when, in management's judgment, it is probable that the payment will occur, and that the amount recorded will not reverse in future periods.

The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the recognition of the contingent note receivable is a critical audit matter are the judgment by management when determining if recognition was required, which in turn led to a high degree of auditor judgment and subjectivity in performing procedures and evaluating management's assessment of the probability of whether a Galore Creek project construction plan will be approved.

Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to management's assessment of the basis for recognizing the contingent note receivable. These procedures also included, among others, evaluating the reasonableness of management's assessment regarding the probability of the owner(s) of the project approving the Galore Creek project construction plan. This included considering both publicly available information and the latest annual progress report provided by the owners of the project to the Company under the terms of the sale agreement.

**/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP**

Chartered Professional Accountants

Vancouver, Canada<br> January 21, 2026<br>

We have served as the Company's auditor since 1984.

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**NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.**<br> **CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS**<br> (U.S. dollars in thousands)<br>

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | As of November 30, | As of November 30, |
|  | 2025 | 2024 |
| **ASSETS** |  |  |
| Cash and cash equivalents | $110143 | $42224 |
| Term deposits | 5000 | 59000 |
| Other assets (Note 6) | 2344 | 1530 |
| Current assets | 117487 | 102754 |
| Investment in Donlin Gold (Note 5) | 213202 | 2597 |
| Other assets (Note 6) | 5224 | 4402 |
|  | $335913 | $109753 |
| **LIABILITIES** | **LIABILITIES** | **LIABILITIES** |
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $1981 | $1371 |
| Accrued payroll and related benefits | 2656 | 2482 |
| Income taxes payable |  | 220 |
| Other liabilities (Note 9) | 301 | 413 |
| Current liabilities | 4938 | 4486 |
| Promissory note (Note 7) | 166296 | 151522 |
| Other liabilities (Note 9) | 885 | 1161 |
|  | 172119 | 157169 |
| **EQUITY (DEFICIT)** | **EQUITY (DEFICIT)** | **EQUITY (DEFICIT)** |
| Common shares |  |  |
| Authorized – 1,000 million shares, no par value |  |  |
| Issued and outstanding – 406.9 and 334.6 million shares, respectively | 2251741 | 1989245 |
| Contributed surplus | 136690 | 93377 |
| Accumulated deficit | (2199591) | (2104932) |
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (25046) | (25106) |
|  | 163794 | (47416) |
|  | $335913 | $109753 |

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Commitments and contingencies (Notes 7, 8 and 9)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Approved by the Board of Directors

<u>/s/ Gregory A. Lang</u>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>/s/ Hume Kyle</u>

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**NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.**

**CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF LOSS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS**

(U.S. dollars in thousands except per share amounts)

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | Years ended November 30, | Years ended November 30, | Years ended November 30, |
|  | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
| Operating expenses: |  |  |  |
| General and administrative (Note 13) | $25378 | $24936 | $21783 |
| Equity loss – Donlin Gold (Note 5) | 21912 | 12921 | 18529 |
|  | 47290 | 37857 | 40312 |
| Loss from operations | (47290) | (37857) | (40312) |
| Other (expense) income: |  |  |  |
| Warrant expense (Note 11) | (39607) |  |  |
| Interest expense – promissory note (Note 7) | (14774) | (14774) | (13063) |
| Interest and dividend income | 5114 | 5378 | 5791 |
| Accretion of notes receivable (Note 4) |  |  | 579 |
| Remediation expense |  | (339) | (541) |
| Other income, net (Note 15) | 1898 | 2695 | 782 |
| Loss before income taxes | (94659) | (44897) | (46764) |
| Income tax recovery (expense) (Note 16) |  | (724) | (39) |
| Net loss | (94659) | (45621) | (46803) |
| Other comprehensive income (loss): |  |  |  |
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | 60 | (635) | (54) |
| Comprehensive loss | $(94599) | $(46256) | $(46857) |
| Net loss per common share – basic and diluted | $(0.25) | $(0.14) | $(0.14) |
| Weighted average shares outstanding |  |  |  |
| Basic and diluted (thousands) | 374702 | 334458 | 334057 |

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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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**NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.**

**CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS**

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | Years ended November 30, | Years ended November 30, | Years ended November 30, |
|  | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
| Operating activities: |  |  |  |
| Net loss | $(94659) | $(45621) | $(46803) |
| Adjustments: |  |  |  |
| Equity loss – Donlin Gold | 21912 | 12921 | 18529 |
| Share-based compensation | 6696 | 7237 | 8731 |
| Warrant Expense (Note 11) | 39607 |  |  |
| Remediation expense |  | 339 | 541 |
| Accretion of notes receivable |  |  | (579) |
| Interest expense on promissory note | 14774 | 14774 | 13063 |
| Gain on sale of mineral property |  | (743) | (556) |
| Change in fair value of marketable securities | (2011) | (1436) | (269) |
| Foreign exchange (gain) loss | 132 | (516) | 43 |
| Other operating adjustments | 20 | 35 | 49 |
| Change in operating assets and liabilities |  |  |  |
| Other assets | (842) | (100) | 694 |
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 610 | 708 | (62) |
| Accrued payroll and related benefits | 173 | (309) | 268 |
| Income taxes payable | (220) | 226 |  |
| Remediation liability | (220) | (157) | (1435) |
| Net cash used in operating activities | (14028) | (12642) | (7786) |
| Investing activities: |  |  |  |
| Proceeds from term deposits | 59000 | 140000 | 148000 |
| Purchases of term deposits | (5000) | (119000) | (166000) |
| Funding of Donlin Gold | (22467) | (12447) | (17752) |
| Investment in Donlin Gold (Note 5) | (210050) |  |  |
| Proceeds from notes receivable |  |  | 25000 |
| Proceeds from disposal of equity securities (Note 15) | 952 | 59 |  |
| Proceeds from sale of mineral property (Note 4) |  | 743 | 556 |
| Other |  |  | (132) |
| Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | (177565) | 9355 | (10328) |
| Financing activities: |  |  |  |
| Equity issuances (Note 11) | 270754 |  |  |
| Equity issuance costs (Note 11) | (11168) |  |  |
| Withholding tax on share-based compensation | (81) | (174) |  |
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 259505 | (174) |  |
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | 7 | (64) | (19) |
| Net change in cash and cash equivalents | 67919 | (3525) | (18133) |
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year | 42224 | 45749 | 63882 |
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of year | $110143 | $42224 | $45749 |

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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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**NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.**

**CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (DEFICIT)**

(U.S. dollars and shares in thousands)

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | Common shares | Common shares | Contributed | Accumulated |  | Total equity |
|  | Shares | Amount | surplus | deficit | AOCL\* | (deficit) |
| November 30, 2022 | 333753 | $1983962 | $82866 | $(2012508) | $(24417) | $29903 |
| Share-based compensation |  |  | 8731 |  |  | 8731 |
| Deferred share units (DSUs) settled in shares | 48 | 246 | (246) |  |  |  |
| Stock options exercised | 446 | 2730 | (2730) |  |  |  |
| Net loss |  |  |  | (46803) |  | (46803) |
| Other comprehensive loss |  |  |  |  | (54) | (54) |
| November 30, 2023 | 334247 | $1986938 | $88621 | $(2059311) | $(24471) | $(8223) |
| Share-based compensation |  |  | 7237 |  |  | 7237 |
| Performance share units (PSUs) settled in shares | 149 | 800 | (800) |  |  |  |
| DSUs settled in shares | 47 | 224 | (224) |  |  |  |
| Stock options exercised | 124 | 1283 | (1283) |  |  |  |
| Withholding tax on PSUs |  |  | (174) |  |  | (174) |
| Net loss |  |  |  | (45621) |  | (45621) |
| Other comprehensive loss |  |  |  |  | (635) | (635) |
| November 30, 2024 | 334567 | $1989245 | $93377 | $(2104932) | $(25106) | $(47416) |
| Share-based compensation |  |  | 6697 |  |  | 6697 |
| Equity offerings, net (Note 11) | 72201 | 259586 |  |  |  | 259586 |
| PSUs settled in shares | 79 | 2130 | (2130) |  |  |  |
| DSUs settled in shares | 79 | 377 | (377) |  |  |  |
| Stock options exercised | 6 | 403 | (403) |  |  |  |
| Withholding tax on PSUs |  |  | (81) |  |  | (81) |
| Warrants (Note 11) |  |  | 39607 |  |  | 39607 |
| Net loss |  |  |  | (94659) |  | (94659) |
| Other comprehensive income |  |  |  |  | 60 | 60 |
| November 30, 2025 | 406932 | $2251741 | $136690 | $(2199591) | $(25046) | $163794 |

---

\* Accumulated other comprehensive loss

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

------

**NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

(U.S. dollars in thousands, except per share)

**NOTE 1** – **THE COMPANY**

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. and its affiliates and subsidiaries (collectively, "NOVAGOLD" or the "Company") operate in the mining industry, focused on the exploration for and development of gold mineral properties. The Company's principal asset is a 60% interest in the Donlin Gold project in Alaska, USA. The Company has no realized revenues from its principal asset. The Donlin Gold project is owned and operated by Donlin Gold LLC ("Donlin Gold"), a limited liability company that is owned by wholly-owned subsidiaries of NOVAGOLD and Donlin Gold Holdings LLC, a subsidiary of Paulson Advantage Plus Master Ltd. and Paulson Partners LP (together, "Paulson"). Prior to June 3, 2025, Donlin Gold was owned equally by wholly-owned subsidiaries of NOVAGOLD and Barrick Mining Corporation ("Barrick"). See Note 5 regarding changes to Donlin Gold ownership on June 3, 2025.

**NOTE 2** – **SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES**

**Presentation**

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries including NOVAGOLD U.S. Holdings Inc., NOVAGOLD Resources Alaska Inc., NOVAGOLD USA, Inc., and AGC Resources Inc. On December 1, 2024, NovaGold (Bermuda) Alaska Limited, NovaGold Resources (Bermuda) Limited and NovaGold Argentina Inc., subsidiaries of the Company, were amalgamated with NOVAGOLD. All inter-company transactions and balances are eliminated on consolidation.

The Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in United States dollars and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("U.S. GAAP"). The preparation of the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. The Company bases its estimates and assumptions on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from the amounts recorded in these Consolidated Financial Statements.

The functional currency of the Company is the U.S. dollar. Prior to April 22, 2025, the functional currency of NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC., the parent company, was the Canadian dollar. Management reassessed the functional currency of the parent company, NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC., and determined that as of April 22, 2025, given the increasing prevalence of U.S. dollar denominated activities and financing transactions, its functional currency changed from the Canadian dollar to the U.S. dollar. Prior to April 22, 2025, the effects of translating the Company's Canadian operations from the Canadian dollar to the U.S. dollar were recorded in *Other comprehensive income (loss)* and *Accumulated other comprehensive loss*. The change in functional currency was accounted for prospectively from April 22, 2025, and prior period consolidated financial statements were not restated. Previously recorded cumulative translation adjustments were not reversed.

References in these Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to $ refer to United States (U.S.) dollars and C$ to Canadian dollars. Dollar amounts are in thousands, except for per share amounts.

**Cash and cash equivalents**

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash balances and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. Cash equivalents are held for the purpose of meeting short-term cash commitments rather than for investment or other purposes.

**Term deposits**

The Company's term deposits are classified as held to maturity and recorded at cost. Term deposits are held at Chartered Canadian banks and U.S. banks with investment grade credit ratings and original maturities of 12 months or less. The term deposits are not traded in an active market.

------

**NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

(U.S. dollars in thousands, except per share)

**Contingent note receivable**

A portion of the consideration from the Company's 2018 sale of Galore Creek to a subsidiary of Newmont Corporation ("Newmont") included a $75,000 note receivable, contingent upon the approval of a Galore Creek project construction plan by the owner(s). The Company has not assigned a value to the contingent note receivable as management determined that the approval of the Galore Creek project construction was not probable as of the closing of the Galore Creek sale or in subsequent periods. The contingent note will be recognized when, in management's judgement, it is probable that the payment will occur, and that the amount recorded will not reverse in subsequent periods.

**Investment in affiliates**

Investments in unconsolidated ventures over which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence, but does not control, are accounted for under the equity method and include the Company's investment in the Donlin Gold project. The Company identified Donlin Gold as a Variable Interest Entity ("VIE") as it is dependent on funding from its owners. Historically, all funding, ownership, voting rights, and power was shared equally on a 50/50 basis between the owners of the VIE. On June 3, 2025, the Company increased its ownership interest in Donlin Gold to 60% (Note 5) resulting in the funding and ownership being shared on a 60/40 basis between the Company and its new Donlin Gold partner. However, the power to exercise control and direct the activities of Donlin Gold continues to be shared equally on a 50/50 basis between the Company and its new Donlin Gold partner. As such, the Company has determined it continues to not be the primary beneficiary of the VIE. The Company's maximum exposure to loss is its equity investment in Donlin Gold.

The equity method is a basis of accounting for investments whereby the initial and any subsequent investment is recorded at cost and the carrying value is adjusted thereafter to include the investor's pro rata share of post-acquisition earnings or losses of the investee, as computed by the consolidation method. Cash funding increases the carrying value of the investment. Profit distributions received or receivable from an investee reduce the carrying value of the investment.

Donlin Gold is a non-publicly traded equity investee owning an exploration and development project. Therefore, the Company assesses whether there has been a potential triggering event for other-than-temporary impairment by assessing the underlying assets of the equity investee for recoverability and assessing whether there has been a change in the development plan or strategy for the project. If the underlying assets are not recoverable, the Company will record an impairment charge equal to the difference between the carrying amount of the investee and its fair value.

**Income taxes**

The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method, recognizing certain temporary differences between the financial reporting basis of the Company's liabilities and assets and the related income tax basis for such liabilities and assets. This method generates deferred income tax liabilities and assets for the Company, as measured by the statutory tax rates in effect. The Company derives its deferred income tax charge or benefit by recording the change in deferred income tax liabilities and asset balances for the year.

The Company's deferred income tax assets include certain future tax benefits. The Company records a valuation allowance against any portion of those deferred income tax assets when it believes, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized.

**Share-based payments**

The Company records share-based compensation awards exchanged for employee services at fair value on the date of the grant and expenses the awards in the Consolidated Statements of Loss over the requisite employee service period. The fair values of stock options are determined using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. The fair values of PSUs are determined using a Monte Carlo valuation model. The Company's estimates may be impacted by certain variables including, but not limited to, stock price volatility, employee stock option exercise behaviors, additional stock option and PSU grants, estimates of forfeitures, the Company's performance, and the Company's performance in relation to its peers.

------

**NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

(U.S. dollars in thousands, except per share)

**Net income (loss) per common share**

Basic and diluted income (loss) per share are presented for Net income (loss). Basic income (loss) per share is computed by dividing Net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of outstanding common shares for the period. Diluted income per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts that may require the issuance of common shares in the future were converted. Diluted income per share is computed by increasing the weighted-average number of outstanding common shares to include the additional common shares that would be outstanding after conversion and adjusting net income for changes that would result from the conversion. For periods where NOVAGOLD records a loss, the Company calculates diluted loss per share using the basic weighted average number of shares. If the diluted weighted average number of shares were used, the result would be a reduction in the loss, which would be anti-dilutive.

**Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements and Securities and Exchange Commission Rules**

*Updates to Reportable Segment Disclosures*

In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2023-07 "Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures." ASU 2023-07 expands public entities' segment disclosures by requiring disclosure of significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker and included within each reported measure of segment profit or loss and interim disclosures of a reportable segment's profit or loss and assets. The standard is effective for the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2025, and subsequent interim periods. The Company adopted this standard during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025 with no material impact to its consolidated financial statements. See Note 3 – Segment Information for disclosures related to ASU 2023-07.

*Updates to Income Tax Disclosure*

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09 "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures." ASU 2023-09 enhances the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures through changes to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid information. The standard is effective beginning with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2026, and subsequent interim periods, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the guidance on the consolidated financial statements.

*Updates to Expense Disclosure*

In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03 "Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses." ASU 2024-03 requires disaggregated disclosures of relevant income statement expenses to improve financial reporting by enhancing transparency in the notes to the financial statements, specifically regarding expense categories. The standard is effective beginning with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2028, and subsequent interim periods, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this standard.

------

**NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

(U.S. dollars in thousands, except per share)

**NOTE 3** – **SEGMENTED INFORMATION**

Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision-maker. At present, the Company operates a single reportable segment. The chief operating decision-maker ("CODM"), who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing the performance of the operating segments, has been identified as the Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer evaluates the Company's performance based on the overall results of the Company, including the performance of its investment in the Donlin Gold project (Note 5). The Company uses a single U.S. GAAP-consistent measure of segment profit or loss with no reconciling items or measurement differences. Management has concluded that consolidated net income (loss) is the appropriate measure of segment profit or loss. The CODM does not regularly receive or review discrete segment-level expense categories separate from those presented in the consolidated statements of operations. Accordingly, no significant segment expenses are separately disclosed, as all expenses are included within the consolidated statements of loss.

**NOTE 4** – **NOTES RECEIVABLE**

Changes in the Company's *Notes receivable* are summarized as follows:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | Years ended November 30, | Years ended November 30, | Years ended November 30, |
|  | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
| Balance – beginning of year | $— | $— | $24421 |
| Accretion of notes receivable |  |  | 579 |
| Payment received |  |  | (25000) |
| Balance – end of year | $— | $— | $— |

---

**Galore Creek**

On July 27, 2018, the Company sold its interest in the Galore Creek project to a subsidiary of Newmont for cash proceeds of $100,000, a $75,000 note due upon the earlier of the completion of a Galore Creek pre-feasibility study or July 27, 2021, a $25,000 note due upon the earlier of the completion of a Galore Creek feasibility study or July 27, 2023, and a contingent note for $75,000 due upon approval of a Galore Creek project construction plan by the owner(s). The Company received from Newmont $75,000 on July 27, 2021, and $25,000 on July 27, 2023.

No value was assigned to the final $75,000 contingent note. The Company determined that Galore Creek project construction approval was not probable as of the closing of the Galore Creek sale. The Company's assessment did not change as of November 30, 2025. The contingent note will be recognized when, in management's judgement, it is probable that the payment will occur, and that the amount recorded will not reverse in subsequent periods.

**Minas San Roque**

On November 3, 2021, the Company sold its 49% interest in the Minas San Roque project in Argentina to Marifil S.A., a subsidiary of International Iconic Gold Mines Ltd. ("Iconic") for cash proceeds of C$250 upon closing, a C$750 note receivable due on November 1, 2022, and a C$1,000 note receivable due on November 1, 2023. On closing, the Company determined the fair value of the notes was nil. Iconic completed the C$750 note repayment due on November 1, 2022 in December 2022, and the C$1,000 ($743) note repayment due on November 1, 2023 was made in January 2024.

**NOTE 5** – **INVESTMENT IN DONLIN GOLD**

On June 3, 2025, the Company closed on a membership interest purchase agreement among Paulson, Barrick Gold U.S. Inc., Barrick (together, the "Barrick Parties"), Donlin Gold Holdings LLC (a subsidiary of Paulson), and NOVAGOLD Resources Alaska, Inc. ("NGRA"), a subsidiary of the Company, whereby the Barrick Parties sold their 50% interest in Donlin Gold to Donlin Gold Holdings LLC and NGRA, for $1,000,000 (the "Donlin Gold Transaction"). In accordance with the agreement, NGRA acquired an additional 10% interest in Donlin Gold for $200,000 and Donlin Gold Holdings LLC acquired a 40% interest in Donlin Gold for $800,000.

As part of the consideration paid for the additional 10% interest, NGRA paid an additional working capital adjustment of $980 to the Barrick Parties and incurred transaction costs of $9,070. The consideration, working capital adjustment and transaction costs were capitalized and included in the Company's *Investment in Donlin Gold*.

The Donlin Gold project is owned and operated by Donlin Gold, a limited liability company in which, effective June 3, 2025, wholly-owned subsidiaries of NOVAGOLD and Donlin Gold Holdings LLC owned a 60% and 40% interest, respectively. While the Company has a 60% economic interest in Donlin Gold following the Donlin Gold Transaction, the Company and Paulson have equal governance rights. Donlin Gold has a board of four representatives, with two representatives selected by Paulson and two representatives selected by the Company. All significant decisions related to Donlin Gold require the approval of at least a majority of the Donlin Gold board.

------

**NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

(U.S. dollars in thousands, except per share)

Changes in the Company's *Investment in Donlin Gold* are summarized as follows:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | Years ended November 30, | Years ended November 30, | Years ended November 30, |
|  | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
| Balance – beginning of year | $2597 | $3071 | $3848 |
| Acquisition of additional 10% interest in Donlin Gold | 210050 |  |  |
| Share of losses: |  |  |  |
| Mineral property expenditures | (21385) | (12351) | (17918) |
| Depreciation | (483) | (530) | (571) |
| Accretion | (44) | (40) | (40) |
|  | 188138 | (12921) | (18529) |
| Funding | 22467 | 12447 | 17752 |
| Balance – end of year | $213202 | $2597 | $3071 |

---

The following amounts represent the Company's 60% share of the assets and liabilities of Donlin Gold following the Donlin Gold Transaction on June 3, 2025. Subsequent to the completion of the Donlin Gold Transaction, the carrying value of the Company's investment in Donlin Gold exceeded the net assets of Donlin Gold due to the capitalization of the consideration paid to acquire an additional 10% interest of Donlin Gold and transaction costs of $9,070. Prior to June 3, 2025, the Company held a 50% economic interest in Donlin Gold and the carrying value of the Company's investment in Donlin Gold was less than the net assets of Donlin Gold as Donlin Gold capitalized Barrick's initial contribution of the Donlin Gold property at inception as *Non-current assets: Mineral property* with a cost basis of $64,000 while the Company's initial contribution to Donlin Gold consisted of historical exploration which NOVAGOLD previously expensed.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | As of November 30, | As of November 30, |
|  | 2025 | 2024 |
| Economic interest of Donlin Gold held | 60% | 50% |
| Share of assets and liabilities of Donlin Gold held |  |  |
| Current assets: Cash, prepaid expenses, and other receivables | $5591 | $3745 |
| Non-current assets: Right-of-use assets, property and equipment | 1295 | 965 |
| Non-current assets: Mineral property | 39185 | 32654 |
| Current liabilities: Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and lease obligations | (2688) | (1947) |
| Non-current liabilities: Reclamation and lease obligations | (1032) | (820) |
| Net assets | $42351 | $34597 |

---

**NOTE 6** – **OTHER ASSETS**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | As of November 30, | As of November 30, |
|  | 2025 | 2024 |
| Other current assets: |  |  |
| Accounts receivable | $62 | $22 |
| Interest receivable | 201 | 89 |
| Receivable from Donlin Gold | 1044 | 212 |
| Prepaid expenses | 1037 | 1207 |
|  | $2344 | $1530 |
| Other long-term assets: |  |  |
| Marketable equity securities | $4406 | $3387 |
| Right-of-use assets | 722 | 896 |
| Office equipment | 96 | 119 |
|  | $5224 | $4402 |

---

------

**NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

(U.S. dollars in thousands, except per share)

**NOTE 7** – **PROMISSORY NOTE**

The Company has a promissory note payable to Barrick of $166,296, comprising $158,916 in principal, and $7,380 in accrued interest at U.S. prime plus 2%, compounded semi-annually. The original promissory note resulted from the agreement that led to the formation of Donlin Gold, where the Company agreed to reimburse Barrick for a portion of their expenditures incurred from April 1, 2006 to November 30, 2007. The promissory note and accrued interest are payable from 85% of distributed processed products, cash and other assets, and payments of 5% of certain net proceeds specified in the promissory note. The carrying value of the promissory note approximates fair value.

Concurrently with the announcement of the Donlin Gold Transaction on April 22, 2025, the Company entered into a prepayment option agreement with Barrick, which provided the Company with an option to prepay the promissory note in full for $90,000 prior to the closing of the Donlin Gold Transaction. As the prepayment option was not exercised prior to the closing date, the prepayment option agreement expired on June 3, 2025. Concurrent with the closing of the Donlin Gold Transaction on June 3, 2025, the Company entered into an amended and restated secured promissory note with Barrick that provides the Company with the option to prepay the promissory note in full for $100,000 on or before December 3, 2026. In addition, the security package was modified in order to exclude any property held by Donlin Gold or the membership interest in Donlin Gold held by NGRA; however, it remains secured by NGRA's right, title and interest to proceeds from Donlin Gold. All other terms of the promissory note remain the same.

Changes in the Company's *Promissory Note* is summarized as follows:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | Years ended November 30, | Years ended November 30, | Years ended November 30, |
|  | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
| Balance – beginning of year | $151522 | $136748 | $123685 |
| Interest expense on promissory note | 14774 | 14774 | 13063 |
| Balance – end of year | $166296 | $151522 | $136748 |

---

------

**NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

(U.S. dollars in thousands, except per share)

**NOTE 8** – **LEASES**

The Company leases office space under non-cancelable operating leases with original lease terms of five years. These leases require monthly lease payments that may be subject to annual increases throughout the lease term. Certain of these leases also include renewal options at the election of the Company to renew or extend the lease for an additional five years. These optional periods have not been considered in the determination of Right-of-Use ("ROU") assets or lease liabilities associated with these leases as management did not consider it reasonably certain it would exercise the options. Certain of our leases include payments that vary based on the Company's level of usage and operations. These variable payments are not included within ROU assets and lease liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Additionally, short-term leases, which have an initial term of 12 months or less, are not recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Lease expenses are included in *General and administrative expense* – *Office expense* on the Consolidated Statements of Loss and include the following components:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | Years ended November 30, | Years ended November 30, | Years ended November 30, |
|  | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
| Operating lease cost | $222 | $225 | $232 |
| Variable lease cost | 104 | 135 | 121 |
| Short-term lease cost | 5 | 6 | 5 |
|  | $331 | $366 | $358 |

---

Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases as of November 30, 2025, were as follows:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 2026 | $215 |
| 2027 | 226 |
| 2028 | 247 |
| 2029 | 141 |
| 2030 | 14 |
| Thereafter |  |
| Total future minimum lease payments | 843 |
| Less: imputed interest | (81) |
|  | $762 |

---

Other information regarding leases includes the following:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | Years ended November 30, | Years ended November 30, | Years ended November 30, |
|  | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
| Cash paid for operating leases | $216 | $232 | $193 |
| Variable lease cost | 104 | 135 | 121 |
| Short-term lease cost | 5 | 6 | 5 |
|  | $325 | $373 | $319 |
| ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities | $— | $— | $— |
| Weighted average: |  |  |  |
| Remaining lease term (years) – operating leases | 3.6 | 4.6 | 4.8 |
| Discount rate – operating leases | 5.6% | 6.7% | 5.9% |

---

------

**NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

(U.S. dollars in thousands, except per share)

**NOTE 9** – **OTHER LIABILITIES**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | As of November 30, | As of November 30, |
|  | 2025 | 2024 |
| Other current liabilities: |  |  |
| Remediation liabilities | $124 | $244 |
| Lease obligations | 177 | 169 |
|  | $301 | $413 |
| Other long-term liabilities: |  |  |
| Remediation liabilities | $300 | $400 |
| Lease obligations | 585 | 761 |
|  | $885 | $1161 |

---

**NOTE 10** – **SHARE CAPITAL**

**Common shares**

The Company is authorized to issue 1,000,000,000 common shares without par value, of which 406,932,104 were issued and outstanding as of November 30, 2025, and 334,567,187 were issued and outstanding as of November 30, 2024.

**Preferred shares**

Pursuant to the Company's Notice of Articles filed under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia), the Company is authorized to issue 10,000,000 preferred shares without par value. The authorized but unissued preferred shares may be issued in designated series from time to time by one or more resolutions adopted by the directors. The directors have the authority to determine the preferences, limitations, and relative rights of each series of preferred shares. As of November 30, 2025 and 2024, no preferred shares were issued or outstanding.

------

**NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

(U.S. dollars in thousands, except per share)

**NOTE 11** – **EQUITY TRANSACTIONS**

**Public Equity Offering and Private Placement Offering**

On May 9, 2025, the Company closed a public equity offering of 47,850,000 shares of NOVAGOLD at a price of $3.75 per share. As part of the public equity offering, the Company granted the underwriters a 30-day overallotment option to purchase up to an additional 7,177,500 common shares at a price of $3.75 per share less underwriting discounts and commissions. Concurrent with the public offering, the Company also closed a private placement for 17,173,853 common shares of NOVAGOLD at a price of $3.75 per share on May 9, 2025. On June 5, 2025, the Company issued an additional 7,177,500 common shares of NOVAGOLD pursuant to the exercise in full of the overallotment option by the underwriters. The public equity offering and concurrent private placement offering are referred to herein as the "May 2025 Offering".

On closing of the May 2025 Offering, the Company received aggregate gross proceeds of $243,839 before deducting fees and other offering expenses totaling approximately $9,734. On closing of the overallotment option exercise, the Company received additional aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $26,915 before deducting fees and other offering expenses totaling approximately $1,434.

**Warrants**

Concurrent with the Donlin Gold Transaction announced on April 22, 2025, the Company entered into a backstop commitment agreement with certain institutional investors, pursuant to which the investors committed to purchase up to $170,000 of the Company's common shares to partially fund the $200,000 payment to the Barrick Parties under the Donlin Gold Transaction discussed in Note 5. As consideration for providing this commitment, and independent of whether the backstop was ultimately exercised, the Company issued 25,500,000 warrants to the investors enabling them to purchase common shares of NOVAGOLD for an exercise price of $3.00 per share ("Backstop Warrants"). The Backstop Warrants contain a "cashless exercise" feature, such that, in lieu of making a cash payment to NOVAGOLD upon the exercise of the Backstop Warrant, the warrant holder may elect instead to receive upon such exercise (either in whole or in part) the net number of common shares equivalent to the Backstop Warrants' intrinsic value, as determined according to the formula set forth in the Backstop Warrants. The Backstop Warrants expire in April 2030 and contain customary anti-dilution provisions. All of the Backstop Warrants remained outstanding at November 30, 2025.

As discussed above, the Company subsequently completed the May 2025 Offering and the backstop commitment expired unexercised in May 2025. The Company determined the Backstop Warrants met the conditions for equity classification in accordance with U.S. GAAP and were included as a component of shareholders' equity (deficit).

The Company estimated the fair value of the Backstop Warrants using the Black-Scholes option pricing model on the grant date. Key inputs included a 5-year term, an exercise price of $3.00 per share, a risk-free interest rate of 3.97%, and an expected volatility of 51.20%, based on the Company's 5-year historical stock price. Based on these assumptions, the estimated fair value was $1.55 per warrant, resulting in a total fair value of $39,607. As the Backstop Warrants were not a direct offering cost associated with the May 2025 Offering, the $39,607 was recorded as a non-cash expense in the second quarter of 2025 and included in warrant expense in the consolidated statement of operations. The expense is also presented as a non-cash financing activity in the supplemental disclosures to the consolidated statement of cash flows (Note 18).

**NOTE 12** – **FAIR VALUE ACCOUNTING**

Financial instruments measured at fair value are classified into one of three levels in the fair value hierarchy according to the significance of the inputs used in making the measurement. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

*Level 1* — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;

*Level 2* — Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; and

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**NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

(U.S. dollars in thousands, except per share)

*Level 3* — Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (supported by little or no market activity).

The Company's financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, term deposits, accounts receivable, including from Donlin Gold, marketable securities, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and promissory note. The fair value of the promissory note approximates its carrying value based on accrued interest at U.S. prime plus 2% and is payable from 85% of distributed processed products, cash and other assets, and payments of 5% of certain net proceeds specified in the promissory note. The fair values of the Company's other financial instruments approximate their carrying value due to the short-term nature of their maturity. The Company's financial instruments initially measured at fair value and then held at amortized cost include cash and cash equivalents, term deposits, accounts receivable, including from Donlin Gold, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and a promissory note. The Company's marketable securities are valued using quoted market prices in active markets and as such are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the marketable securities was $4,406 as of November 30, 2025 ($3,387 as of November 30, 2024), calculated as the quoted market price of the marketable equity security multiplied by the quantity of shares held by the Company.

**NOTE 13** – **GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE**

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | Years ended November 30, | Years ended November 30, | Years ended November 30, |
|  | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
| Share-based compensation (Note 14) | $6696 | $7237 | $8731 |
| Salaries and benefits | 7967 | 7958 | 7009 |
| Professional fees | 6179 | 5279 | 1647 |
| Office expense | 3280 | 3205 | 3302 |
| Corporate communications and regulatory | 1234 | 1235 | 1084 |
| Depreciation | 22 | 22 | 10 |
|  | $25378 | $24936 | $21783 |

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**NOTE 14** – **SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION**

Share incentive awards include a stock option plan for directors, executives, employees and eligible consultants, a PSU plan for executives, employees, and eligible consultants and a DSU plan for non-executive directors of the Company. As of November 30, 2025, 36,785,540 common shares were available for future share incentive plan awards under all three plans.

The following table shows the recognized share-based compensation expense, a component of General and Administrative Expense (Note 13), by award type:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | Years ended November 30, | Years ended November 30, | Years ended November 30, |
|  | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
| Stock options | $3767 | $4236 | $4594 |
| Performance share unit plan | 2651 | 2727 | 3910 |
| Deferred share unit plan | 278 | 274 | 227 |
|  | $6696 | $7237 | $8731 |

---

**Stock options**

Stock options granted under the Company's share-based incentive plans generally expire five years after the date of grant and vest in one-third annual increments beginning on the first-year anniversary of the date of grant. The value of each option award is estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Black-Scholes option pricing model requires the input of subjective assumptions, including the expected term of the option award and share price volatility. The expected term of options granted is derived from historical data on employee exercise and post-vesting employment termination experience. The expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company's shares at the date of grant over the same length of term. These estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management's judgment.

------

**NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

(U.S. dollars in thousands, except per share)

A summary of stock options outstanding and activity during the year ended November 30, 2025 are as follows:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | Number of<br> stock<br> options | Weighted-<br> average<br> exercise<br> price per<br> share | Weighted-<br> average<br> remaining<br> contractual<br> term<br> (years) | Aggregate<br> intrinsic<br> value |
| November 30, 2024 | 8849535 | $6.12 |  |  |
| Granted | 3088700 | 4.40 |  |  |
| Exercised | (86967) | 9.60 |  |  |
| Expired | (2032735) | 7.27 |  |  |
| Forfeited | (154766) | 4.48 |  |  |
| November 30, 2025 | 9663767 | $5.32 | 2.74 | $47063 |
| Vested and exercisable as of November 30, 2025 | 4355113 | $6.41 | 1.55 | $16484 |

---

The following table summarizes key stock option valuation inputs:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | Years ended November 30, | Years ended November 30, | Years ended November 30, |
|  | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
| Weighted-average assumptions used to value stock option awards: |  |  |  |
| Expected volatility | 52.9% | 48.7% | 48.4% |
| Risk-free interest rate | 3.64% | 4.29% | 3.85% |
| Expected forfeiture rate | 3.3% | 3.0% | 2.8% |
| Expected dividend rate | —% | —% | —% |
| Expected term of options (years) | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Weighted-average grant-date fair value | $1.96 | $1.76 | $2.40 |
| Intrinsic value of options exercised | $51 | $471 | $2339 |
| Cash received from options exercised | $— | $— | $— |

---

As of November 30, 2025, the Company had $4,350 of unrecognized compensation cost related to 5,308,654 non-vested stock options expected to be expensed and vest over a period of approximately 2.7 years.

**Performance share units**

The Company has a PSU plan that provides for the issuance of PSUs in amounts as approved by the Company's Compensation Committee. Each PSU award entitles the participant to receive one common share of the Company at the end of a specified period. The Compensation Committee may adjust the number of common shares for the achievement of certain performance and vesting criteria established at the time of grant. The actual performance against each of these criteria generates a multiplier that varies from 0% to 150%. Thus, the common shares that may be issued varies between 0% and 150% of the number of PSUs granted, reduced by the amounts granted to participants no longer with the Company on the vesting date.

The value of each PSU granted is estimated at the grant date using a Monte Carlo simulation model. The Monte Carlo simulation model requires the input of subjective assumptions, including the share price volatility of the Company's stock, as well as a comparator index and the correlation of returns between the comparator index and the Company's shares. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company's shares and the comparator index at the grant date. As new PSUs and stock options are generally granted on the same date, many of the key valuation input assumptions are the same for both share incentive award types.

------

**NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

(U.S. dollars in thousands, except per share)

A summary of PSU awards outstanding and activity during the year ended November 30, 2025 are as follows:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | Number of<br> PSU awards | Weighted-<br> average<br> grant day<br> fair value<br> per award | Aggregate<br> intrinsic<br> value |
| November 30, 2024 | 1633500 | $5.32 |  |
| Vested and paid out/released | (102100) | 6.70 |  |
| Performance adjustment | (306300) | 6.70 |  |
| Granted | 849200 | 4.35 |  |
| November 30, 2025 | 2074300 | $4.65 | $18407 |

---

The following table summarizes key PSU valuation inputs:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | Years ended November 30, | Years ended November 30, | Years ended November 30, |
|  | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
| Weighted-average assumptions used to value PSU awards: |  |  |  |
| Expected volatility of Company shares | 54.8% | 42.5% | 53.9% |
| Expected volatility of TSX index | 29.7% | 29.2% | 37.5% |
| Expected correlation between Company shares and TSX | 63.2% | 78.3% | 80.6% |
| Canadian risk-free interest rate | 2.60% | 4.22% | 3.52% |
| Expected term of PSUs (years) | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Number of PSUs granted | 849200 | 886800 | 605500 |
| Weighted-average grant-date fair value | $4.41 | $4.20 | $5.77 |

---

As of November 30, 2025, the Company had 2,074,300 non-vested PSU awards outstanding of which 495,500 were fully expensed and vested in December 2025 without meeting the performance payout criteria. The remaining 1,578,800 non-vested PSU awards with $4,012 of unrecognized compensation cost will be expensed over a period of approximately 2.4 years.

The following table summarizes other PSU-related vesting information:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | Years ended November 30, | Years ended November 30, | Years ended November 30, |
|  | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
| Performance multiplier on PSUs vested | 25% | 100% | —% |
| Common shares issued | 79384 | 149559 |  |
| Total fair value of common shares issued | $2129 | $800 | $— |
| Withholding tax paid on PSUs vested | $609 | $174 | $— |

---

**Deferred share units**

The Company has a DSU plan that provides for the issuance of DSUs in amounts where the directors receive half of their annual retainer in DSUs and have the option to elect to receive all or a portion of the other half of their annual retainer in DSUs. Each DSU entitles the directors to receive one common share or the market value thereof in cash, at the Company's option, when they retire from the Company. The Company granted 72,595, 76,781, and 43,658 DSUs to directors with a weighted-average grant day fair value of $3.84, $4.62, and $5.04 per DSU during 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively. The Company issued 79,065, 46,405, and 48,446 common shares under the DSU plan to directors that retired from the Company in 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively. As of November 30, 2025, there were 308,245 DSUs outstanding.

------

**NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

(U.S. dollars in thousands, except per share)

**NOTE 15**– **OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), NET**

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | Years ended November 30, | Years ended November 30, | Years ended November 30, |
|  | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
| Gain on sale of mineral property | $— | $743 | $556 |
| Fuel tax credit | 19 |  |  |
| Change in fair market value of marketable securities | 2011 | 1436 | 269 |
| Foreign exchange gain (loss) | (132) | 516 | (43) |
|  | $1898 | $2695 | $782 |

---

In January 2024, the Company received $743 for a note receivable from the sale of its interest in a mining project (Note 4), which the Company had previously written off.

**NOTE 16** – **INCOME TAXES**

The Company's combined federal and provincial statutory tax rate is 27% and is expected to remain unchanged until at least 2026.

The Company's *Income tax expense (recovery)* consisted of:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | Years ended November 30, | Years ended November 30, | Years ended November 30, |
|  | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
| Current: |  |  |  |
| Canada | $— | $— | $— |
| Foreign |  | 724 | 39 |
|  |  | 724 | 39 |
| Deferred: |  |  |  |
| Canada |  |  |  |
| Foreign |  |  |  |
| Income tax (recovery) expense | $— | $724 | $39 |

---

The Company's *Loss before income taxes* consisted of:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | Years ended November 30, | Years ended November 30, | Years ended November 30, |
|  | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
| Canada | $(59391) | $289 | $(18213) |
| Foreign | (35268) | (45186) | (28551) |
|  | $(94659) | $(44897) | $(46764) |

---

------

**NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

(U.S. dollars in thousands, except per share)

The Company's *Income tax (recovery) expense* differed from the amounts computed by applying the Canadian statutory corporate income tax rates for the following reasons:

---

| | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  |  |  | Years ended November 30, | Years ended November 30, | Years ended November 30, | Years ended November 30, | Years ended November 30, | Years ended November 30, | Years ended November 30, |
|  |  |  | 2025 |  |  | 2024 |  |  | 2023 |
| Loss before income taxes |  |  | $(94659) |  |  | $(44897) |  |  | $(46764) |
| Federal Income Tax Rate |  |  | 15.00% |  |  | 15.00% |  |  | 15.00% |
| British Columbia Income Tax Rate |  |  | 12.00% |  |  | 12.00% |  |  | 12.00% |
| Statutory income tax rate |  |  | 27.00% |  |  | 27.00% |  |  | 27.00% |
| Combined federal and provincial statutory tax rate | | 27.0 *%* | (25558) | | 27.0 *%* | (12122) | | 27.0 *%* | (12626) |
| Reconciling items: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Non-deductible expenditures | | *-*13.5 *%* | 12806 | | *-*4.9 *%* | 2207 | | *-*5.9 *%* | 2767 |
| Foreign accrual property income | | *-*1.6 *%* | 1539 | | *-*3.8 *%* | 1715 | | *-*3.6 *%* | 1682 |
| Effect of different statutory tax rates on earnings or losses of subsidiaries | | 0.5 *%* | (503) | | 0.8 *%* | (359) | | 0.9 *%* | (407) |
| Withholding taxes |  |  |  | | *-*0.2 *%* | 99 |  |  |  |
| Change in valuation allowance on deferred tax assets | | *-*15.5 *%* | 14686 | | *-*20.4 *%* | 9144 | | *-*18.5 *%* | 8623 |
| Share issuance costs | | 3.1 *%* | (2968) |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Other | | 0.0 *%* | (2) | | *-*0.1 *%* | 40 |  |  |  |
| Income tax (recovery) expense | | 0.0 *%* | $— | | *-*1.6 *%* | $724 | | *-*0.1 *%* | $39 |

---

Components of the Company's deferred income tax assets (liabilities) are as follows:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | As of November 30, | As of November 30, |
|  | 2025 | 2024 |
| Deferred tax income assets: |  |  |
| Net operating loss carry forwards | $209567 | $200693 |
| Capital loss carry forwards | 46632 | 46528 |
| Mineral properties | 606 | 605 |
| Intangible assets | 449 | 448 |
| Property and equipment | 11 | 183 |
| Share issuance costs | 2380 |  |
| Investment in affiliates | 51944 | 48486 |
| Unpaid interest expense |  | 2105 |
| Unrealized loss on investments | 1 | 56 |
| Asset retirement obligation | 121 | 183 |
| Other | 880 | 970 |
|  | 312591 | 300257 |
| Valuation allowances | (312032) | (299829) |
|  | 559 | 428 |
| Deferred income tax liabilities: |  |  |
| Term Deposits | (120) |  |
| Capitalized assets and other | (333) | (428) |
| Available For Sale Investments | (106) |  |
|  | (559) | (428) |
| Net deferred income tax assets (liabilities) | $— | $— |

---

------

**NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

(U.S. dollars in thousands, except per share)

Net operating losses available to offset future taxable income are as follows:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Fiscal Year of Expiry | U.S. | Canada |
| 2026 | $13382 | $17290 |
| 2027 | 18493 | 1726 |
| 2028 | 85 |  |
| 2029 | 11223 | 11187 |
| 2030 | 10916 | 14887 |
| 2031 | 16580 | 14816 |
| 2032 | 309772 | 18082 |
| 2033 | 14529 | 13645 |
| 2034 | 15607 | 9817 |
| 2035 | 16383 | 8965 |
| 2036 | 14764 | 8822 |
| 2037 | 14111 | 5866 |
| 2038 |  | 5978 |
| 2039 |  | 5419 |
| 2040 |  | 6454 |
| 2041 |  |  |
| 2042 |  | 6659 |
| 2043 |  | 5004 |
| 2044 |  | 9790 |
| 2045 |  | 12002 |
| Indefinite | 113835 |  |
|  | $569680 | $176409 |

---

U.S. net operating losses arising in tax years ending after December 31, 2017 can be carried over to each taxable year following the tax year of loss (indefinitely). The Company has capital loss carry-forwards of approximately $345,420 as of November 30, 2025 (November 30, 2024: $344,655) for Canadian tax purposes. These tax losses are carried forward indefinitely.

Future use of U.S. loss carry-forwards is subject to certain limitations under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code pursuant to Section 382, which relates to a 50 percent change in ownership over a rolling three-year period and are further dependent upon the Company attaining profitable operations. Ownership changes occurred on January 22, 2009 and December 31, 2012. Accordingly, the Company's ability to use these losses may be limited or they may expire un-utilized. Losses incurred to date may be further limited if a subsequent change in control occurs.

Management assesses the available positive and negative evidence to estimate if sufficient future taxable income will be generated to use the existing deferred tax asset. Significant pieces of objective negative evidence evaluated include the cumulative loss incurred as of November 30, 2025. Such objective evidence limits the ability to consider other subjective evidence such as management's projections for future growth. On the basis of this evaluation, as of November 30, 2025, a valuation allowance of $312,032 (November 30, 2024: $299,829), has been recorded in order to measure only the portion of the deferred tax asset that more likely than not will be realized. However, the amount of deferred tax asset considered realizable may change if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period are positive or if objective negative evidence in the form of cumulative losses is no longer present in which case additional weight may be given to subjective evidence such as management's projections for growth.

------

**NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

(U.S. dollars in thousands, except per share)

**Uncertain tax position**

There were no uncertain tax positions as of November 30, 2025, 2024 and 2023. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions, if any, as income tax expense. Accrued interest and penalties are included within the related tax liability line in the consolidated balance sheet. As of November 30, 2025, 2024 and 2023, there were no accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions. The Company is subject to income taxes in Canada and the United States. With few exceptions, the tax years that remain subject to examination as of November 30, 2025, are 2021 to 2025 in Canada and 2021 to 2025 in the United States.

**NOTE 17** – **RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS**

The Company provided management and administrative services to Donlin Gold for $1,161 in 2025 ($731 in 2024 and $990 in 2023). As of November 30, 2025, the Company has accounts receivable from Donlin Gold of $1,044 (November 30, 2024: $212) included in *Other current assets*.

As consideration for providing a backstop commitment to the Company on April 22, 2025, NOVAGOLD issued Backstop Warrants (Note 11) to three institutional investors, one of which was Electrum. The Backstop Warrants have an estimated aggregate fair value of $39,607. Electrum received 6,375,000 Backstop Warrants having a fair value of approximately $9,902. Dr. Thomas Kaplan, NOVAGOLD's Chairman of the Board, is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Electrum Group LLC, an affiliate of Electrum. Electrum is the largest shareholder of NOVAGOLD.

Additionally, Electrum was one of two institutional investors who participated in a private placement that closed concurrent with the public equity offering at the same price as the public equity offering described in Note 11. Electrum purchased 13,333,334 shares of NOVAGOLD in the private placement for $50,000.

**NOTE 18** – **SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION**

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | Years ended November 30, | Years ended November 30, | Years ended November 30, |
|  | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
| Interest and dividends received | $5114 | $5539 | $5754 |
| Income taxes refunded | $— | $— | $325 |
| Income taxes paid | $223 | $645 | $75 |

---

During the first quarter of 2025, the Company received $952 in cash proceeds and 19,688 shares of Lundin Mining Corporation as consideration for the acquisition of one of the Company's previously held marketable securities.

As consideration for providing a backstop commitment to the Company on April 22, 2025, NOVAGOLD issued Backstop Warrants (Note 11) to certain institutional investors with an estimated total fair value of $39,607. The Company subsequently completed its May 2025 Offering and the backstop commitment expired unexercised in May 2025. As the Backstop Warrants were not a direct offering cost associated with the May 2025 Offering, the $39,607 was recorded as a non-cash expense in the second quarter of 2025 and included in warrant expense in the consolidated statement of operations. The expense represents a non-cash financing activity.

------

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 9.**  | **Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure** |

---

None.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 9A.** | **Controls and Procedures** |

---

An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) under the Exchange Act, as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Based on the foregoing, our management concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms, and such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the year ended November 30, 2025 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

**REPORT OF MANAGEMENT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING**

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company. Internal control over financial reporting is a process to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Internal control over financial reporting includes maintaining records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect our transactions; providing reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary for preparation of our financial statements; providing reasonable assurance that receipts and expenditures of our assets are made in accordance with management's authorization; and providing reasonable assurance that unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements would be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting is not intended to provide absolute assurance that a misstatement of our financial statements would be prevented or detected.

Management conducted its evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting based on criteria established in *Internal Control-Integrated Framework* (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of November 30, 2025.

The effectiveness of our assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of November 30, 2025 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears herein.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 9B.** | **Other Information** |

---

None.

------

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

**PART III**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 10.** | **Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance** |

---

The information in our definitive Proxy Statement, filed pursuant to Regulation 14A promulgated under the Exchange Act for the 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the "2025 Proxy Statement") regarding directors and executive officers and Section 16 reporting information appearing under the headings "Election of Directors", "Information Concerning the Board of Directors And Executive Officers" and "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters" is incorporated by reference in this section. Finally, the information in our 2025 Proxy Statement regarding the Audit Committee under the heading "Statement of Corporate Governance Practices" is incorporated herein by reference.

We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Controller or persons performing similar functions. This Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is posted on our website (www.novagold.com). We intend to satisfy the disclosure requirement under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding an amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, by posting such information on our website, at the address specified above.

Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, and charters for each committee of our Board are also available on our website. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and charters are also available in print to any shareholder who submits a request to: Corporate Secretary, NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC., 201 South Main Street, Suite 400, Salt Lake City, UT, USA 84111.

Information on our website is not deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 11.**  | **Executive Compensation** |

---

The information appearing in our 2025 Proxy Statement under the headings "Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation", "Compensation Discussion & Analysis", "Tabular Disclosure of Executive Compensation", "Non-Executive Director Compensation" and "Compensation Committee Report" is incorporated by reference in this section.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 12.**  | **Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters** |

---

The information appearing in our 2024 Proxy Statement under the heading "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management And Related Shareholder Matters" is incorporated herein by reference.

*Equity Compensation Plan Information as of November 30, 2025*

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Plan Category | Number of securities to<br> be issued upon exercise<br> of options, warrants and<br> rights<br> (a) | Weighted average<br> exercise price of<br> outstanding options,<br> warrants and rights<br> (b) | Weighted average<br> exercise price of<br> outstanding options,<br> warrants and rights<br> (b) | Number of securities<br> remaining available for<br> future issuance under<br> equity compensation plans<br> (excluding securities<br> reflected<br> in column (a))<br> (c) |
| Equity compensation plans approved by security holders |  |  |  |  |
| Stock Award Plan | 9663767<sup>(1)</sup> | C$6.97/$5.37 | C$6.97/$5.37<br><sup>(2)</sup> | 22890801<sup>(3)</sup> |
| PSU | 2074300<sup>(4)</sup> |  | n/a | 10133663<sup>(5)</sup> |
| DSU | 308245<sup>(6)</sup> |  | n/a | 3761076<sup>(7)</sup> |
| Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders |  |  |  |  |
| Total | 12046312 |  |  | 36785540 |

---

------

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

(1) The options issued and outstanding represent approximately 2.37% of the Company's common shares issued and outstanding as of November 30, 2025.

(2) Of the 9,663,767 options issued and outstanding, 1,267,000 have a weighted average exercise price of C$6.97 and 8,396,767 have a weighted average exercise price of $5.37.

(3) The number of options available for future issuance is a number equal to eight percent of the issued and outstanding common shares from time to time, less the number of outstanding options. The 22,890,801 options available for future issuance represent 5.63% of the Company's issued and outstanding common shares as of November 30, 2025.

(4) Assumes vesting at 100% of PSU grant amount. PSUs can vest anywhere from 0% to 150% of the PSU grant amount depending upon performance against established quantitative performance criteria. The PSUs issued and outstanding represent approximately 0.51% of the Company's common shares issued and outstanding as of November 30, 2025.

(5) The number of PSUs available for future issuance is a number equal to three percent of the issued and outstanding common shares from time to time, less the number of outstanding PSUs. The 10,133,663 PSUs available for future issuance represent 2.49% of the Company's issued and outstanding common shares as of November 30, 2025.

(6) The DSUs issued and outstanding represent approximately 0.08% of the Company's common shares issued and outstanding as of November 30, 2025.

(7) The number of DSUs available for future issuance is a number equal to one percent of the issued and outstanding common shares from time to time, less the number of outstanding DSUs. The 3,761,076 DSUs available for future issuance represent 0.92% of the Company's issued and outstanding common shares as of November 30, 2025.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 13.**  | **Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence** |

---

The information appearing in our 2025 Proxy Statement under the headings "Interest of Informed Persons in Material Transactions", "Board of Directors" and "Statement of Corporate Governance Practices" is incorporated herein by reference.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 14.**  | **Principal Accountant Fees and Services** |

---

The information appearing in our 2025 Proxy Statement regarding Audit Fees, Audit Related Fees, Tax Fees, All Other Fees and Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures under the subheading "Appointment of Auditors" is incorporated herein by reference.

------

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

**PART IV**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 15.**  | **Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules** |

---

**(a)(1) Financial Statements**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | **Page** |
| [Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID 271)](#rpt_acc_firm) | [73](#rpt_acc_firm) |
| [Consolidated Balance Sheets](#bs) | [75](#bs) |
| [Consolidated Statements of Loss and Comprehensive Loss](#statofloss) | [76](#statofloss) |
| [Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows](#cashflow) | [77](#cashflow) |
| [Consolidated Statements of Equity](#statequity) | [78](#statequity) |
| [Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements](#notes) | [79](#notes) |

---

**(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules**

Schedule A – The Financial Statements of Donlin Gold LLC as of November 30, 2025 and 2024 and for the years ended November 30, 2025, 2024 and 2023.

No other financial statement schedules are filed as part of this report because such schedules are not applicable or the required information is shown in the Consolidated Financial Statements or Notes thereto. See section *Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data*.

**(a)(3) Executive Compensation Plans and Arrangements**

Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Gregory A. Lang, dated January 9, 2012, identified in exhibit list below.

Employment Agreement between NOVAGOLD Resources Alaska, Inc. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Registrant) and Gregory A. Lang dated January 9, 2012, identified in exhibit list below.

Employment Agreement between NovaGold USA, Inc. and Richard A. Williams dated January 8, 2013, identified in exhibit list below.

Employment Agreement between NovaGold USA, Inc. and Peter Adamek dated July 25, 2024, identified in exhibit list below.

2004 Stock Award Plan of NOVAGOLD Resources Inc. (as amended) identified in exhibit list below.

NOVAGOLD Resources Inc. Employee Share Purchase Plan identified in exhibit list below.

NOVAGOLD Resources Inc. 2009 Performance Share Unit Plan identified in exhibit list below.

NOVAGOLD Resources Inc. 2009 Non-Employee Directors Deferred Share Unit Plan identified in exhibit list below.

**(b) Exhibits**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit**<br> **No.** | **Description** |
| [<u>3.1</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1173420/000110262413000725/exh99_1.htm) | [Certificate of Continuance (British Columbia) dated June 10, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Form 6-K dated June 19, 2013)](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1173420/000110262413000725/exh99_1.htm) |
| [<u>3.2</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1173420/000110262413000725/exh99_2.htm) | [Certificate of Discontinuance (Nova Scotia) dated June 10, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Form 6-K dated June 19, 2013)](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1173420/000110262413000725/exh99_2.htm) |

---

------

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| [<u>3.3</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1173420/000110262413000725/exh99_3.htm) | [Notice of Articles (British Columbia) dated June 10, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to the Form 6-K dated June 19, 2013)](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1173420/000110262413000725/exh99_3.htm) |
| [<u>3.4</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1173420/000110262413000725/exh99_4.htm) | [Amended and Restated Articles of NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. dated May 12, 2021 (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to Registrant's definitive proxy statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 25, 2021)](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1173420/000110262413000725/exh99_4.htm) |
| [4.1](ex_909251.htm) | [Description of Common Shares](ex_909251.htm) |
| [<u>10.1</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1173420/000117184317001728/def14a_032317.htm) | [2004 Stock Award Plan of NOVAGOLD Resources Inc. (as amended) (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to Registrant's definitive proxy statement, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 24, 2023)](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1173420/000117184317001728/def14a_032317.htm) |
| [<u>10.2</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1173420/000110262414000184/exh10_12.htm) | [NOVAGOLD Resources Inc. Employee Share Purchase Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2013, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 12, 2014)](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1173420/000110262414000184/exh10_12.htm) |
| [<u>10.3</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1173420/000117184317001728/def14a_032317.htm) | [NOVAGOLD Resources Inc. 2009 Performance Share Unit Plan (as amended) (incorporated by reference to Appendix C to Registrant's definitive proxy statement, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 24, 2023)](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1173420/000117184317001728/def14a_032317.htm) |
| [<u>10.4</u>](ex_909250.htm) | [NOVAGOLD Resources Inc. 2009 Non-Employee Directors Deferred Share Unit Plan (as amended)](ex_909250.htm) |
| [<u>10.5</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1173420/000110262414000184/exh10_15.htm) | [Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Gregory A. Lang dated January 9, 2012. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2013, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 12, 2014)](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1173420/000110262414000184/exh10_15.htm) |
| [<u>10.6</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1173420/000110262414000184/exh10_20.htm) | [Employment Agreement between the Registrant's wholly-owned subsidiary, NOVAGOLD Resources Alaska, Inc., and Gregory A. Lang, dated January 9, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2013, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 12, 2014)](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1173420/000110262414000184/exh10_20.htm) |
| [<u>10.7\*</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1173420/000117184318006839/exh_993.htm) | [Share Purchase Agreement, dated July 25, 2018, by and among NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC., Newmont Mining Corporation and Newmont Canada FN Holdings ULC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 of the Form 8-K/A, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 3, 2018)](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1173420/000117184318006839/exh_993.htm) |
| [<u>10.8</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1173420/000117184324005458/ex_727401.htm) | [Employment Agreement between the Registrant's wholly-owned subsidiary, NovaGold USA, Inc., and Richard A. Williams, dated January 8, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended August 31, 2024, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 2, 2024)](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1173420/000117184324005458/ex_727401.htm) |
| [<u>10.9</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1173420/000117184324005458/ex_727676.htm) | [Employment Agreement between the Registrant's wholly-owned subsidiary, NovaGold USA, Inc., and Peter Adamek, dated July 25, 2024 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended August 31, 2024, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 2, 2024)](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1173420/000117184324005458/ex_727676.htm) |
| [<u>10.10</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1173420/000117184325002363/exh_21.htm) | [Membership Interest Purchase Agreement among the Company, Barrick Gold U.S. Inc., Barrick Gold Corporation, Paulson Advantage Plus Master Ltd., Paulson Partners LP, Donlin Gold Holdings LLC, and NOVAGOLD Resources Alaska, Inc. dated April 22, 2025 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended May 31, 2025, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 25, 2025)](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1173420/000117184325002363/exh_21.htm) |
| [<u>10.11</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1173420/000117184325002363/exh_41.htm) | [Form of Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended May 31, 2025, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 25, 2025)](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1173420/000117184325002363/exh_41.htm) |
| [<u>10.12</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1173420/000117184325002363/exh_101.htm) | [Backstop Agreement dated April 22, 2025 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended May 31, 2025, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 25, 2025)](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1173420/000117184325002363/exh_101.htm) |
| [<u>10.13</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1173420/000117184325003649/exh_101.htm) | [Amended and Restated LLC Operating Agreement dated June 3, 2025 among Donlin Gold Holdings LLC, NOVAGOLD Resources Alaska, Inc. and Donlin Gold LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended August 31, 2025, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 1, 2025)](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1173420/000117184325003649/exh_101.htm) |

---

------

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| [<u>10.14</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1173420/000117184325003649/exh_102.htm) | [Amended and Restated Promissory Note dated June 3, 2025 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended August 31, 2025, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 1, 2025)](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1173420/000117184325003649/exh_102.htm) |
| [<u>19.1</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1173420/000117184324000389/ex_615611.htm) | [Registrant's Insider Trading Policy adopted January 29, 2014, and amended May 18, 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 19.1 to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2023, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 24, 2024)](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1173420/000117184324000389/ex_615611.htm) |
| [21.1](ex_909249.htm) | [Subsidiaries of the registrant](ex_909249.htm) |
| [23.1](ex_909945.htm) | [Consents of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP](ex_909945.htm) |
| [23.2](ex_909419.htm) | [Consent of Wood Group USA Inc.](ex_909419.htm) |
| [23.3](ex_909420.htm) | [Consent of Paul Chilson](ex_909420.htm) |
| [23.4](ex_909421.htm) | [Consent of Geosyntec Consultants International, Inc.](ex_909421.htm) |
| [31.1](ex_909422.htm) | [Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002](ex_909422.htm) |
| [31.2](ex_909423.htm) | [Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002](ex_909423.htm) |
| [32.1](ex_909424.htm) | [Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002](ex_909424.htm) |
| [32.2](ex_909425.htm) | [Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002](ex_909425.htm) |
| [96.1](ex_909308.htm) | [S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary on the Donlin Gold Project, Alaska, USA](ex_909308.htm) |
| [<u>97.1</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1173420/000117184324000389/ex_615612.htm) | [Registrant's Incentive Compensation Recovery Policy dated November 17, 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 97.1 to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2023, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 24, 2024)](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1173420/000117184324000389/ex_615612.htm) |
| 101 | The following materials are filed herewith: (i) Inline XBRL Instance, (ii) Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema, (iii) Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation, (iv) XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels, (v) XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation, and (vi) Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition. |
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File – The cover page interactive data file does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document. |
| \* | Confidential treatment has been granted for certain portions of this Exhibit pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the Exchange Act, which portions have been omitted and filed separately with the SEC |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 16.**  | **Form 10-K Summary** |

---

None

------

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

**SIGNATURES**

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

---

| |
|:---|
| **NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.** |
| By: <u>/s/ Gregory A. Lang</u>  |
| Name: Gregory A. Lang |
| Title: President and Chief Executive Officer |

---

Date: January 22, 2026

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **<u>Signature</u>** | **<u>Title</u>** | **<u>Date</u>** |
| /s/ Gregory A. Lang | President, Chief Executive Officer and Director<br> (Principal Executive Officer) | January 22, 2026 |
| /s/ Peter Adamek | Vice President and Chief Financial Officer<br> (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) | January 22, 2026 |
| /s/ Thomas S. Kaplan | Board Chair | January 22, 2026 |
| /s/ Elaine Dorward-King | Director | January 22, 2026 |
| /s/ Ali Erfan | Director | January 22, 2026 |
| /s/ Hume Kyle | Director | January 22, 2026 |
| /s/ Kalidas Madhavpeddi | Director | January 22, 2026 |
| /s/ Kevin McArthur | Director | January 22, 2026 |
| /s/ Daniel Muñiz Quintanilla | Director | January 22, 2026 |
| /s/ Ethan Schutt | Director | January 22, 2026 |
| /s/ Dawn Whittaker | Director | January 22, 2026 |

---

------

**Item 15.(a)(2) Schedule A**

**Report of Independent Auditors**

To the Board of Directors of Donlin Gold LLC

***Opinion***

We have audited the accompanying financial statements of Donlin Gold LLC (the "Company"), which comprise the balance sheets as of November 30, 2025 and November 30, 2024, and the related statements of loss and comprehensive loss, of equity and of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended November 30, 2025, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the " financial statements").

In our opinion, the accompanying financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of November 30, 2025 and November 30, 2024, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the three years ended November 30, 2025 in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

***Basis for Opinion***

We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America ("US GAAS"). Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements section of our report. We are required to be independent of the Company and to meet our other ethical responsibilities, in accordance with the relevant ethical requirements relating to our audit. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

***Responsibilities of Management for the Financial Statements***

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and for the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, management is required to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern for one year after the date the financial statements are available to be issued.

***Auditors***' ***Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements***

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditors' report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not absolute assurance and therefore is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with US GAAS will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. Misstatements are considered material if there is a substantial likelihood that, individually or in the aggregate, they would influence the judgment made by a reasonable user based on the financial statements.

In performing an audit in accordance with US GAAS, we:

• Exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit.

• Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, and design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks. Such procedures include examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.

• Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control. Accordingly, no such opinion is expressed.

• Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluate the overall presentation of the financial statements.

• Conclude whether, in our judgment, there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time.

We are required to communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit, significant audit findings, and certain internal control-related matters that we identified during the audit.

**/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP**

Vancouver, Canada

January 20, 2026

------

![schalogo.jpg](schalogo.jpg)

**DONLIN GOLD LLC**

**BALANCE SHEETS**

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | At November 30, | At November 30, |
|  | 2025 | 2024 |
| ASSETS | ASSETS | ASSETS |
| Cash | $8117 | $6590 |
| Inventory | 315 | 190 |
| Accounts receivable | 302 | 417 |
| Prepaid expenses | 585 | 293 |
| Current assets | 9319 | 7490 |
| Right of use assets (note 3) | 404 |  |
| Plant and equipment (note 4) | 1749 | 1932 |
| Mineral property (note 5) | 65308 | 65308 |
|  | $76780 | $74730 |
| LIABILITIES | LIABILITIES | LIABILITIES |
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $3001 | $3667 |
| Lease obligations (note 3) | 171 |  |
| Due to related parties (note 6) | 1075 | 228 |
| Current liabilities | 4247 | 3895 |
| Lease obligations (note 3) | 233 |  |
| Reclamation and remediation (note 7) | 1721 | 1640 |
|  | 6201 | 5535 |
| Commitments and contingencies (notes 3 and 8) |  |  |
| EQUITY | EQUITY | EQUITY |
| Partners' contributions | 638915 | 597998 |
| Accumulated deficit | (568336) | (528803) |
|  | 70579 | 69195 |
|  | $76780 | $74730 |

---

------

![schalogo.jpg](schalogo.jpg)

**DONLIN GOLD LLC**

**STATEMENTS OF LOSS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS**

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | Years ended November 30, | Years ended November 30, | Years ended November 30, |
|  | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
| Operating expenses: |  |  |  |
| Drilling, studies and engineering | $20706 | $7277 | $20576 |
| General and administrative | 7783 | 5993 | 5498 |
| Permitting and environmental | 3193 | 4745 | 3470 |
| Mineral property leases | 4451 | 3421 | 3234 |
| Community relations | 2435 | 3266 | 3057 |
| Depreciation | 884 | 1060 | 1143 |
| Accretion | 81 | 80 | 79 |
|  | 39533 | 25842 | 37057 |
| Loss from operations | $(39533) | $(25842) | $(37057) |

---

------

![schalogo.jpg](schalogo.jpg)

**DONLIN GOLD LLC**

**STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS**

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | Years ended November 30, | Years ended November 30, | Years ended November 30, |
|  | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
| Operating activities: |  |  |  |
| Net loss | $(39533) | $(25842) | $(37057) |
| Adjustments: |  |  |  |
| Depreciation | 884 | 1060 | 1143 |
| Other adjustments (Accretion and leases) | 81 | 80 | 73 |
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |  |  |  |
| Prepaid expenses | (292) | 92 | (4) |
| Inventory | (125) | 54 | 88 |
| Accounts receivable | 115 | (132) | (92) |
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 181 | 559 | (1225) |
| Net cash used in operations | (38689) | (24129) | (37074) |
| Investing activities: |  |  |  |
| Capital expenditures - plant and equipment | (701) | (82) | (58) |
| Net cash used in investing | (701) | (82) | (58) |
| Financing activities: |  |  |  |
| Partners' contributions | 40917 | 24894 | 35504 |
| Net cash provided from financing activities | 40917 | 24894 | 35504 |
| Increase/(Decrease) in cash during the year | 1527 | 683 | (1628) |
| Cash at beginning of year | 6590 | 5907 | 7535 |
| Cash at end of year | $8117 | $6590 | $5907 |

---

------

![schalogo.jpg](schalogo.jpg)

**DONLIN GOLD LLC**

**STATEMENTS OF EQUITY**

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | Barrick<br> contributions | Paulson<br> contributions | NOVAGOLD<br> contributions<sup>1</sup> | Accumulated deficit | Total equity |
| December 1, 2022 | $268800 | $— | $268800 | $(465904) | $71696 |
| Partners' cash contribution | 17752 |  | 17752 |  | 35504 |
| Net loss |  |  |  | (37057) | (37057) |
| November 30, 2023 | $286552 | $— | $286552 | $(502961) | $70143 |
| Partners' cash contribution | 12447 |  | 12447 |  | 24894 |
| Net loss |  |  |  | (25842) | (25842) |
| November 30, 2024 | $298999 | $— | $298999 | $(528803) | $69195 |
| Partners' cash contribution | 10413 | 8036 | 22468 |  | 40917 |
| Reclassification - June 3, 2025 | (309412) | 247530 | 61882 |  |  |
| Net loss |  |  |  | (39533) | (39533) |
| November 30, 2025 | $— | $255566 | $383349 | $(568336) | $70579 |

---

------

**DONLIN GOLD LLC NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

**NOTE 1** – **NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND ECONOMIC DEPENDANCE**

Donlin Gold LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, owns the Donlin Gold project in Alaska, USA. Effective June 3, 2025, NOVAGOLD Resources Alaska, Inc. a wholly-owned subsidiary of NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. (together, "NOVAGOLD"), and Donlin Gold Holdings LLC, a subsidiary of Paulson Advantage Plus Master Ltd. and Paulson Partners LP (together, "Paulson"), owned a 60% and 40% interest in Donlin Gold LLC, respectively. Prior to June 3, 2025 and since its formation on December 1, 2007, Donlin Gold LLC was owned equally by NOVAGOLD and Barrick Mining Corporation ("Barrick"). The historical Barrick contributions were reclassified to Paulson and NOVAGOLD in a ratio of 80-20, respectively effective June 3, 2025.

While NOVAGOLD has a 60% economic interest in Donlin Gold LLC, NOVAGOLD and Paulson have equal governance rights. Donlin Gold LLC has a board of four representatives, with two representatives selected by Paulson and two representatives selected by NOVAGOLD. All significant decisions related to Donlin Gold LLC require the approval of both owner companies as outlined in the shareholders agreement. The Company currently depends on Paulson and NOVAGOLD for all of its funding and has received commitments from its shareholders that they will fund the Company for the next twelve months from the date of the financial statements. These financial statements have been prepared pursuant to Rule 3-09 of SEC Regulation S-X for inclusion in NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.'s 10-K, as the Company is an equity investee of NOVAGOLD Resources Alaska, Inc.

The Company's board of representatives approved the Project's Updated Feasibility Study in July 2012. The Company subsequently initiated the permitting process. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (the "Corps") issued the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on April 27, 2018. On August 13, 2018, the Corps and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) issued a joint Federal Record of Decision (ROD) for the Donlin Gold Project along with their respective federal permit authorizations. Several major State of Alaska authorizations have also been issued, including the approval of the Donlin Gold Reclamation and Closure Plan, Waste Management Permit, Water Discharge Permit, Permit to Appropriate Water, Title 16 Fish Habitat Permits for the mine area and right of way agreements with the State and BLM. At the end of 2025, two appeals remain active in both the State of Alaska and U.S. Federal courts concerning permits granted for the project and are continuing through the appeals process. These include: the appeal of the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) Clean Water Act Section 401 Certificate of Reasonable Assurance at the State Supreme Court; and one appeal concerning the EIS, ROD, and associated federal permits in the U.S. Federal Court. In 2025 the Federal Court ruled the Corps and the BLM needs to evaluate the effects of a larger hypothetical tailings release in the EIS. The Federal court remanded the agencies to Supplement the EIS Record without vacating the permits.

**NOTE 2** – **SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES** 

**Presentation**

These financial statements are presented in and the Company has a functional currency of United States dollars ($) and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP).

**Use of estimates** 

The preparation of the Company's financial statements requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The significant area requiring the use of management estimates and assumptions relates to environmental, reclamation and closure obligations. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Accordingly, actual results will differ from amounts estimated in these financial statements.

------

**DONLIN GOLD LLC NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

**Plant and equipment**

On initial recognition, plant and equipment are recorded at cost subject to a ten-thousand-dollar threshold for capitalization. Plant and equipment are subsequently measured at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is recorded over the estimated useful life of the assets at the following annual rates:

Computer equipment – 5 years straight-line;

Computer software – 5 years straight-line;

Furniture and equipment – 5 years straight-line; and,

Leasehold improvements – straight-line over the lease term.

Depreciation methods, useful lives and residual values are reviewed in each financial year and adjusted if appropriate.

**Leases** 

The Company reviews all contracts and determines if the arrangement represents or contains a lease, at inception. Operating leases would be included in Right of use assets ("ROU") and Lease obligations (current and long-term) in the Balance Sheets. The Company does not have any finance leases.

Operating lease ROU assets represent the Company's right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company's obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the estimated present value of lease payments over the lease term. The Company uses its estimated incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the lease commencement date in determining the present value of future payments. The operating lease ROU asset also includes any upfront lease payments made and excludes lease incentives and initial direct costs incurred. The Company's measurement of the lease obligation may include options to extend the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. Lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Leases with a term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet. The Company's lease agreements do not contain any residual value guarantees.

**Mineral properties**

All direct costs related to the acquisition of mineral property interests are capitalized. Mineral property exploration expenditures are expensed when incurred. When it has been established that a mineral deposit is commercially mineable, an economic analysis has been completed and permits are obtained, the costs subsequently incurred to develop a mine on the property prior to the start of mining operations are capitalized. Capitalized costs will be amortized following commencement of commercial production using the unit of production method over the estimated life of proven and probable reserves.

**Asset retirement obligations**

The Company records a liability based on the best estimate of costs for site closure and reclamation activities that the Company is legally or contractually required to undertake. The liability is estimated using expected discounted cash flows based on engineering and environmental reports and accreted to full value over time through periodic charges to income. Adjustments to the reclamation obligation arising from changes in estimates are recorded as a component of the mineral property.

**Income taxes**

The Company is not a taxable entity for income tax purposes. Accordingly, no recognition is given to income taxes for financial reporting purposes. Tax on the net income (loss) of the Company is borne by the owners through the allocation of taxable income (loss). Net income for financial statement purposes may differ significantly from taxable income for the owners as a result of differences between the tax basis and financial reporting basis of assets and liabilities and the taxable income allocation requirements under the shareholders agreement.

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**DONLIN GOLD LLC NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

**Impairment of long-lived assets**

Management assesses the possibility of impairment in the carrying value of its long-lived assets whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of the asset or assets group may not be recoverable. Management calculates the estimated undiscounted future net cash flows relating to the asset or assets. When the carrying value of an asset exceeds the related undiscounted cash flows, the asset is written down to its estimated fair value, which is usually determined using discounted future cash flows. Management's estimates of mineral prices, mineral reserves, foreign exchange rates, production levels and operating, capital and reclamation costs are subject to risk and uncertainties that may affect the determination of the recoverability of the long-lived asset. It is possible that material changes could occur that may adversely affect management's estimates.

**Cash and cash equivalents** 

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash held at a single financial institution. The fair value of the Company's financial assets, which includes cash, approximates their carrying values due to their short-term nature.

**Trade payables**

The fair value of the Company's financial liabilities, such as accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximates their carrying values due to their short-term nature.

**Due to related parties**

The amounts due to Barrick, Paulson and NOVAGOLD are non-interest bearing, unsecured and are due on demand.

**NOTE 3** – **LEASES**

The Company leases office space under a lease agreement with a renewable lease term of three years. The lease requires monthly lease payments that are subject to annual increases throughout the lease term. The office lease is accounted for as an operating lease.

The Company performed evaluations of its contracts and determined that its identified leases are operating and short-term leases. No variable leases with non-cancelable terms greater than one month were identified.

Operating lease expenses are included on the Statements of Loss in *General and administrative* expense and *Mineral property leases* and include the following components for the year ended November 30, 2025:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | At November 30, | At November 30, |
|  | 2025 | 2024 |
| Operating lease cost | $109 | $— |
| Variable lease cost |  |  |
| Short-term lease cost | 797 | 944 |
|  | $906 | $944 |

---

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**DONLIN GOLD LLC NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases as of November 30, 2025, were as follows:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 2026 | $181 |
| 2027 | 186 |
| 2028 | 63 |
| Total future minimum lease payments | $430 |
| Less: imputed interest | (53) |
| Total | $377 |

---

Other information regarding leases for the year ended November 30, 2025, includes the following:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | At November 30, | At November 30, |
|  | 2025 | 2024 |
| Cash paid for operating leases | $118 | $— |
| Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities | $404 | $— |
| Weighted average remaining lease term (years) – operating leases | 2.3 |  |
| Weighted average discount rate – operating leases | 5.25% |  |

---

**NOTE 4** – **PLANT AND EQUIPMENT**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | At November 30, | At November 30, |
|  | 2025 | 2024 |
| Plant and equipment | $8412 | $8378 |
| Accumulated depreciation | (6663) | (6446) |
|  | $1749 | $1932 |

---

**NOTE 5** – **MINERAL PROPERTY**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | At November 30, | At November 30, |
|  | 2025 | 2024 |
| Acquisition cost | $64000 | $64000 |
| Asset retirement cost | 1308 | 1308 |
|  | $65308 | $65308 |

---

The Donlin Gold Project is located in the Kuskokwim region of southwestern Alaska on private, Alaska Native-owned mineral and surface land and Alaska state mining claims. The property is under lease for subsurface mineral rights from Calista Corporation and surface land rights from The Kuskokwim Corporation, two Alaska Native corporations. The mineral property is jointly owned by Paulson and NOVAGOLD through an unincorporated joint venture. Upon formation of the Company in 2007, the mineral property contributed was recorded based on the predecessor accounting values of Barrick and NOVAGOLD. As such, mineral property includes the historic and present acquisition cost as the original partners' initial contribution to the Company.

**NOTE 6** – **RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS**

The Company received management, administrative services, and third-party contracted services on behalf of the Company from Barrick for the first six months of 2025 and in prior periods of $182 in 2025, $452 for 2024 and $332 for 2023. Subsequent to June 3, 2025, when Barrick sold its interest in the Company, Barrick has continued to provide services under a transition services agreement to maintain the same services for fees of $122. Amounts received from NOVAGOLD third-party contracted services on behalf of the Company for $1,161 in 2025, $815 in 2024, and $923 in 2023, and no third-party services or costs from Paulson. Both Barrick and NOVAGOLD amounts are included in *General and administrative* expense and *Drilling, studies and engineering* expense.

------

**DONLIN GOLD LLC NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**

(U.S. dollars in thousands)

The Company has accounts payable to Barrick at November 30, 2025 of $31 (2024: $84) for reimbursement of management, administrative services, and third party contracted services on behalf of the Company, to NOVAGOLD of $1,044 (2024: $144) for reimbursement of third party contracted services on behalf of the Company and nil to Paulson.

**NOTE 7** – **RECLAMATION AND REMEDIATION**

Significant reclamation and closure activities include rehabilitation and decommissioning of the camp and drill sites. Although the ultimate amount and timing of reclamation costs cannot be predicted with certainty, the estimated discounted cash flows required to settle the Company's obligations for work undertaken at the site to date is $1,720.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | At November 30, | At November 30, |
|  | 2025 | 2024 |
| Reclamation and Remediation | $1640 | $1482 |
| Changes in estimated costs and timing |  | 78 |
| Accretion | 81 | 80 |
|  | $1721 | $1640 |

---

During the year, the discounted reclamation cost estimate was accreted resulting in a change in the measurement of the liability of $80. The estimated cash flows are assumed to commence four years from the balance sheet date.

**NOTE 8** – **MINERAL PROPERTY LEASES**

The Company leases certain assets, such as mineral property leases, that are an exception to applying lease accounting under ASC 842. These mineral property leases coincide with the currently projected Donlin Gold mine life, with provisions for further extension, should production continue beyond that. Future minimum annual mineral property lease payments are $3,592 in 2026, $3,592 in 2027, $3,592 in 2028, $3,592 in 2029, and $3,592 in 2030 totaling $17,960.

------

## Exhibit 4.1

**Exhibit 4.1**

**DESCRIPTION OF COMMON SHARES**

The common shares of NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. (the "Common Shares") are its only class of securities registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act").

The following description of our Common Shares is a summary and does not purport to be complete. It is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to our Notice of Articles and Amended and Restated Articles which are attached as exhibits to the Annual Report on Form 10-K. We are incorporated in the Province of British Columbia, Canada and are subject to the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia). The Company is authorized to issue 1,000,000,000 Common Shares without par value.

Holders of Common Shares are entitled to receive notice of and to attend any meetings of shareholders of the Company and at any meetings of shareholders to cast one vote for each Common Share held. Holders of Common Shares do not have cumulative voting rights. A simple majority of votes cast on a resolution is required to pass an ordinary resolution; however, if the resolution is a special resolution two-thirds of the votes cast on the special resolution are required to pass it. Holders of Common Shares are entitled to receive dividends as and when declared by the board of directors of the Company at its discretion from funds legally available therefor and to receive a pro rata share of the assets of the Company available for distribution to the shareholders in the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company after payment of debts and other liabilities, in each case subject to the rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attached to any other series or class of shares ranking senior in priority to or on a pro-rata basis with the holders of Common Shares with respect to dividends or liquidation. There are no pre-emptive, subscription, conversion or redemption rights attached to the Common Shares nor do they contain any sinking or purchase fund provisions. For a discussion of certain tax matters, see "Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations for U.S. Residents" and "Certain United States Federal Income Tax Considerations for U.S. Holders" in the Form 10-K under Part II. Item 5. Market For Registrant's Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters And Issuer Purchases Of Equity Securities.

## Exhibit 10.4

**Exhibit 10.4**

**NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.**

------

**2009 NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS DEFERRED**<br> **SHARE UNIT PLAN**

------

EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 1, 2009, AS AMENDED MAY 29, 2012,<br> AS FURTHER AMENDED ON FEBRUARY 6, 2014,<br> AS FURTHER AMENDED ON JUNE 5, 2014,<br> AS FURTHER AMENDED ON NOVEMBER 16, 2022,<br> AS FURTHER AMENDED ON NOVEMBER 4, 2025

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**NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.**<br>**2009 NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS DEFERRED SHARE UNIT PLAN**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. <u>PURPOSE OF THE PLAN</u> 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.1 This Plan has been established by the Corporation to promote the interests of the Corporation by attracting and retaining qualified persons to serve on the Board and to afford such Participants an opportunity to receive a portion of their compensation for serving as a director of the Corporation in the form of securities of the Corporation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. <u>PLAN DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATIONS</u> 

In this Plan, the following terms have the following meanings:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) **"Account**" means an account maintained for each Participant on the books of the Corporation which will be credited with Deferred Share Units, in accordance with the terms of the Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) **"Board**" means the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) **"Committee**" means the Compensation Committee of the Board.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) **"Common Shares**" means the common shares of the Corporation and "**Common Share**" shall mean a common share of the Corporation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) **"Corporation**" means NovaGold Resources Inc. and its respective successors and assigns, and any reference in the Plan to action by the Corporation means action by or under the authority of the Board or any person or committee that has been designated for the purpose by the Board including, without limitation, the Committee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) **"DSU**" or "**Deferred Share Unit**" means a bookkeeping entry equivalent in value to a Common Share credited to a Participant's Account.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) **"Grant**" means any Deferred Share Unit credited to the Account of a Participant.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) **"Notice of Redemption**" means written notice, on a prescribed form, by the Participant, or the administrator or liquidator of the estate of the Participant, to the Corporation of the Participant's wish to redeem his or her Deferred Share Units.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) **"Participant**" means a director of the Corporation who is designated by the Committee as eligible to participate in the Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j) **"Plan**" means this Deferred Share Unit Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(k) **"Redemption Date**" means the date that a Notice of Redemption is received by the Corporation; provided in the case of a U.S. Eligible Participant, however, the Redemption Date will occur on the last day of the fiscal quarter coincident with or immediately following the earlier of the U.S. Eligible Participant's (i) "separation from service" within the meaning of Section 409A or (ii) death.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(l) **"Reorganization**" means any (i) capital reorganization, (ii) merger, (iii) amalgamation, or (iv) arrangement or other scheme of reorganization.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(m) **"Section 409A**" means Section 409A of the *U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended*, and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder as in effect from time to time.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(n) **"Security Based Compensation Arrangement**" has the meaning defined in the provisions of the TSX Company Manual relating to security based compensation arrangements.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(o) **"Share Price**" means the closing price of a Common Share on the NYSE American averaged over the five (5) consecutive trading days immediately preceding either (a) in the case of a Grant, the last day of the fiscal quarter preceding the date of Grant in respect of a director, or (b) in the case of a redemption, the Redemption Date, as applicable, or in the event such shares are not traded on the NYSE American, the fair market value of such shares as determined by the Committee acting in good faith.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(p) **"Termination Date**" means the date of a Participant's death, or retirement from, or loss of office or employment with the Corporation, within the meaning of paragraph 6801(d) of the regulations under the *Income Tax Act* (Canada), including the Participant's resignation, retirement, removal from the Board, death or otherwise.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(q) **"U.S. Eligible Participant**" refers to a Participant who, at any time during the period from the date Deferred Share Units are granted to the Participant to the date such Deferred Share Units are redeemed by the Participant, is subject to income taxation in the United States on the income received for his or her services as a director of the Corporation and who is not otherwise exempt from U.S. income taxation under the relevant provisions of the *U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Canada-U.S. Income Tax Convention, as amended from time to time*.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. <u>NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR COMPENSATION</u> 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.1 **Establishment of Annual Base Compensation** 

An annual compensation amount (the "**Annual Base Compensation**") payable to Non-Employee Directors (hereafter "**Directors**") of the Corporation shall be established from time-to-time by the Board. The amount of Annual Base Compensation will be reported annually in the Corporation's management information circular.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.2 **Payment of Annual Base Compensation** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Annual Base Compensation shall be payable in quarterly installments, with each installment payable as promptly as practicable following the last business day of the fiscal quarter to which it applies. Quarterly payments shall be pro rated if Board service commences or terminates during a fiscal quarter.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Subject to Section 3.2(c), the Annual Base Compensation shall be paid fifty percent (50%) in Deferred Share Units and fifty percent (50%) in cash. The number of DSUs to be paid and the terms of the DSUs shall be determined as provided in the following sections of this Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Each Director may also elect to receive in DSUs all or part of that portion of his or her Annual Base Compensation otherwise payable in cash by completing and delivering a written election to the Corporation on or before November 15th of the calendar year ending immediately before the calendar year with respect to which the election is made. Such election will be effective with respect to compensation payable for fiscal quarters beginning during the calendar year following the date of such election. In addition, so long a Director has not previously participated in a plan that is required to be aggregated with this Plan for purposes of Section 409A, a Director may elect on or before November 15, 2009 to receive his or her compensation for the fiscal quarter beginning December 1, 2009 in DSUs. Further, where an individual becomes a Director for the first time during a calendar year and such individual has not previously participated in a plan that is required to be aggregated with this Plan for purposes of Section 409A, such individual may elect to participate in the Plan with respect to fiscal quarters of the Corporation commencing after the Corporation receives such individual's written election, which election must be received by the Corporation no later than 30 days after such individual's appointment as a Director. For greater certainty, new Directors will not be entitled to receive DSUs pursuant to an election for the quarter in which they submit their first election to the Corporation or any previous quarter. Elections hereunder shall be irrevocable with respect to compensation earned during period to which such election relates.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) All DSUs granted with respect to Annual Base Compensation will be credited to the Director's Account when such Annual Base Compensation is payable (the "**Payment Date** ").

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) The Director's Account will be credited with the number of DSUs calculated to the nearest thousandths of a DSU, determined by dividing the dollar amount of compensation granted in DSUs on the Payment Date by the Share Price. Fractional Shares will not be issued and any fractional entitlements will be rounded down to the nearest whole number.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) The Corporation may withhold from any amount payable to a Participant, either under this Plan, or otherwise, such amount as may be necessary so as to ensure that the Corporation will be able to comply with the applicable provisions of any federal, provincial, state or local law relating to the withholding of tax or other required deductions, including on the amount, if any, includable in the income of a Participant. The Corporation shall also have the right in its discretion to satisfy any such withholding tax liability by retaining, acquiring or selling on behalf of a Participant any Common Shares which would otherwise be issued or provided to a Participant hereunder.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. <u>ADMINISTRATION OF DSU ACCOUNTS</u> 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.1 **Administration of Plan** 

The Committee shall have the power, where consistent with the general purpose and intent of the Plan and subject to the specific provisions of the Plan:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) to establish policies and to adopt rules and regulations for carrying out the purposes, provisions and administration of the Plan and to amend and rescind such rules and regulations from time to time;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) to interpret and construe the Plan and to determine all questions arising out of the Plan and any such interpretation, construction or determination made by the Committee shall be final, binding and conclusive for all purposes;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) to prescribe the form of the instruments used in conjunction with the Plan; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) to determine which members of the Board are eligible to participate in the Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.2 **Redemption of Deferred Share Units** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Each Participant who is not a U.S. Eligible Participant shall be entitled to redeem his or her Deferred Share Units during the period commencing on the business day immediately following the Termination Date and ending on December 15 of the year following the Termination Date, to be paid out no later than December 31 of the year following the Termination Date, by providing a written Notice of Redemption to the Corporation no later than December 15 of the year following the Termination Date. In the event of death of such a Participant, the Notice of Redemption shall be filed by the administrator or liquidator of the estate of the Participant. In the case of a U.S. Eligible Participant, redemption will occur within five business days following the U.S. Eligible Participant's Redemption Date, which shall be the last day of the fiscal quarter coincident with or immediately following the earlier of the U.S. Eligible Participant's (i) "separation from service" within the meaning of Section 409A or (ii) death.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Upon redemption, the Participant shall be entitled to receive, and the Corporation shall issue or provide:

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) subject to the limitations set forth in Section 6.2 below, a number of Common Shares issued from treasury equal to the number of DSUs in the Participant's Account, subject to any applicable deductions and withholdings;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) subject to and in accordance with any Applicable Law, a number of Common Shares purchased by an independent administrator of the Plan in the open market for the purposes of providing Common Shares to Participants under the Plan equal in number to the DSUs in the Participant's Account, subject to any applicable deductions and withholdings;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) the payment of a cash amount to a Participant equal to the number of DSUs multiplied by the Share Price, subject to any applicable deductions and withholdings; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) any combination of the foregoing,

as determined by the Corporation, in its sole discretion; provided, however that any DSUs issued prior to December 31, 2013 shall be settled in Common Shares in the manner contemplated by Section 4.2(b)(i) or Section 4.2(b)(ii), as determined by the Corporation in its sole discretion.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.3 **Payment Notwithstanding** 

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan, all amounts payable to, or in respect of, a Participant hereunder shall be paid on or before December 31 of the calendar year commencing immediately after the Participant's Termination Date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. <u>ALTERATION OF NUMBER OF SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN</u> 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.1 **Subdivisions or Consolidations** 

In the event that the Common Shares shall be subdivided or consolidated into a different number of Common Shares or a distribution shall be declared upon the Common Shares payable in Common Shares, the number of DSUs then recorded in the Director's Account shall be adjusted by replacing such number by a number equal to the number of Common Shares which would be held by the Director immediately after the distribution, subdivision or consolidation, should the Director have held a number of Common Shares equal to the number of DSUs recorded in the Director's Account on the record date fixed for such distribution, subdivision or consolidation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.2 **Reorganizations** 

In the event there shall be any change, other than as specified in Section 5.1, in the number or kind of outstanding Common Shares or of any shares or other securities into which such Common Shares shall have been changed or for which they shall have been exchanged, pursuant to a Reorganization or otherwise, then there shall be substituted for each Common Share referred to in the Plan or for each share into which such Common Share shall have been so changed or exchanged, the kind of securities into which each outstanding Common Share shall be so changed or exchanged and an equitable adjustment shall be made, if required, in the number of DSUs then recorded in the Director's Account, such adjustment, if any, to be reasonably determined by the Committee and to be effective and binding for all purposes.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.3 **Adjustments** 

In the case of any such substitution, change or adjustment as provided for in this Section 5, the variation shall generally require that the number of DSUs then recorded in the Director's Account prior to such substitution, change or adjustment will be proportionately and appropriately varied.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. <u>RESTRICTIONS ON ISSUANCES</u> 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.1 **Maximum Number of DSUs** 

DSUs may be granted by the Corporation in accordance with this Plan provided the aggregate number of DSUs outstanding pursuant to the Plan from time to time shall not exceed 1% of the number of issued and outstanding Common Shares from time to time.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.2 **Maximum Number of Shares to Insiders** 

The maximum number of Common Shares issuable to Insiders (as defined in the TSX Company Manual) pursuant to Section 4.2(b)(i) of the Plan, together with any Common Shares issuable pursuant to any other Security Based Compensation Arrangement, at any time, shall not exceed 10% of the total number of outstanding Common Shares. The maximum number of Common Shares issued to Insiders pursuant to Section 4.2(b)(i) of the Plan, together with any Common Shares issued pursuant to any other Security Based Compensation Arrangement, within any one year period, shall not exceed 10% of the total number of outstanding Common Shares.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7. <u>AMENDMENT, SUSPENSION OR TERMINATION OF THE PLAN</u> 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.1 **Amendment to the Plan** 

The Board may at any time, and from time to time, and without shareholder approval, amend any provision of the Plan, subject to any regulatory or stock exchange requirement at the time of such amendment, including, without limitation:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) for the purposes of making formal minor or technical modifications to any of the provisions of the Plan including amendments of a "clerical" or "housekeeping" nature;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) to correct any ambiguity, defective provision, error or omission in the provisions of the Plan;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) amendments to the termination provisions of Section 7.2;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) amendments necessary or advisable because of any change in applicable securities laws;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) amendments to the transferability of Deferred Share Units provided for in Section 8.9;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) amendments to Section 4.1 relating to the administration of the Plan;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) any other amendment, fundamental or otherwise, not requiring shareholder approval under applicable laws or the rules of the Toronto Stock Exchange;

provided, however, that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) no such amendment of the Plan may be made without the consent of each affected Participant in the Plan if such amendment would adversely affect the rights of such affected Participant(s) under the Plan; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) shareholder approval shall be obtained in accordance with the requirements of the Toronto Stock Exchange for any amendment:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) to Section 6.1 in order to increase the maximum number of Deferred Share Units which may be issued under this Plan (other than pursuant to Section 5);

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) to Section 7.1 in any manner; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) to the definition of "Participant".

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.2 **Plan Termination** 

The Committee may decide to discontinue granting awards under the Plan at any time in which case no further Deferred Share Units shall be awarded or credited under the Plan. Any Deferred Share Units which remain outstanding in a Participant's Account at that time shall continue to be dealt with according to the terms of the Plan. The Plan shall terminate when all payments owing pursuant to Section 4.2 of the Plan have been made and all Deferred Share Units have been cancelled in all Participants' Accounts

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8. <u>GENERAL PROVISIONS</u> 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.1 **Assignability** 

No right to receive payment of deferred compensation or retirement awards, DSUs and other benefits under the Plan shall be transferable or assignable by a Participant except by will or laws of descent and distribution.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.2 **Unfunded Plan** 

Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, the Plan shall be unfunded. To the extent any Participant or his or her estate holds any rights by virtue of a grant of Deferred Share Units under the Plan, such rights (unless otherwise determined by the Committee) shall be no greater than the rights of an unsecured creditor of the Corporation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.3 **Final Determination** 

Any determination or decision by or opinion of the Committee made or held pursuant to the terms of the Plan shall be final, conclusive and binding on all parties concerned. All rights, entitlements and obligations of Participants under the Plan are set forth in the terms of the Plan and cannot be modified by any other documents, statements or communications, except by Plan amendments referred to in Section 7.1 of the Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.4 **No Right to Employment** 

Participation in the Plan shall not be construed to give any Participant a right to be retained as a Director.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.5 **No Other Benefit** 

No amount will be paid to, or in respect of, a Participant under the Plan to compensate for a downward fluctuation in the price of Common Shares nor will any other form of benefit be conferred upon, or in respect of, a Participant for such purpose.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.6 **No Shareholder Rights** 

Under no circumstances shall Deferred Share Units be considered Common Shares nor shall they entitle any Participant to exercise voting rights or any other rights attaching to the ownership of Common Shares nor shall any Participant be considered the owner of Common Shares by virtue of the award of Deferred Share Units.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.7 **Reorganization of the Corporation** 

The existence of any Deferred Share Units shall not affect in any way the right or power of the Corporation or its shareholders to make or authorize any adjustment, recapitalization, reorganization or other change in the Corporation's capital structure or its business, or any amalgamation, combination, merger or consolidation involving the Corporation or to create or issue any bonds, debentures, shares or other securities of the Corporation or the rights and conditions attaching thereto or to affect the dissolution or liquidation of the Corporation or any sale or transfer of all or any part of its assets or business, or any other corporate act or proceeding, whether of a similar nature or otherwise.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.8 **Successors and Assigns** 

The Plan shall be binding on all successors and assigns of the Corporation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.9 **General Restrictions and Assignment** 

Except as required by law, the rights of a Participant under the Plan are not capable of being anticipated, assigned, transferred, alienated, sold, encumbered, pledged, mortgaged or charged and are not capable of being subject to attachment or legal process for the payment of any debts or obligations of the Participant.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.10 **Section 409A** 

It is intended that the provisions of this Plan comply with Section 409A, and all provisions of this Plan shall be construed and interpreted in a manner consistent with the requirements for avoiding taxes or penalties under Section 409A. Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, the following will apply with respect to the rights and benefits of U.S. Eligible Participants under the Plan:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Except as permitted under Section 409A, any deferred compensation (within the meaning of Section 409A) payable to or for the benefit of a U.S. Eligible Participant may not be reduced by, or offset against, any amount owing by the U.S. Eligible Participant to the Corporation or any of its affiliates.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) If a U.S. Eligible Participant becomes entitled to receive payment in respect of any Deferred Share Units as a result of his or her "separation from service" (within the meaning of Section 409A), and the U.S Eligible Participant is a "specified employee" (within the meaning of Section 409A) at the time of his or her separation from service, and the Committee makes a good faith determination that (i) all or a portion of the Deferred Share Units constitute "deferred compensation" (within the meaning of Section 409A) and (ii) any such deferred compensation that would otherwise be payable during the six-month period following such separation from service is required to be delayed pursuant to the six-month delay rule set forth in Section 409A in order to avoid taxes or penalties under Section 409A, then payment of such "deferred compensation" shall not be made to the U.S Eligible Participant before the date which is six months after the date of his or her separation from service (and shall be paid in a single lump sum on the first day of the seventh month following the date of such separation from service) or, if earlier, the U.S Eligible Participant's date of death.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) A U.S. Eligible Participant's status as a specified employee shall be determined by the Corporation as required by Section 409A on a basis consistent with the regulations under Section 409A and such basis for determination will be consistently applied to all plans, programs, contracts, agreements, etc. maintained by the Corporation that are subject to Section 409A.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) Each U.S Eligible Participant, any beneficiary or the U.S Eligible Participant's estate, as the case may be, is solely responsible and liable for the satisfaction of all taxes and penalties that may be imposed on or for the account of such U.S Eligible Participant in connection with this Plan (including any taxes and penalties under Section 409A), and neither the Corporation nor any affiliate shall have any obligation to indemnify or otherwise hold such U.S Eligible Participant or beneficiary or the U.S Eligible Participant's estate harmless from any or all of such taxes or penalties.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) In the event that the Committee determines that any amounts payable hereunder will be taxable to a Participant under Section 409A prior to payment to such Participant of such amount, the Corporation may (i) adopt such amendments to the Plan and Deferred Share Units and appropriate policies and procedures, including amendments and policies with retroactive effect, that the Committee determines necessary or appropriate to preserve the intended tax treatment of the benefits provided by the Plan and Deferred Share Units hereunder and/or (ii) take such other actions as the Committee determines necessary or appropriate to avoid or limit the imposition of an additional tax under Section 409A.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) In the event the Corporation terminates the Plan in accordance with Section 7, the time and manner of payment of amounts that are subject to Section 409A will be made in accordance with the rules under Section 409A. The Plan will not be terminated except as permitted under Section 409A.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.11 **Forfeiture Provision** 

If a Participant is subject to tax under the *Income Tax Act* (Canada) and also is a U.S. Eligible Participant with respect to DSUs, the following special rules regarding forfeiture of such Deferred Share Units will apply if the Participant's DSUs are subject to Section 409A. For greater clarity, these forfeiture provisions are intended to avoid adverse tax consequences under Section 409A and/or under paragraph 6801(d) of the regulations under the *Income Tax Act* (Canada), that may result because of the different requirements as to the time of settlement of Deferred Share Units with respect to a Participant's "separation from service" (within the meaning of Section 409A) ("**Separation From Service**") and his retirement or loss of office (under tax laws of Canada). If a Participant otherwise would be entitled to payment of DSUs in any of the following circumstances, such DSUs shall instead be immediately and irrevocably forfeited (for greater certainty, without any compensation therefore):

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) a Participant experiences a Separation From Service as a result of a permanent decrease in the level of services provided to less than 20% of his past service in circumstances that do not constitute a retirement from, or loss of office or employment with, the Corporation or an affiliate thereof, within the meaning of paragraph 6801(d) of the regulations under the *Income Tax Act* (Canada); or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) a Participant experiences a Separation From Service upon ceasing to be a director while continuing to provide services as an employee in circumstances that do not constitute a retirement from, or loss of office or employment with, the Corporation or an affiliate thereof, within the meaning of paragraph 6801(d) of the regulations under the *Income Tax Act* (Canada); or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) a Participant experiences a serious disability that continues for more than 29 months in circumstances that constitute a Separation From Service and do not constitute a retirement from, or loss of office or employment with, the Corporation or an affiliate thereof, within the meaning of paragraph 6801(d) of the regulations under the *Income Tax Act* (Canada); or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) a Participant experiences a retirement from, or loss of office or employment with, the Corporation or an affiliate thereof, within the meaning of paragraph 6801(d) of the regulations under the *Income Tax Act* (Canada) by virtue of ceasing employment as both an employee and as a director, but he continues to provide services as an independent contractor such that he has not experienced a Separation From Service.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.12 **Interpretation** 

In this text, words importing the singular meaning shall include the plural and vice versa, and words importing the masculine shall include the feminine and neuter genders.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.13 **Governing Law** 

The validity, construction and effect of the Plan and any actions taken or relating to the Plan shall be governed by the laws of the Province of British Columbia and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.14 **Severability** 

The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of the Plan shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision and any invalid or unenforceable provision shall be severed from the Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.15 **Effective Date** 

The effective date of this Plan shall be December 1, 2009, as amended May 29, 2012, as further amended February 6, 2014, as further amended June 5, 2014, as further amended November 16, 2022, and as further amended November 4, 2025.

## Exhibit 21.1

**Exhibit 21.1**

**<u>SUBSIDIARIES OF NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.</u>**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Name of Subsidiary** | **Jurisdiction of Organization** |
| NOVAGOLD US Holdings Inc. (100% owned by NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.) | Delaware |
| NOVAGOLD Resources Alaska, Inc. (100% owned by NOVAGOLD US Holdings Inc.) | Alaska |
| Donlin Gold LLC (60% owned by NOVAGOLD Resources Alaska, Inc.) | Delaware |
| NOVAGOLD USA, Inc. (100% owned by NOVAGOLD US Holdings Inc.) | Delaware |
| AGC Resources Inc. (100% owned by NOVAGOLD US Holdings Inc.) | Delaware |

---

## Exhibit 23.1

**Exhibit 23.1**

**CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM**

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements on Form S-8 (No. 333-117370, No. 333-134871, No. 333-136493, No. 333-164083, No. 333-171630, No. 333-197648, and No. 333-239776) and Form S-3 (No. 333-286696) of NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. of our report dated January 21, 2026 relating to the financial statements and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in this Form 10-K.

We also consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements on Form S-8 (No. 333-117370, No. 333-134871, No. 333-136493, No. 333-164083, No. 333-171630, No. 333-197648 and No. 333-239776) and Form S-3 (No. 333-286696) of NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. of our report dated January 20, 2026 relating to the financial statements of Donlin Gold LLC, which appears in this Form 10-K.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Chartered Professional Accountants<br> Vancouver, Canada<br> January 22, 2026

## Exhibit 23.2

**Exhibit 23.2**

**CONSENT OF WOOD GROUP USA INC.**

I, Edwin Peralta, on behalf of Wood Group USA Inc. ("Wood"), consent to the inclusion in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC., which is being filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, of references to Wood's name and to the use of the technical report summary titled "S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary on the Donlin Gold Project, Alaska, USA", with a report date of November 30, 2025 ("2025 S-K 1300 Report") and filed on January 22, 2026, and the information derived from the 2025 S-K 1300 Report for which Wood is responsible, including any quotation from or summarization of the 2025 S-K 1300 Report for which Wood is responsible.

I also consent to the incorporation by reference in NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.'s registration statements on Form S-3 (File No. 333-286696) and Form S-8 (Nos. 333-117370; 333-134871; 333-136493; 333-164083; 333-171630, 333-197648 and 333-239776) of the references to Wood's name and the use of the 2025 S-K 1300 Report and the information derived from the 2025 S-K 1300 Report for which Wood is responsible, including any quotation from or summarization of the 2025 S-K 1300 Report for which Wood is responsible, which are included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Dated this 22nd day of January 2026

On behalf of Wood Group USA Inc.

By: <u>/s/ Edwin Peralta_________</u>

Name: Edwin Peralta

Title: Technical Director Mining & Geology and

Authorized signor for Wood Group USA Inc.

## Exhibit 23.3

**Exhibit 23.3**

**CONSENT OF PAUL CHILSON**

I consent to the inclusion in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of NOVAGOLD Resources Inc., which is being filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, of references to my name and to the use of the scientific and technical information related to the Donlin Gold project (the "Technical Information").

I also consent to the incorporation by reference in NOVAGOLD Resources Inc.'s registration statements on Form S-8 (Nos. 333-117370; 333-134871; 333-136493; 333-164083; 333-171630, 333-197648 and 333-239776) and Form S-3 (No. 333-286696) of the references to my name and the use of the Technical Information included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Dated this 22nd day of January 2026

*<u>/s/ Paul Chilson_____________</u>*

Paul Chilson, P.E.

## Exhibit 23.4

**Exhibit 23.4**

**CONSENT OF GEOSYNTEC CONSULTANTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.**

I, Marlaina Auger, on behalf of Geosyntec Consultants International, Inc. ("Geosyntec") consent to the inclusion of sections 1.1, 1.2, 1.9, 1.15-1.17, 1.20-1.22, 2, 7.13.1-7.13.4, 9.5.2, 9.5.3, 9.6, 9.7.5-9.7.7, 21.1.5, 11.11, 13.2.1, 13.2.2, 13.7, 13.8, 15.5.2, 15.5.315.5, 15.6, 15.7, 15.11.2, 17, 18.1.1, 18.1.1.1, 18.1.1.2, 18.1.1.6, 18.1.1.10-18.1.1.12, 18.1.2, 22.1, 22.9, 22.12, 22.13, 22.15 , 22.16, 22.18.1, 22.18.3-22.18.5, 22.18.8, 22.18.9, 23.1, 23.4-23.6, 23.8, 23.9, 23.10, 24, 25.1.2 in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC., which is being filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, of references to Geosyntec's name and to the use of the technical report summary titled "S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary on the Donlin Gold Project, Alaska, USA", with a report date of November 30 , 2025 ("2025 S-K 1300 Report") and filed on January 22, 2026, and the information derived from the 2025 S-K 1300 Report, including any quotation from or summarization of the 2025 S-K 1300 Report for which Geosyntec is responsible.

I also consent to the incorporation by reference in NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.'s registration statements on Form S-3 (File No. 333-286696) and Form S-8 (Nos. 333-117370; 333-134871; 333-136493; 333-164083; 333-171630, 333-197648 and 333-239776) of the references to Geosyntec's name and the use of the 2025 S-K 1300 Report and the information derived from the 2025 S-K 1300 Report for which Geosyntec is responsible, including any quotation from or summarization of the 2025 S-K 1300 Report for which Geosyntec is responsible, which are included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Dated this 21st day of January 2026

On behalf of Geosyntec Consultants International, Inc.

By:<u> </u><u>/s/ Marlaina Auger</u> 

Name: Marlaina Auger

Title: Operations Vice President

Authorized signor for Geosyntec Consultants International, Inc.

## Exhibit 31.1

**Exhibit 31.1**

**CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER**

**PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(a) OF THE**

**SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934**

I, Gregory A. Lang, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of NOVAGOLD Resources Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Date: January 22, 2026 | By: | */s/ Gregory A. Lang* |
|  |  | Gregory A. Lang |
|  |  | Chief Executive Officer |

---

## Exhibit 31.2

**Exhibit 31.2**

**CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER**

**PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(a) OF THE**

**SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934**

I, Peter Adamek, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of NOVAGOLD Resources Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Date: January 22, 2026 | By: | */s/ Peter Adamek* |
|  |  | Peter Adamek |
|  |  | Chief Financial Officer |

---

## Exhibit 32.1

**Exhibit 32.1**

**CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO**

**18 U.S.C.** §**1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO**

**SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002**

In connection with the Annual Report of NOVAGOLD Resources Inc. (the "Company") on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2025, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Gregory A. Lang, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Date: January 22, 2026 | By: | */s/ Gregory A. Lang* |
|  |  | Gregory A. Lang |
|  |  | Chief Executive Officer |

---

## Exhibit 32.2

**Exhibit 32.2**

**CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO**

**18 U.S.C.** §**1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO**

**SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002**

In connection with the Annual Report of NOVAGOLD Resources Inc. (the "Company") on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2025, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Peter Adamek, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Date: January 22, 2026 | By: | */s/ Peter Adamek* |
|  |  | Peter Adamek |
|  |  | Chief Financial Officer |

---

## Exhibit 96.1

**Exhibit 96.1**

![trcover.jpg](trcover.jpg)

------

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ![logohdr.jpg](logohdr.jpg) | Donlin Gold Project<br> Alaska, USA |
|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

---

**Date and Signature Page**

The technical report summary entitled "S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary on the Donlin Gold Project, Alaska, USA" dated 30 November 2025 was prepared by qualified persons employed by the following third-party firms comprising mining experts:

Date: 22 January 2026

---

| |
|:---|
| *"Signed*" |
| On behalf of Wood Group USA Inc. |
| *"Signed*" |
| On behalf of Geosyntec Consultants International, Inc. |

---

Project No.: 259219

Date and Signature Page

![woodfoot.jpg](woodfoot.jpg)

22 January 2026

------

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ![logohdr.jpg](logohdr.jpg) | Donlin Gold Project<br> Alaska, USA |
|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

---

**Contents**

------

1.0 executive SUMMARY 1-1

1.1 Introduction 1-1

1.2 Terms of Reference 1-1

1.3 Principal Outcomes 1-2

1.4 Location, Climate, and Access 1-3

1.5 Mineral Tenure and Surface Rights 1-3

1.6 Royalties 1-5

1.7 Geology and Mineralization 1-6

1.8 Exploration 1-6

1.8.1 Exploration Potential 1-7

1.8.2 Drilling 1-7

1.9 Data Verification 1-8

1.10 Metallurgical Testwork 1-8

1.11 Mineral Resource Estimates 1-8

1.12 Mineral Reserve Estimates 1-11

1.13 Mine Methods 1-12

1.14 Processing and Recovery Methods 1-12

1.15 Infrastructure 1-12

1.16 Environment, Permitting and Agreements 1-13

1.17 Capital Costs 1-13

1.18 Operating Costs 1-15

1.19 Economic Analysis 1-15

1.20 Conclusions 1-16

1.21 Risks 1-16

1.22 Recommendations 1-16

2.0 Introduction 2-1

2.1 Terms of Reference 2-1

2.2 Qualified Persons 2-1

2.3 Site Visits 2-2

2.4 Information Sources 2-4

3.0 Property Description 3-1

3.1 Location 3-1

3.2 Origin of Native Title to the Lands 3-1

3.3 Mineral Tenure 3-4

3.3.1 Calista Lease 3-4

3.3.2 Lyman Lease 3-4

3.3.3 State Mining Claims 3-5

3.4 Surface Rights 3-5

3.5 Royalties and Encumbrances 3-6

3.6 Permits 3-7

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|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

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3.7 Environmental Liabilities 3-7

3.8 Significant Risk Factors 3-7

4.0 Accessibility, Climate, Local Resources, Infrastructure, and Physiography 4-1

4.1 Accessibility 4-1

4.2 Climate 4-1

4.3 Local Resources and Infrastructure 4-1

4.4 Physiography 4-2

4.5 Sufficiency of Surface Rights 4-2

5.0 History 5-1

5.1 Prior Ownership 5-1

5.2 Exploration History 5-1

6.0 Geological Setting, Mineralization, and deposit 6-1

6.1 Regional Geology 6-1

6.2 Project Geology 6-2

6.2.1 Lithologies 6-3

6.2.2 Structure 6-4

6.3 Deposit Setting 6-4

6.4 Paragenesis 6-4

6.5 Deposit Geology 6-5

6.5.1 Sedimentary Rocks 6-5

6.5.2 Igneous Rocks 6-7

6.5.3 Structure 6-8

6.6 Deposits 6-10

6.7 Mineralization 6-11

6.7.1 Vein and Disseminated Mineralization 6-11

6.8 Alteration 6-13

6.9 Minor Elements 6-13

6.10 Deposit Types 6-14

7.0 Exploration 7-1

7.1 Grids and Surveys 7-1

7.2 Geological Mapping 7-1

7.3 Geochemical Sampling 7-2

7.4 Geophysics 7-5

7.5 Excavations and Trenches 7-7

7.5.1 Legacy Excavations and Trenches 7-9

7.5.2 Recent Excavations and Trenches 7-9

7.6 Exploration Potential 7-10

7.6.1 Far Side 7-11

7.6.2 Duqum 7-11

7.6.3 Snow / Quartz 7-12

7.6.4 Dome 7-12

7.6.5 Ophir 7-13

7.7 Drilling 7-13

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|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

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7.8 Drill Methods 7-18

7.9 Geological Logging 7-18

7.10 Recovery 7-19

7.11 Collar Surveys 7-19

7.12 Down-hole Surveys 7-20

7.13 Geotechnical and Hydrogeological 7-20

7.13.1 Drilling 7-20

7.13.2 Hydrology and Hydrogeology 7-20

7.13.3 TSF Geotechnical Site Investigation 7-21

7.13.4 Laboratory Testing Program 7-22

7.14 Metallurgical Drilling 7-24

7.15 Condemnation Drilling 7-24

7.16 Twin Drilling 7-24

7.17 Summary of Drill Intercepts 7-24

8.0 Sample Preparation, Analyses, and Security 8-1

8.1 Sampling Methods 8-1

8.2 Metallurgical Sampling 8-1

8.3 Specific Gravity Determination 8-2

8.4 Analytical and Test Laboratories 8-2

8.5 Sample Preparation and Analysis 8-3

8.6 Quality Assurance and Quality Control 8-5

8.6.1 Standard Reference Materials 8-5

8.6.2 Blank Materials 8-6

8.6.3 1995-2002 Protocol 8-6

8.6.4 2005-2006 Protocol 8-7

8.6.5 2007-2010 Protocol 8-7

8.6.6 2017 Protocol 8-7

8.6.7 2020 Protocol 8-7

8.6.8 2021-2023 Protocol 8-8

8.6.9 2025 Protocol 8-8

8.7 Databases 8-8

8.8 Sample Security 8-8

8.9 QP Opinion on Sample Preparation, Security, and Analytical Procedures 8-9

9.0 Data Verification 9-1

9.1 Drill Hole Database 9-1

9.1.1 2002-2008 9-1

9.1.2 2009-2025 9-1

9.1.3 SRK Audit (2022) 9-2

9.2 Geology and Mineral Resource Data 9-2

9.2.1 Wood (2025) 9-2

9.3 Mining 9-3

9.4 Metallurgy and Mineral Processing 9-4

9.5 Infrastructure 9-4

9.5.1 Utilities, Onsite Buildings and Off-site Infrastructure 9-4

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|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

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9.5.2 Tailings and Geotechnical 9-4

9.5.3 Water Management 9-5

9.6 Environmental 9-5

9.7 QP Opinion on Data Adequacy 9-6

9.7.1 Database, Geology and Mineral Resources 9-6

9.7.2 Mining 9-6

9.7.3 Metallurgy and Mineral Processing 9-6

9.7.4 Utilities, Onsite Buildings and Off-site Infrastructure 9-6

9.7.5 Tailings and Geotechnical 9-6

9.7.6 Water Management 9-7

9.7.7 Environmental 9-7

10.0 Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing 10-1

10.1 Geology and Mineralogy 10-1

10.1.1 Mineralization 10-2

10.1.2 Gold Deportment 10-3

10.1.3 Mercury, Chlorine, Carbonates and Organic Carbon Deportment 10-3

10.2 Metallurgical Testwork 10-4

10.2.1 Samples 10-4

10.2.2 Comminution 10-7

10.2.2.1 2002–2003 Testwork 10-7

10.2.2.2 2004–2005 Testwork 10-8

10.2.2.3 2006 HQ Core Testwork 10-9

10.2.2.4 2006 Whole PQ Core Testwork 10-9

10.2.2.5 2007 HQ Core Testwork 10-9

10.2.2.6 Effect of Grind Size on BWI 10-10

10.2.2.7 Comminution Circuit Selection 10-11

10.2.2.8 Geostatistical Assessment 10-12

10.2.2.9 MCF2 Grinding Circuit Design Method and Capacity Definition 10-13

10.2.3 Flotation 10-14

10.2.3.1 Summary 10-14

10.2.3.2 1995-2006 Testwork 10-15

10.2.3.3 Mineralogy Summary 10-16

10.2.3.4 2006 Pilot-Plant Testing 10-16

10.2.3.5 Bench Testing of MCF2 Flowsheet 10-17

10.2.3.6 2007 Pilot-Plant Testing 10-18

10.2.3.7 2007 Variability Testing 10-18

10.2.3.8 Effect of Geological Oxidation on Flotation Performance 10-20

10.2.3.9 Flotation Circuit Scale-up and Modeling 10-20

10.2.3.10 2018 Bench Flotation Testwork 10-20

10.2.4 Pressure Oxidation 10-22

10.2.4.1 Chemistry of Pressure Oxidation and Hot Cure 10-22

10.2.4.2 2004 Batch Autoclave Testing 10-22

10.2.4.3 2006 Batch Autoclave Testing 10-24

10.2.4.4 2006 Pilot-Plant Testing 10-25

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|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

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10.2.4.5 2007 Phase 1 Pilot-Plant Testing 10-25

10.2.4.6 Phase 2 Pilot-Plant Testing 10-26

10.2.5 Neutralization 10-29

10.2.5.1 Summary 10-29

10.2.5.2 2004 Neutralization Testwork 10-30

10.2.5.3 2005 Neutralization Testwork 10-30

10.2.5.4 2006 Preliminary Batch Neutralization Testing 10-30

10.2.5.5 2006 Pilot Neutralization 10-30

10.2.5.6 2007 Neutralization Phase 1 Bench Testing 10-31

10.2.5.7 2007 Neutralization Phase 1 Pilot Testing 10-31

10.2.5.8 2007 Neutralization Phase 2 Pilot Testing 10-33

10.2.5.9 2007 Neutralization Variability Testing 10-35

10.2.6 Carbon-in-Leach 10-36

10.2.6.1 Summary 10-36

10.2.6.2 Key Metallurgical Aspects of Planned Donlin CIL Circuit 10-36

10.2.6.3 2006 CIL of Flotation Tails 10-37

10.2.6.4 2006 CIL Optimization Testwork 10-37

10.2.6.5 2007 CIL Pilot-Plant Testing 10-37

10.2.6.6 2007 CIL Optimization Testwork 10-39

10.2.6.7 Cyanide Detoxification Testwork 10-39

10.2.7 Thickening and Counter-Current Decantation Washing 10-40

10.2.8 Tailings Neutralization Capacity 10-40

10.3 Recovery Estimates 10-41

10.3.1 Flotation 10-41

10.3.2 Pressure Oxidation 10-44

10.3.3 Overall Plant Gold Recovery 10-44

10.4 Deleterious Elements 10-44

10.5 QP Opinion on Data Adequacy 10-45

11.0 Mineral Resource Estimates 11-1

11.1 Summary 11-1

11.2 Database 11-1

11.3 Geologic Models 11-1

11.4 Exploratory Data Analysis 11-3

11.5 Density Assignment 11-4

11.6 Grade Capping/Outlier Restrictions 11-4

11.7 Composites 11-5

11.8 Block Model Set Up 11-5

11.9 Indicator Estimation 11-6

11.10 Estimation Methods 11-6

11.11 Classification of Waste Rock Management Categories 11-7

11.12 Validation 11-9

11.13 Classification 11-15

11.13.1 Uncertainties Considered During Confidence Classification 11-16

11.14 Reasonable Prospects for Eventual Economic Extraction 11-16

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|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

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11.14.1 Cut-off Determination 11-17

11.15 Mineral Resource Statement 11-18

11.16 Factors that May Affect the Mineral Resource Estimate 11-18

12.0 Mineral Reserve Estimates 12-1

12.1 Modifying Factors 12-1

12.1.1 Summary 12-1

12.1.2 Dilution and Mine Loss 12-2

12.1.3 Metallurgical Recovery 12-4

12.1.4 Gold Price Forecast 12-4

12.1.5 Pit Slopes 12-5

12.2 Cut-off Determination 12-8

12.3 Mineral Reserve Statement 12-9

12.4 Factors that May Affect the Mineral Reserve Estimate 12-10

13.0 Mining Methods 13-1

13.1 Throughput Considerations 13-1

13.2 Geotechnical Considerations 13-1

13.2.1 Site Investigations 13-1

13.2.2 Model Development 13-2

13.2.2.1 Geologic Model 13-2

13.2.2.2 Structural Model 13-2

13.2.2.3 Rock Mass and Geotechnical Properties 13-3

13.2.2.4 Slope Stability Analysis 13-4

13.2.2.5 Pit Slope Design Criteria 13-4

13.3 Pit Phases 13-5

13.4 Pit Design Parameters 13-6

13.5 Production Schedule 13-8

13.5.1 Planned Production Schedule 13-8

13.5.2 Pit-Phase Mining Rates 13-8

13.5.3 Mine Production Plan 13-9

13.5.4 Process Feed Plan 13-13

13.6 Ore Stockpiles 13-13

13.7 Waste Rock Facilities 13-14

13.8 Water Management 13-15

13.9 Blasting and Explosives 13-16

13.10 Mining Equipment 13-17

13.10.1 Drilling 13-18

13.10.2 Loading 13-18

13.10.3 Hauling 13-18

13.10.4 Secondary Fleet 13-18

13.10.5 Support Equipment 13-19

13.11 Work Schedule 13-20

13.11.1 Personnel Requirements 13-20

14.0 processing and recovery Methods 14-1

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|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

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14.1 Plant Design 14-1

14.1.1 General 14-1

14.1.2 Crushing and Coarse Ore Stockpile 14-3

14.1.3 Grinding and Pebble Crushing 14-3

14.1.4 Flotation 14-4

14.1.5 Thickening, Concentrate Storage, Acidulation, and CCD Washing 14-5

14.1.6 Autoclave Plant 14-6

14.1.7 Counter Current Decantation Pressure Oxidization Thickening and Washing 14-8

14.1.8 Flotation Tailings Neutralization 14-8

14.1.9 Solids Carbon-in-Leach Neutralization 14-9

14.1.10 Carbon-in-Leach Cyanidation Circuit 14-9

14.1.11 Cyanide Destruction System 14-10

14.1.12 Carbon Elution, Electrowinning, Reactivation, and Gold Refining 14-10

14.1.13 Mercury Abatement Systems 14-11

14.2 Reagents 14-13

14.2.1 Lime 14-13

14.2.2 Sulfur Dioxide 14-14

14.3 Process Services 14-14

14.3.1 Air and Gaseous Oxygen 14-14

14.3.2 Plant Water Distribution 14-14

14.3.3 Power Requirements 14-16

14.4 Personnel Requirements 14-16

15.0 Infrastructure 15-1

15.1 Summary 15-1

15.2 Access and Logistics 15-1

15.2.1 Port-to-Mine Access Road 15-1

15.2.2 Road Construction 15-3

15.2.3 Airstrip 15-3

15.2.4 Cargoes 15-4

15.2.5 Fuel 15-4

15.3 Plant Site Facilities 15-4

15.4 Camps and Accommodation 15-6

15.5 Waste Rock Facilities 15-7

15.5.1 Location 15-7

15.5.2 Acid-base Accounting 15-7

15.5.3 Geotechnical Design 15-8

15.6 Tailings Storage Facilities 15-8

15.6.1 Site Geology 15-8

15.6.2 Seismicity 15-9

15.6.3 Geotechnical Site Investigation and Laboratory Testing 15-10

15.6.4 TSF Design 15-10

15.6.4.1 Design Criteria 15-10

15.6.4.2 Inflow Design Flood 15-10

15.6.4.3 Foundation Stability 15-10

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|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

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15.6.4.4 Configuration 15-11

15.6.4.5 Seepage and Pore Pressure Control 15-11

15.6.4.6 Seismic Hazard Analyses 15-11

15.6.5 TSF Construction 15-12

15.6.6 TSF Operation 15-12

15.7 Water Management 15-12

15.7.1 Water Balance 15-12

15.7.2 Water Retention Structures 15-13

15.7.3 Construction Water Management Strategy 15-15

15.7.3.1 Initial Pit Dewatering 15-16

15.7.3.2 Tailings Storage Facility 15-17

15.7.3.3 Overburden Stockpiles 15-17

15.7.3.4 Construction Camp Potable Water Supply and Domestic Wastewater 15-18

15.7.3.5 Fire Water 15-18

15.7.3.6 Plant Start-Up Water Supply 15-18

15.7.4 Operations Water Management Strategy 15-18

15.7.4.1 Mine Pit Dewatering 15-20

15.7.4.2 Tailings Storage Facility 15-20

15.7.4.3 Waste Rock Facility 15-21

15.7.4.4 Runoff Controls 15-21

15.7.4.5 Process Water Requirements 15-22

15.7.4.6 Operations Water Treatment Plant 15-22

15.8 Bethel Marine Terminal 15-23

15.9 Jungjuk Port Site 15-24

15.10 Power and Electrical 15-25

15.11 Natural Gas Pipeline 15-26

15.11.1 Design Overview 15-26

15.11.2 Geotechnical Review of Pipeline Route 15-27

15.12 Fuel 15-28

15.12.1 Diesel 15-28

15.12.2 Natural Gas 15-28

16.0 Market Studies 16-1

16.1 Marketing Partnership Agreement 16-1

16.2 Gold Marketing 16-1

16.3 Gold Price 16-1

17.0 Environmental Studies, Permitting, and plans, negotiations, or agreements with local individuals or groups 17-1

17.1 Baseline Studies 17-1

17.2 Permitting 17-3

17.2.1 Exploration Stage Permitting 17-12

17.2.2 Pre-application Phase 17-13

17.2.3 The NEPA Process and Permit Applications 17-14

17.2.4 Laws, Regulations, and Permit Requirements 17-15

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|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

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17.3 Key Environmental Issues and Mitigation 17-15

17.4 Waste and Tailings Disposal and Water Management 17-16

17.5 Plans, Negotiations or Agreements with Local Groups 17-16

17.5.1 Stakeholders 17-21

17.6 Closure Plan Considerations 17-22

17.6.1 Water Treatment Plant 17-23

17.6.2 Tailings Storage Facility 17-23

17.6.3 Waste Rock Facility 17-24

17.6.4 Roads and Airstrip 17-25

17.6.5 Foundations and Buildings 17-25

17.6.6 Waste Disposal 17-25

17.6.7 Port and Mine Support Facilities 17-26

17.6.8 Mobile Equipment 17-26

17.6.9 Trust Fund and Financial Assurance 17-26

17.6.10 Closure Cost Estimate 17-27

17.7 QP Opinion on Adequacy on Current Plans to Address Issues 17-27

18.0 Capital and Operating Costs 18-1

18.1 Capital Cost Estimates 18-1

18.1.1 Summary 18-1

18.1.1.1 Basis of Estimate 18-3

18.1.1.2 Scope of Responsibilities 18-4

18.1.1.3 Mining 18-4

18.1.1.4 Site Preparation and Roads 18-5

18.1.1.5 Process Facilities 18-6

18.1.1.6 Tailings Management and Reclaim Systems 18-7

18.1.1.7 Utilities 18-8

18.1.1.8 Ancillary Buildings and Facilities 18-8

18.1.1.9 Off-Site Facilities 18-9

18.1.1.10 Owner's Costs 18-10

18.1.1.11 Indirect Costs 18-10

18.1.1.12 Contingency 18-11

18.1.2 Sustaining Capital 18-11

18.2 Operating Cost Estimates 18-13

18.2.1 Summary 18-13

18.2.2 Basis of Estimate 18-14

18.2.3 Mine Operating Costs 18-15

18.2.4 Process Operating Costs 18-16

18.2.5 General and Administrative Operating Costs 18-17

18.2.6 Land and Royalty Payments 18-18

19.0 Economic Analysis 19-1

19.1 Valuation Methodology 19-1

19.2 Financial Model Parameters 19-1

19.2.1 Metallurgical Recoveries 19-2

19.2.2 Transportation, Smelting and Refining Terms 19-2

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|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

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19.2.3 Metal Prices 19-2

19.2.4 Capital Costs 19-2

19.2.5 Operating Costs 19-2

19.2.6 Working Capital 19-4

19.2.7 Taxes 19-4

19.2.8 Closure Costs 19-5

19.2.9 Salvage 19-5

19.2.10 Financing 19-5

19.2.11 Inflation 19-6

19.3 Economic Results 19-6

19.4 Sensitivity Analysis 19-9

20.0 Adjacent Properties 20-1

21.0 Other Relevant Data and Information 21-1

22.0 Interpretation and Conclusions 22-1

22.1 Summary 22-1

22.2 Agreements, Mineral Tenure, Surface Rights, and Royalties 22-1

22.3 Geology, Mineralization and Exploration 22-1

22.4 Drilling and Data Analysis 22-1

22.5 Metallurgical Testwork 22-1

22.6 Mineral Resource Estimates 22-2

22.7 Mineral Reserve Estimates 22-2

22.8 Mine Methods 22-2

22.9 Mine Geotechnical 22-3

22.10 Processing and Recovery Methods 22-3

22.11 Infrastructure 22-4

22.12 Water Management 22-4

22.13 Tailings Storage Facility 22-5

22.14 Market Studies 22-5

22.15 Environmental, Permitting and Agreements 22-6

22.16 Capital and Operating Cost Estimates 22-6

22.17 Economic Analysis 22-6

22.18 Risks 22-7

22.18.1 Summary 22-7

22.18.2 Mineral Resource Estimates 22-7

22.18.3 Mine Geotechnical 22-7

22.18.4 Waste Rock Facility 22-8

22.18.5 Tailings and Geotechnical 22-8

22.18.6 Processing and Recovery Methods 22-9

22.18.7 Infrastructure 22-9

22.18.8 Water Management 22-10

22.18.9 Environmental, Permitting, and Agreements 22-10

23.0 recommendations 23-1

23.1 Summary 23-1

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23.2 Mineral Resource Estimates 23-1

23.3 Mine Methods 23-1

23.4 Mine Geotechnical 23-2

23.5 Waste Rock Facility 23-2

23.6 Tailings and Geotechnical 23-2

23.7 Infrastructure 23-3

23.8 Water Management 23-4

23.9 Environment and Permitting 23-4

23.10 Summary of Costs 23-5

24.0 References 24-1

25.0 Reliance on information provided by the registrant 25-1

25.1 Legal Matters 25-1

25.1.1 Taxation 25-1

25.1.2 Surface Rights, Mineral Tenure, Royalties, and Agreements 25-1

**Tables**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Table 1-1: | Key Project Outcomes | 1-2 |
| Table 1-2: | Mineral Resources Statement Exclusive of Mineral Reserves | 1-9 |
| Table 1-3: | Mineral Resources Statement Inclusive of Mineral Reserves | 1-10 |
| Table 1-4: | Mineral Reserves Statement | 1-11 |
| Table 1-5: | Initial Capital Estimate | 1-14 |
| Table 1-6: | Sustaining Capital Estimate | 1-14 |
| Table 1-7: | LOM Operating Costs | 1-15 |
| Table 1-8: | Financial Results | 1-16 |
| Table 2-1: | Third-Party Firms Who Prepared this Report | 2-2 |
| Table 5-1: | Exploration Work History Summary for Donlin Gold Property | 5-4 |
| Table 6-1: | Donlin Gold Project Stratigraphy (Stratigraphic Column) | 6-6 |
| Table 6-2: | Donlin Gold Project Stratigraphy (Stratigraphic Column) | 6-7 |
| Table 6-3: | Vein Stages | 6-12 |
| Table 7-1: | Geochemical Sampling Summary | 7-3 |
| Table 7-2: | Summary of Trenches Completed from 1998 to 2022 | 7-8 |
| Table 7-3: | Far Side | 7-11 |
| Table 7-4: | Duqum | 7-12 |
| Table 7-5: | Snow / Quartz | 7-12 |
| Table 7-6: | Dome | 7-13 |
| Table 7-7: | RC and Core Drill Summary Table | 7-14 |
| Table 7-8: | Summary of Site Investigations | 7-20 |
| Table 7-9: | Laboratory Results Summary of Soil Samples | 7-23 |
| Table 7-10: | ACMA Area Drill Hole Intercept Summary Table | 7-25 |
| Table 7-11: | Lewis Area Drill Hole Intercept Summary Table | 7-28 |
| Table 10-1: | Typical Sulfide and Metals Mineralization in the Donlin Ores | 10-2 |
| Table 10-2: | Summary of Samples Used in 2006 Metallurgical Testing | 10-5 |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Table 10-3: | Summary of Samples Used in 2007 Metallurgical Testing | 10-6 |
| Table 10-4: | Grinding Testwork Results from Hazen | 10-7 |
| Table 10-5: | Summary of Grindability Testing | 10-8 |
| Table 10-6: | Estimation of Crushing Index (Ci) | 10-12 |
| Table 10-7: | Estimation of SAG Power Index (SPI) | 10-13 |
| Table 10-8: | Estimation of Bond Ball Work Index (BWI) | 10-13 |
| Table 10-9: | Flotation Recovery from Variability Testwork Program | 10-42 |
| Table 10-10: | Summary of Flotation Recovery in Variability Testwork Program by Geological Domain and Adjusted to MCF2 Pilot Result | 10-43 |
| Table 11-1: | Donlin Deposits Geological Domains | 11-2 |
| Table 11-2: | Specific Gravity by Rock Type | 11-4 |
| Table 11-3: | Capping Analysis for Gold | 11-5 |
| Table 11-4: | Block Model Set Up | 11-5 |
| Table 11-5: | Indicator Estimation Parameters | 11-6 |
| Table 11-6: | Grade Estimation Parameters | 11-7 |
| Table 11-7: | Sulfur Regression Formulae | 11-7 |
| Table 11-8: | Waste Rock Management Categories | 11-8 |
| Table 11-9: | Summary Statistics of Gold ID3 and NN | 11-12 |
| Table 11-10: | Mineral Resource Classification | 11-15 |
| Table 11-11: | Mineral Resource Pit Optimization Parameters | 11-16 |
| Table 11-12: | Mineral Resources Statement Exclusive of Mineral Reserves | 11-19 |
| Table 11-13: | Mineral Resources Statement Inclusive of Mineral Reserves | 11-20 |
| Table 12-1: | Mineral Reserve Pit Optimization Parameters | 12-1 |
| Table 12-2: | Bulk vs. Selective Mining | 12-2 |
| Table 12-3: | Summary of Dilution and Mine Losses | 12-3 |
| Table 12-4: | Pit Optimization Process Recoveries | 12-5 |
| Table 12-5: | Pit Optimization Slopes – Weathered/Oxidized | 12-6 |
| Table 12-6: | Pit Optimization Slopes – Fresh/Unoxidized | 12-7 |
| Table 12-7: | Pit Optimization Slopes – Fresh Divide Fault | 12-8 |
| Table 12-8: | Mineral Reserve Statement | 12-10 |
| Table 13-1: | Summary of Site Investigations | 13-1 |
| Table 13-2: | Structural Domains – Donlin Gold Pit Slope Design | 13-3 |
| Table 13-3: | Pit Design Parameters | 13-7 |
| Table 13-4: | Mine Production Summary by Year | 13-10 |
| Table 13-5: | Mill Feed Schedule | 13-12 |
| Table 13-6: | Waste Stockpiling Capacity and Requirements | 13-14 |
| Table 13-7: | Mine Equipment Requirements | 13-17 |
| Table 13-8: | Mine Auxiliary Equipment | 13-19 |
| Table 13-9: | Personnel Requirement Summary | 13-20 |
| Table 14-1: | Process Design Basis | 14-1 |
| Table 14-2: | Personnel Requirements | 14-17 |
| Table 15-1: | Water Retention Structures and Water Storage | 15-14 |
| Table 17-1: | Environmental Baseline Studies (1995–2020) | 17-2 |
| Table 17-2: | Status of Federal, State, and Local Permits | 17-4 |

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|:---|:---|:---|
| Table 17-3: | Key Environmental Issues and Proposed Mitigation Measures | 17-17 |
| Table 17-4: | Estimated Reclamation Costs | 17-27 |
| Table 18-1: | Summary of Initial Capital Costs by Major Area | 18-1 |
| Table 18-2: | Breakdown of Mining Capital Costs | 18-5 |
| Table 18-3: | Breakdown of Site Preparation and Roads Capital Costs | 18-6 |
| Table 18-4: | Breakdown of Process Facilities Capital Costs | 18-6 |
| Table 18-5: | Breakdown of the Tailings Management and Reclaim Systems Capital Costs | 18-7 |
| Table 18-6: | Breakdown of the Utilities Capital Costs | 18-8 |
| Table 18-7: | Ancillary Buildings and Facilities Capital Cost Breakdown | 18-9 |
| Table 18-8: | Breakdown of the Off-Site Facilities Capital Costs | 18-9 |
| Table 18-9: | Owner's Costs Capital Cost Breakdown | 18-10 |
| Table 18-10: | Breakdown of the Indirect Costs | 18-11 |
| Table 18-11: | Contingency Breakdown | 18-11 |
| Table 18-12: | Breakdown of Sustaining Capital Costs | 18-12 |
| Table 18-13: | LOM Operating Costs | 18-14 |
| Table 18-14: | LOM Mining Operating Cost | 18-16 |
| Table 18-15: | Process Operating Costs | 18-17 |
| Table 18-16: | LOM G&A Operating Cost Estimate | 18-18 |
| Table 19-1: | Summary of Key Evaluation Metrics | 19-6 |
| Table 19-2: | Cash Flow Analysis | 19-7 |
| Table 19-3: | Base Case Project Sensitivity to Gold Price | 19-10 |
| Table 23-1: | Costs for Recommended Work | 23-5 |

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**Figures**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Figure 1-1: | Location Map | 1-4 |
| Figure 3-1: | Location Map | 3-2 |
| Figure 3-2: | Donlin Gold Property Land Status Map | 3-3 |
| Figure 6-1: | Regional Geology of Central Kuskokwim Area | 6-2 |
| Figure 6-2: | Interpreted Property-Scale Igneous Rocks | 6-3 |
| Figure 6-3: | Interpreted Surface Geology of Resource Area | 6-6 |
| Figure 6-4: | 100 m Bench Level Geology | 6-8 |
| Figure 6-5: | Lewis Area Section | 6-9 |
| Figure 6-6: | ACMA Area Section | 6-9 |
| Figure 6-7: | 100 m Bench Level Gold Distribution (>1 g/t Au grade blocks) | 6-11 |
| Figure 7-1: | 2004 and 2006 Mapping Campaigns | 7-2 |
| Figure 7-2: | Map of Stream Sediment Sampling Locations | 7-3 |
| Figure 7-3: | Overview of Soil Sampling Campaigns Completed on the Property | 7-4 |
| Figure 7-4: | Fugro DIGHEM Geophysical Survey Flown Over Parts of the Sleetmute and Iditarod Quadrangles | 7-6 |
| Figure 7-5: | Plan View of Magnetic Vector Inversion Model Sliced at -600 masl | 7-7 |
| Figure 7-6: | Summary of Trenches Completed from 1998 to 2022 | 7-8 |
| Figure 7-7: | Lewis Hill Trench | 7-10 |

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|:---|:---|:---|
| Figure 7-8: | Divide Trench | 7-10 |
| Figure 7-9: | Project Drill Hole Location Plan | 7-17 |
| Figure 7-10: | Resource Area Drill Holes | 7-18 |
| Figure 7-11: | Example Drill Cross-Section ACMA | 7-30 |
| Figure 7-12: | Example Drill Cross-Section, Lewis | 7-31 |
| Figure 10-1: | Geological Domains | 10-1 |
| Figure 10-2: | Test P80 vs. Measured BWI Results on Blend Composite Sample | 10-11 |
| Figure 10-3: | Illustration of MCF2 Generic Flowsheet | 10-14 |
| Figure 10-4: | Comparison of SGS Lakefield Dec 2006 Key Bench and Pilot-Plant Results | 10-17 |
| Figure 10-5: | Sulfide Oxidation Pressure Oxidation Kinetics at 220°C | 10-23 |
| Figure 10-6: | Gold Recovery Profiles from Pressure Oxidation at 220°C | 10-23 |
| Figure 10-7: | 2007 Phase 1 Neutralization Pilot pH Profiles | 10-32 |
| Figure 10-8: | Phase 1 Neutralization Pilot Samples Lime Demand Test Results | 10-32 |
| Figure 10-9: | 2007 Phase 2 Neutralization Pilot pH Profiles | 10-34 |
| Figure 10-10: | Lime Demand Test Results of 2007 Phase 2 Pilot Samples, Plotted against Initial pH | 10-34 |
| Figure 10-11: | Plot of Neutralization Variability Testing Lime Demand Results at Six Hour Residence Time | 10-35 |
| Figure 10-12: | MCF2 Pilot-Plant Campaign Survey Results | 10-42 |
| Figure 11-1: | Box Plot Raw Gold Assay by Rock Type | 11-3 |
| Figure 11-2: | Section View Maps Showing the Estimated Gold Grades and Composite Au Grades for Measured and Indicated Blocks, ±20 m | 11-10 |
| Figure 11-3: | Plan View Maps Showing the Estimated Gold Grades and Composite Au Grades for Measured and Indicated Blocks, 0m Elevation ±20 m | 11-11 |
| Figure 11-4: | Box Plots of Au ID3 and Au NN by Estimation Domain | 11-12 |
| Figure 11-5: | Gold Swath Plots | 11-13 |
| Figure 11-6: | HERCO Change of Support Grade-Tonnage Plots | 11-14 |
| Figure 11-7: | 12 x 12 x 6 m Block-HERCO Change of Support Grade-Tonnage Plots | 11-14 |
| Figure 12-1: | Dilution and Mine Loss (Material Tonnage) | 12-3 |
| Figure 12-2: | Dilution and Mine Loss (Metal Content) | 12-4 |
| Figure 13-1: | ACMA Phases in Plan at 100 m Elevation | 13-5 |
| Figure 13-2: | Lewis Phases in Plan at 196 m Elevation | 13-6 |
| Figure 13-3: | End-of-Mine Plan Layout of Open Pit | 13-7 |
| Figure 13-4: | Mining Rate per Pit Phase | 13-11 |
| Figure 13-5: | Mine Production Schedule | 13-11 |
| Figure 13-6: | Relative Sulfur Grades in Ore Stockpile | 13-13 |
| Figure 13-7: | Waste Rock Storage Locations | 13-14 |
| Figure 14-1: | Donlin Gold Simplified Flow Diagram | 14-2 |
| Figure 15-1: | Basic Route of Mine Access Road | 15-2 |
| Figure 15-2: | Plant Site Layout | 15-5 |
| Figure 15-3: | Location of Tailings Storage Facility | 15-9 |
| Figure 15-4: | Construction Water Management Layout | 15-16 |
| Figure 15-5: | Operations Water Management Layout | 15-19 |
| Figure 18-1: | 2021 to 2025 Initial Capital Cost Changes by Major Area | 18-2 |
| Figure 18-2: | 2021 to 2025 Sustaining Capital Cost Changes by Major Area | 18-3 |

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| Figure 18-3: | Distribution of Sustaining Capital | 18-13 |
| Figure 18-4: | 2021 to 2025 Operating Cost Changes by Major Area | 18-14 |
| Figure 18-5: | Land and Royalty Annual Payments | 18-19 |
| Figure 19-1: | Distribution of Initial and Sustaining Capital | 19-3 |
| Figure 19-2: | Operating Costs | 19-3 |
| Figure 19-3: | After-Tax Cash Flow and NPV5% ($2,100/oz Gold Price) | 19-9 |
| Figure 19-4: | After-Tax NPV5% – Sensitivity | 19-9 |
| Figure 19-5: | After-Tax IRR – Sensitivity | 19-10 |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**1.0** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **EXECUTIVE SUMMARY** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**1.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Introduction** 

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. (NOVAGOLD) requested Wood Group USA Inc. (Wood) and Geosyntec Consultants International, Inc. (Geosyntec) to update the technical report summary on Donlin Gold Project, Alaska, USA, dated of 30 November 2021 (Donlin 2021 Technical Report Summary) so that it is current to 30 November 2025. The Donlin Gold project is a development stage property. This technical report summary was prepared under Subpart 229.1300-Disclosure by Registrants Engaged in Mining Operations (S-K 1300) and Item 601(b)(96) under Regulation S-K.

Work done since 2021 on the property with respect to exploration, drilling, permitting and minor project design changes, as a result of recent permitting activities, are summarized in this 30 November 2025 technical report summary (Report). Updated content includes all new drill data, analytical data, Mineral Resource estimate, Mineral Reserve estimate, pit design, production schedule, permitting, operating costs, capital costs, taxes, long term gold price and the economic analysis on the Donlin Gold project (Project). A data verification exercise was completed by each qualified person (QP) employed by Wood and Geosyntec, third-party firms comprising mining experts, co-authoring the Report.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**1.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Terms of Reference** 

On 3 June 2025, Barrick Gold Corporation (Barrick) divested their 60% ownership in Donlin Gold LLC. Through their wholly-owned subsidiary, NovaGold Resources Alaska Inc., NOVAGOLD increased their ownership interest in Donlin Gold LLC to 60%. The remaining 40% ownership interest in the Donlin Gold Project is Donlin Gold Holdings LLC, a subsidiary of Paulson Advantage Plus Master Ltd. and Paulson Advisors LLC. (together "Paulson").

Wood and Geosyntec have used information completed for earlier studies, as well as more recent data and information available on the Project to support and make current the information in this Report. Wood and Geosyntec conducted due diligence reviews on the information supplied by Donlin Gold LLC and made adjustments to the results of the 2021 pre-feasibility study (2021 PFS) update based on the outcome of those reviews. The level of study summarized in this Report meets the definition of pre-feasibility study under S-K 1300.

Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates are reported using the definitions in S-K 1300.

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The Report uses American English. Unless otherwise specified in the text, monetary amounts are in U.S. dollars and units are metric except where noted.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**1.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Principal Outcomes** 

The principal outcomes of this study are outlined in Table 1-1.

**Table 1**-**1: Key Project Outcomes**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item** | **Value** |
| Total Mined | 3803 |
| Ore Treated | 504.8 |
| Life of Project<sup>1</sup> | 27 |
| Strip Ratio | 6.5 |
| Total Gold Recovered | 29.5 |
| Gold Recovery | 90.0 |
| Gold Payable | 99.9 |
| Gold Price (Cash Flow) | 2100 |
| Total Before Tax Cash Flow | 25415 |
| Total Before Tax NPV<sub>5%</sub> | 7516 |
| Before Tax IRR | 12.5 |
| Before Tax Payback Period | 4.9 |
| Total After Tax Cash Flow | 19614 |
| Total After Tax NPV<sub>5%</sub> | 5058 |
| After Tax IRR | 10.3 |
| After Tax Payback Period | 6.5 |
| Gross Revenue | 61952 |
| Selling Costs | 51 |
| Operating Costs (Including Royalties) | 24504 |
| Initial Capital | 9233 |
| Sustaining Capital | 2325 |
| Total LOM Capital | 11558 |
| Closure Costs | 423 |
| Taxes | 5801 |

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Note: (1) Includes 24 years of mining and three additional years of stockpile reclaim

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**1.4** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Location, Climate, and Access** 

The Donlin deposits are situated approximately 450 km west of Anchorage and 250 km northeast of Bethel up the Kuskokwim River. The closest village is the community of Crooked Creek, approximately 20 km to the south, on the Kuskokwim River (Figure 1-1). There is no road or rail access to the site. All access to the Project site for personnel and supplies is by air.

Access to Bethel and Aniak, the regional centers, is limited to river travel by boat or barge in the summer and air travel year-round. The Kuskokwim River is a regional transportation route and is serviced by commercial barge lines.

The area has a relatively dry interior continental climate with typically about 500 mm of total annual precipitation. Permafrost is sporadic, typically confined to valley bottom and mid-slope, with thickness ranging from 1.5 m to over 15 m (average ~4 m). The site is in a seismically active region of Alaska, influenced by the collision of the Pacific and North American plates.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**1.5** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Mineral Tenure and Surface Rights** 

The Calista Lease (which runs through April 2031, with provisions to extend beyond that time) currently includes a total of 72 complete sections in the vicinity of the deposits. Additional partial sections associated with the Project infrastructure are leased from Calista Corporation (Calista), an Alaska Native Corporation that holds the subsurface (mineral) estate for Native owned lands in the region. In addition to the approximately 19,988 ha leased from Calista, Donlin Gold LLC holds 493 Alaska State mining claims comprising approximately 29,008 ha, on State and State-selected lands. These are located in the vicinity of the leased lands in the Kuskokwim and Mount McKinley recording districts, bringing the total mineral land package to approximately 48,996 ha (Property).

A separate Surface Use Agreement (SUA) with The Kuskokwim Corporation (TKC), an Alaska Native Village Corporation that owns the majority of the private surface estate in the area, grants non-exclusive surface use rights to Donlin Gold LLC on at least 64 sections. These overlay or are in the vicinity of the mineral deposit, with provisions allowing for adjusting that area in conjunction with adjustments to the subsurface included in the Calista Lease. The SUA was revised and restated and executed by Donlin Gold LLC and TKC to expand the TKC surface lands included in the SUA and update other provisions, effective 6 June 2014.

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**Figure 1**-**1: Location Map**

![fig1_1.jpg](fig1_1.jpg)

Source: NOVAGOLD, 2025

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The term of the SUA runs through 30 April 2031, with provisions to continue beyond that time so long as the Calista Lease remains in effect. Calista and Donlin Gold LLC executed an agreement making limited further amendments to the Calista Lease, effective 6 June 2014, in conjunction with the revision of the SUA between Donlin Gold LLC and TKC. The SUA provides Donlin Gold LLC with surface rights to approximately 16,923 ha of TKC-owned land.

A small surface estate of 5.7 ha to which the Lyman family has title, is within the Snow Gulch area lying immediately to the north of the Project's pit shell. Lyman Resources in Alaska, Inc. (Lyman Resources), the Lyman family and Donlin Gold LLC executed a Surface Lease and Assignment of Mining Lease assigning the Lyman placer lease, located within the Calista Lease area, to Donlin Gold LLC for mining use.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**1.6** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Royalties** 

The terms for the Calista Lease and TKC SUA include various royalty and other payment provisions and considerations such as shareholder employment and contracting opportunities.

Royalty terms of the Calista Lease include:

● Annual advance minimum royalty (variable) to 2030

● All advance minimum payments are recoverable as a credit against the net smelter return (NSR) royalty and net proceeds payment

● NSR of 1.5% for the earlier of the first five years following commencement of commercial production or until initial capital payback

● Conversion to 4.5% NSR after the earlier of five years or initial capital payback

● Net proceeds royalty of 8% of the net proceeds realized by Donlin Gold LLC commencing with the first quarter in which net proceeds are first realized.

Payment terms of the TKC SUA include:

● Annual advance minimum payment (variable per milestones)

● All advance minimum payments are recoverable as a credit against the milled tonnage fee and net proceeds payment

● Milled tonnage fee of $0.40/t processed for the first 10 years of production

● Conversion of the milled tonnage fee to $0.50/t processed for all production after 10 years

● Net proceeds payment of 3% of the net proceeds realized by Donlin Gold LLC commencing with the first quarter in which net proceeds are first realized.

There are currently no Government royalty obligations.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**1.7** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Geology and Mineralization** 

The Donlin mineralization model is a high-level, reduced intrusion-related vein system. The ACMA (named after the American Creek magnetic anomaly)-Lewis part of the district is a low sulfidation, reduced intrusion related, epizonal system with both vein and disseminated mineral zones.

The Donlin deposits lie in the central Kuskokwim basin of southwestern Alaska, which contains a back-arc continental margin basin fill assemblage of the Upper Cretaceous Kuskokwim Group, and Late Cretaceous volcano-plutonic complexes. The Project area is underlain by an 8.5 km long x 2.5 km wide granite porphyry dike and sill swarm hosted by lithic sandstone, siltstone, and shale of the Kuskokwim Group.

The deposits are hosted primarily in igneous rocks and are associated with an extensive Upper Cretaceous gold–arsenic–antimony–mercury hydrothermal system. The northeast, elongated, roughly 1.5 km wide x 3 km long cluster of gold deposits has an aggregate vertical range that exceeds 945 m. These areas consist of the ACMA and 400 Zone, Aurora and Akivik mineralized areas (grouped as ACMA) and the Lewis, South Lewis, Vortex, Rochelieu, Queen and North Akivik mineralized areas (grouped as Lewis).

Gold occurs primarily in sulfide and quartz–carbonate–sulfide vein networks in igneous rocks and, to a much lesser extent, in sedimentary rocks. Broad disseminated sulfide zones formed in igneous rocks where vein zones are closely spaced. Sub-microscopic gold, contained primarily in arsenopyrite and secondarily in pyrite and marcasite, is associated with illite–kaolinite–carbonate–graphite-altered host rocks.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**1.8** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Exploration** 

Placer gold was first discovered at Snow Gulch, a tributary of Donlin Creek, in 1909. Early-stage exploration in the modern era was performed by Resource Associates of Alaska (1974–1975), Western Gold Exploration and Mining Co. LP (WestGold) during 1988–1989 and Teck Exploration Ltd. (Teck) in 1993. Exploration included geological mapping, trenching, rock and soil sampling, an airborne magnetic and VLF survey, ground magnetic surveys, and initial Mineral Resource estimates.

The work completed on the Project has been undertaken by Placer Dome Inc. (1995 to 2000, and again from 2002 to 2005), NOVAGOLD (2001 to 2002), Barrick (2006) and by Donlin Gold LLC (from 2007 to date).

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Activities have included construction of infrastructure to support exploration activities; reconnaissance and geological mapping; aerial photography; rock chip and soil sampling; trenching; max-min electro-magnetic (EM) geophysical surveys; airborne geophysical surveys; Reverse circulation (RC) and core drilling for resource infill, geotechnical, engineering, condemnation, waste rock, and metallurgical purposes; environmental baseline studies; community consultations; detailed metallurgical testwork; geotechnical and hydrogeological studies; sampling of prospective calcium carbonate source areas; exploration and auger drilling program for sand and gravel sources; a series of Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates; and initial mining and engineering studies. This work culminated in a mining studies and a series of updates to those studies.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**1.8.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Exploration Potential** 

The Property retains exploration potential. The Akivik and East ACMA areas have good potential for lateral extensions of mineralization to the northwest and southeast of the pit footprint. In addition, known gold mineralization is likely to extend at depth, below the base of the designed pit, and in some areas immediately adjacent to the planned pit floor, which has been intersected by current drilling. Several drilled prospects and other exploration targets along the 6 km igneous trend north of the Mineral Resource area remain under-explored.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**1.8.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Drilling** 

A total of 2,145 core and RC holes of 516,779 m were completed from 1995 through 2025. Holes drilled by previous operators between 1995 and 2000 include 347 core holes (86,298 m) and 77 RC holes (16,338 m). Holes drilled by Donlin Gold LLC include 491 core holes (121,383 m) and more recently 10 dual rotary holes (630 m).

Core sizes used on the Property include: NQ3 (45.1 mm core diameter), NQ (47.6 mm), HQ3 (61.2 mm), HQ (63.5 mm), and PQ (85 mm).

Standard logging and sampling conventions were used to capture information from the drill core and, where applicable, RC chips. Data captured included lithology, mineralization, alteration (visual), structural, and geotechnical.

A survey of nearly 200,000 core recovery records in the database revealed an overall length-weighted average core recovery of 95%. Average recovery increases from 80-95% from 0-40 m and then ranges from 95-100% below 40 m where overburden and surface weathering effects are generally absent.

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Traditional (transit) collar survey methods were used up to 2001 with modern global positioning system (GPS) technology introduced in 2002. Various down-hole survey methods and tools have been used over the years including Sperry Sun single-shot camera, Reflex EZ Shot, Boart Longyear TruShot, SPT GyroMaster survey and Index OMIx42 survey tools. Televiewer data was collected from 2020-2025.

The quantity and quality of the lithological, geotechnical, hydrogeological, and collar and down-hole survey data collected in the exploration and delineation drill programs are sufficient to support Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimation in the opinion of the QPs.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**1.9** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Data Verification** 

Wood and Geosyntec verified the data used in preparing the study through various activities including but not limited to site visits, reviewing source documents, QA/QC integrity, and discussions with site personnel.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**1.10** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Metallurgical Testwork** 

Samples selected for testing were representative of the various types and styles of mineralization in the Donlin deposits. Samples were selected from a range of depths within the deposit. Sufficient samples were taken so that tests were performed on sufficient sample mass.

In the opinion of the Wood QP, the nature of tests undertaken, and the data obtained is adequate for the purposes used in this Report.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**1.11** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Mineral Resource Estimates** 

Mineral Resources take into account geologic, mining, processing and economic parameters, and have been constrained within an appropriate pit shell. Mineral Resources are reported in exclusive of Mineral Reserves in Table 1-2 and inclusive of Mineral Reserves in Table 1-3 at a commodity price of $2,400/oz gold and a NSR cut-off of $26.86/t. The figures in Table 1-3 are a subset of and are not additive to the figures in Table 1-2. NOVAGOLD's attributable interest in the Mineral Resources is 50% of the tonnage and contained gold stated in the tables. The point of reference for the Mineral Resources is in situ.

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**Table 1-2: Mineral Resources Statement Exclusive of Mineral Reserves**

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Category** | **Tonnage**<br> **(kt)** | **Au Grade**<br> **(g/t)** | **Contained Au**<br> **(koz)** | **S Grade**<br> **(%)** |
| Measured | 1432 | 1.18 | 54 | 1.05 |
| Indicated | 175224 | 1.32 | 7439 | 1.00 |
| **Total Measured and Indicated** | **176656** | **1.32** | **7493** | **1.00** |
| Inferred | 74426 | 1.87 | 4483 | 1.06 |

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Note: (1) The Mineral Resource estimate is current as of 30 November 2025. A Wood QP is responsible for the preparation of the Mineral Resource estimate.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) Mineral Resources are prepared in accordance with the definitions in S-K 1300.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) Mineral Resources are exclusive of Mineral Reserves.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) The cut-off date for the sample database used in the Mineral Resource estimate is 31 December 2024. However, more recent drilling data up to 30 November 2025 was used to validate the Mineral Resource model as remaining current.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) Mineral Resources are constrained within a pit shell using the following assumptions: gold price of $2,400/oz; reference mining cost of $2.68/t mined incremented $0.0041/t mined/m with depth from the 220 m elevation (equates to an average mining cost of $3.23/t mined); mining sustaining cost of $0.41/t mined; variable metallurgical recoveries by rock type and geological domain, ranging from 29.4% in oxide to 94.17% in intrusive rocks in the Akivik domain; process operating cost of $20.01/t processed; process sustaining cost of $2.14/t processed; G&A cost of $4.57/t processed; stockpile reclaim cost of $0.30/t processed assuming a reclaim percentage of 45%; refining recovery of 99.9%; selling cost of $1.71/oz gold; royalty considerations of 4.5% NSR and $0.50/t processed; and variable pit slope angles, ranging from 22 to 47°.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6) The timeframe over which the gold price and operating costs was 24 years which is the expected timeframe over which the Mineral Resources will be mined. The long term forecast gold price for Mineral Resources is based on industry consensus and is 15% higher than the price used for the Mineral Reserves to ensure the Mineral Reserves are a subset of the Mineral Resources.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(7) The NSR value for each block is determined using the gold grade, processing and refining recoveries, gold price, selling costs, and royalties.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(8) Mineral Resources are reported using a marginal NSR cut-off value of $26.86/t based on a total process cost of $22.15/t processed, G&A operating cost of $4.57/t processed, and a stockpile reclaim cost of $0.30/t processed assuming a reclaim percentage of 45%.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(9) The average LOM process recovery for Mineral Resources is 89.8%.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(10) Sulfur is not an economic contributor to the Project; however, it does impact the POX process.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(11) Tonnage and grade measurements are in metric units. Contained gold ounces are reported as troy ounces.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(12) Rounding may result in apparent summation differences between tonnes, grade, and contained metal content.

**Table 1-3: Mineral Resources Statement Inclusive of Mineral Reserves**

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Category** | **Tonnage**<br> **(kt)** | **Au Grade**<br> **(g/t)** | **Contained Au**<br> **(koz)** | **S Grade**<br> **(%)** |
| Measured | 9243 | 2.67 | 793 | 1.25 |
| Indicated | 550727 | 2.21 | 39195 | 1.12 |
| **Total Measured and Indicated** | **559970** | **2.22** | **39988** | **1.12** |
| Inferred | 88886 | 2.03 | 5812 | 1.09 |

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Note: (1) The Mineral Resource estimates is current as of 30 November 2025. A Wood QP is responsible for the preparation of the Mineral Resource estimates.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) Mineral Resources are prepared in accordance with the definitions in S-K 1300.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) Mineral Resources are inclusive of Mineral Reserves.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) The cut-off date for the sample database used in the Mineral Resource estimate is 31 December 2024. However, more recent drilling data up to 30 November 2025 was used to validate the Mineral Resource model as remaining current.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) Mineral Resources are constrained within a pit shell using the following assumptions: gold price of $2,400/oz; reference mining cost of $2.68/t mined incremented $0.0041/t mined/m with depth from the 220 m elevation (equates to an average mining cost of $3.23/t mined); mining sustaining cost of $0.41/t mined; variable metallurgical recoveries by rock type and geological domain, ranging from 29.4% in oxide to 94.17% in intrusive rocks in the Akivik domain; process operating cost of $20.01/t processed; process sustaining cost of $2.14/t processed; G&A cost of $4.57/t processed; stockpile reclaim cost of $0.30/t processed assuming a reclaim percentage of 45%; refining recovery of 99.9%; selling cost of $1.71/oz gold; royalty considerations of 4.5% NSR and $0.50/t processed; and variable pit slope angles, ranging from 22 to 47°.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6) The NSR value for each block is determined using the gold grade, processing and refining recoveries, gold price, selling costs, and royalties.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(7) The timeframe over which the gold price and operating costs was 24 years which is the expected timeframe over which the Mineral Resources will be mined. The long term forecast gold price for Mineral Resources is based on industry consensus and is 15% higher than the price used for the Mineral Reserves to ensure the Mineral Reserves are a subset of the Mineral Resources.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(8) Mineral Resources are reported using a marginal NSR cut-off value of $26.86/t based on a total process cost of $22.15/t processed, G&A operating cost of $4.57/t processed, and a stockpile reclaim cost of $0.30/t processed assuming a reclaim percentage of 45%.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(9) The average LOM process recovery for Mineral Resources is 89.8%.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(10) Sulfur is not an economic contributor to the Project; however, it does impact the POX process.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(11) Tonnage and grade measurements are in metric units. Contained gold ounces are reported as troy ounces.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(12) Rounding may result in apparent summation differences between tonnes, grade, and contained metal content.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**1.12** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Mineral Reserve Estimates** 

Mineral Reserves were optimized for all Measured and Indicated blocks assuming a gold selling price of $2,100/oz. Using the proposed open pit mining method, modifying factors have been applied to the Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources to determine Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves. Mineral Reserves are summarized in Table 1-4. NOVAGOLD's attributable interest in the Mineral Reserves is 60% of the tonnage and contained gold stated in the tables. The point of reference for the Mineral Resources is delivery to the mill.

**Table 1**-**4: Mineral Reserves Statement**

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Category** | **Tonnage**<br> **(kt)** | **Au Grade**<br> **(g/t)** | **Contained Au**<br> **(koz)** | **S Grade**<br> **(%)** |
| Proven | 9487 | 2.29 | 698 | 1.15 |
| Probable | 495324 | 2.02 | 32099 | 1.09 |
| **Total Proven and Probable** | **504811** | **2.02** | **32797** | **1.09** |

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Note: (1) The Mineral Reserve estimate is current as of 30 November 2025. A Wood QP is responsible for the preparation of the Mineral Reserve estimate.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) Mineral Reserves are prepared in accordance with the definitions in S-K 1300.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) Mineral Reserves are constrained within a engineered pit design using the following assumptions: gold price of $2,100/oz; reference mining cost of $2.68/t mined incremented $0.0041/t mined/m with depth from the 220 m elevation (equates to an average mining cost of $3.23/t mined); mining sustaining cost of $0.41/t mined; variable metallurgical recoveries by rock type and geological domain, ranging from 29.4% in oxide to 94.17% in intrusive rocks in the Akivik domain; process operating cost of $20.01/t processed; process sustaining cost of $2.14/t processed; G&A cost of $4.57/t processed; stockpile reclaim cost of $0.30/t processed assuming a reclaim percentage of 45%; refining recovery of 99.9%; selling cost of $1.71/oz gold; royalty considerations of 4.5% NSR and $0.50/t processed; and variable pit slope angles, ranging from 22 to 47°.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) The timeframe over which the gold price and operating costs was 27 years which is the expected timeframe over which the Mineral Reserves will be mined and processed. The long term forecast gold price for Mineral Reserves is based on industry consensus.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) Mineral Reserves are reported using an economic NSR cut-off value of $29.95–32.36/t followed by an elevated gold cut-off grade of 0.75 g/t. The NSR value for each block is determined using the gold grade, processing and refining recoveries, gold price, selling costs, and royalties.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6) The average LOM processing recovery for the Mineral Reserves is 90.0%.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(7) Sulfur is not an economic contributor to the Project; however, it does impact the POX process.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(8) Tonnage and grade measurements are in metric units. Contained gold ounces are reported as troy ounces.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(9) Rounding may result in apparent summation differences between tonnes, grade, and contained metal content.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**1.13** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Mine Methods** 

The proposed Project will be a conventional, large-tonnage, open-pit operation designed to provide for a nominal process throughput of 53,500 t/d. The operating mine life is estimated at 24 years based on the planned processing rate.

The ACMA ultimate pit has been divided into seven phases, the Lewis pit into four phases. The initial phases of the two pits are independent, but they partially merge later in the mine life, forming a final single pit. The mine design, complete with haulage access, includes 504.8 Mt of ore and has a strip ratio of 6.52:1.

The schedule incorporates long term and short-term ore stockpiles. The long-term stockpile will hold all ore produced at the mine in excess of plant feed, separated into three sections according to sulfur grade for blending purposes.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**1.14** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Processing and Recovery Methods** 

The process design is based on conventional and proven technology for the concentrator, flotation, POX, and cyanidation facilities for large, modern gold processing plants. The process plant is based on an average daily throughput of 53,500 t/d that considers a 93% plant availability. Tailings from the process will be impounded in a tailings storage facility (TSF).

.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**1.15** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Infrastructure** 

The Project will require construction of significant infrastructure to support the planned producing facilities. The planned infrastructure for the Project site includes a process plant ancillary facilities, a power plant, TSF and water diversion and retention structures, accommodation camp as well as extensive off-site facilities designed to support the mine, including a buried steel natural gas pipeline that originates from the Beluga gas pipeline near Cook Inlet. Electric power for the Project site will be generated from a dual-fueled (natural gas and diesel) reciprocating engine power plant. There is currently no road access to the Project site. Supplies will be shipped on ocean barges to a port at or near Bethel where cargo will be transferred to river barges that will transport supplies and fuel to the Jungjuk Port. An all-season access road will connect Jungjuk Port to the mine site. The site also features a gravel airstrip for personnel transport and emergency response. Two contact water dams (CWDs) will manage and retain water that has been in contact with mine operations, including runoff, seepage, and pumped flows from the open pit and waste rock facility (WRF).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**1.16** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Environment, Permitting and Agreements** 

There was a focused effort to collect comprehensive environmental baseline data between 1995 and 2013 to lay the groundwork with local and regulatory stakeholders for the successful permitting and development of the Project. Baseline data collected included studies covering wetland delineation, water quality, fish and aquatic habitats, air quality, wildlife habitats, cultural resources and heritage, subsistence, traditional knowledge, socioeconomics, health, mercury data, overburden, ore and waste rock characterization studies, noise, visual aesthetics, and river and land use.

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process and formal permit applications require the preparation of an environmental impact statement (EIS). Upon completion of the Final EIS, a Joint Record of Decision (JROD) between U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) was finalized on 13 August 2018 in which Alternative 2, the North Route Pipeline option was chosen. The EIS and JROD describe the conditions of the approval and explain the basis for the decision. Litigation challenging the issuance of the JROD resulted in a remand to the agencies to conduct additional analysis on a single issue, while leaving the authorizations issued in 2018 in place. The updated analysis is anticipated to be completed in May 2027. The State permitting process has been ongoing to comply with the NEPA mitigation requirements and state permitting requirements.

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Sustained consultation with Alaska Native Corporations, Tribal Councils, and regional stakeholders has remained integral to Project planning. Commitments include regional workforce development, cultural heritage preservation, and local infrastructure improvements that align with sustainable development principles.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**1.17** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Capital Costs** 

The capital cost estimate is based on updated, fourth quarter 2025 pricing applied to the engineering designs and material take-offs (MTOs) from earlier mining studies. The level of accuracy for the estimate is ±25% of estimated final costs, with a blended 13.8% contingency.

Initial and sustaining capital estimates were updated for all areas. Closure and reclamation costs were based on Donlin Gold LLC's filed closure plan with the ADNR. Warehouse inventory is excluded from the capital cost estimate but is included in the financial model as part of the working capital provision.

The total initial capital cost estimate is $9,233 million (Table 1-5) and total sustaining capital is $2,325 million (Table 1-6).

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**Table 1**-**5: Initial Capital Estimate**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Description** | **Estimate<br> ($M)** |
| **Direct Costs** |  |
| Mining | 429.4 |
| Site Preparation and Roads | 334.1 |
| Process Facilities | 1817.8 |
| Tailings Storage Facility and Reclaim Systems | 169.4 |
| Utilities | 1875.4 |
| Ancillary Buildings and Facilities | 437.9 |
| Off Site Facilities | 346.4 |
| Subtotal Direct Cost | 5410.4 |
| Owner's Costs | 665.7 |
| Indirect Costs | 2038.1 |
| Contingency | 1119.1 |
| **Total Initial Capital Cost** | **9233.4** |

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**Table 1**-**6: Sustaining Capital Estimate**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Description** | **Estimate<br> ($M)** |
| Mining | 1125.0 |
| Site Preparation and Roads | 4.0 |
| Process Facilities |  |
| Tailings Storage Facility and Reclaim Systems | 876.9 |
| Utilities |  |
| Ancillary Buildings and Facilities | 119.5 |
| Off Site Facilities | 24.9 |
| **Subtotal Direct Cost** | 2150.3 |
| Owner's Costs |  |
| Indirect Costs | 174.7 |
| Contingency |  |
| **Total** | **2325.1** |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**1.18** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Operating Costs** 

The operating cost estimates were updated to fourth quarter 2025 pricing by updating key cost drivers like energy, labor, consumables, and freight. Mining costs have been updated to align with the new design and schedule. The level of accuracy for the estimate is ±25% of estimated final costs. The updated estimated LOM operating costs are $48.54/t processed (see Table 1-7).

**Table 1**-**7: LOM Operating Costs**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Area** | **Total LOM<br> ($M)** | **$/t Processed** |
| Mining | 11946.7 | 23.67 |
| Processing | 7718.3 | 15.29 |
| G&A | 2070.4 | 4.10 |
| Land and Royalty Payments | 2768.8 | 5.48 |
| **Total** | **24504.3** | **48.54** |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**1.19** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Economic Analysis** 

Certain information and statements contained in this section of the Report are forward-looking in nature and are subject to known and unknown risks, and that actual results of the economic analysis may vary from what is forecast. Examples of forward-looking information include gold price assumptions, cash flow forecasts, projected capital and operating costs, mine and metallurgical recoveries, mine life and production rates, and other assumptions used in this pre-feasibility study identified in the relevant sections of this Report. Material risk factors are identified in Section 1.21.

Based on the economic evaluation using a forecast long term gold price of $2,100/oz, the Project generates positive before and after tax economic results. The financial results are summarized in Table 1-8.

Sensitivity analyses performed on gold price, gold grade, operating costs, and capital costs showed the Project is most sensitive to changes in the gold price and gold grade.

**Table 1**-**8: Financial Results**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item** | **Value** |
| ***Before Tax Valuation Indicators*** |  |
| Total Before Tax Cash Flow | 25415 |
| Total Before Tax NPV<sub>5%</sub> | 7516 |
| Before Tax IRR | 12.5 |
| Before Tax Payback Period | 4.9 |
| ***After Tax Valuation Indicators*** |  |
| Total After Tax Cash Flow | 19614 |
| Total After Tax NPV<sub>5%</sub> | 5058 |
| After Tax IRR | 10.3 |
| After Tax Payback Period | 6.5 |

---

Note: NPV<sub>5%</sub> – net present value at a discount rate of 5%; IRR – internal rate of return

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**1.20** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Conclusions** 

This Report updates the technical and economic information in the pre-feasibility study on the Project and provides a current Report. Under the assumptions in this Report, the Project shows a positive financial return.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**1.21** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Risks** 

The Project is subject to risks that are commonly expected to exist with large, undeveloped mines and risks that are specific to Arctic conditions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**1.22** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Recommendations** 

Wood and Geosyntec have identified recommendations to be considered in the planned update of this study. These include updates or completion of the following:

● Mineral Resource estimates with 2025 drilling data

● Certain aspects of the mining study

● Pit slope design report

● Aspects of the TSF

● Aspects of the natural gas pipeline design

● Inputs used to determine the water management strategy

● Aspects to environmental and permit plans.

Estimated costs of the recommendations total $1.64 million. This total does not include the planned update to this study.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**2.0** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **INTRODUCTION** 

NOVAGOLD requested Wood and Geosyntec update content on the Donlin Gold project (the Project), a development stage property, and to prepare a current S-K 1300 technical report summary (the Report).

NOVAGOLD is filing this Report on Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval (EDGAR) to update the scientific and technical information supporting the Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves on the Property and to support NOVAGOLD's year-end annual report filing.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**2.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Terms of Reference** 

QPs from Wood and Geosyntec have used information completed for earlier studies, as well as more recent data and information available on the Project to support and make current information in this Report. Wood and Geosyntec conducted due diligence reviews on the information supplied by Donlin Gold LLC and made adjustments to the results of the 2021 pre-feasibility study update based on the outcome of those reviews. The level of study summarized in this Report meets the definition of pre-feasibility study under S-K 1300.

Mineral Resource estimates were completed in accordance with the definitions of S-K 1300.

The Report uses American English. Unless otherwise specified in the text, monetary amounts are in US dollars and units are metric except where noted.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**2.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Qualified Persons** 

This Report was prepared by appropriate QPs employed by Wood and Geosyntec, whose firms are considered third-party firms comprising mining experts.

Table 2-1 lists the sections of the Report prepared by or contributed by each third-party firm.

**Table 2**-**1: Third-Party Firms Who Prepared this Report**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Third-Party Firm** | **Report Sections** |
| Wood | 1.1-1.15, 1.17-1.22, 2-6, 7.1-7.12, 7.14-7.17, 8, 9.1-9.4, 9.5.1, 9.7.1-9.7.4, 10, 11, 12.1.1-12.1.4, 12.2-12.4, 13.1, 13.3-13.7, 13.9-13.11, 14<br> 15.1-15.4, 15.5.1, 15.8-15.10, 15.11.1, 15.12, 16, 18.1.1, 18.1.1.1-18.1.1.5, 18.1.1.7-18.1.1.12, 18.1.2, 18.2.1-18.2.6, 19-21, 22.1-22.8, 22.10-22.11, 22.14, 22.16, 22.17, 22.18.1, 22.18.2, 22.18.6, 22.18.7, 23.1-23.3, 23.7, 23.10, 24, 25 |
| Geosyntec | 1.1, 1.2, 1.9, 1.15-1.17, 1.20-1.22, 2, 7.13.1-7.13.4, 9.5.2, 9.5.3 ,9.6, 9.7.5-9.7.7, 11.11, 13.2.1, 13.2.2, 13.7, 13.8, 15.5, 15.6, 15.7, 15.11.2, 17, 18.1.1, 18.1.1.1, 18.1.1.2, 18.1.1.6, 18.1.1.10-18.1.1.12, 18.1.2, 22.1, 22.9, 22.12, 22.13, 22.15, 22.16, 22.18.1, 22.18.3-22.18.5, 22.18.8, 22.18.9, 23.1, 23.4-23.6, 23.8, 23.9, 23.10, 24, 25.1.2 |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**2.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Site Visits** 

The Wood mining QP visited the Donlin property on 8-9 September 2025. While at site they participated in a fly over of the proposed pit to evaluate terrain, slope stability, and geotechnical conditions, as well as the proposed locations of the tailings storage facility, water containment dams and port. They visited the core shack and observed the geotechnical logging of two drill holes. While on site they were able to verify the proximity to mineralized zones and proposed haulage routes and infrastructure corridors, as well as inspect the proposed location of the waste rock storage facility, assess surface drainage patterns and identify potential constraints related to topography, overburden removal and pit wall orientation.

The Wood geology and Mineral Resource QP initially visited the Donlin property on 18-21 September 2020. While at site they discussed the preparation of the DC9 geological and Mineral Resource model with the independent resource consultant. The QP also compared geological logs to the core, compared modeled lithologies to surface outcrops, reviewed logging and sampling protocols and observed the handling of core and sample preparation. They also compared available 2020 core logs to the DC9 geological model.

During the QP's recent visit to the Donlin property (18-22 August 2025) they conducted the following activities:

● discussed regional and local geology with site geologists

● visited the onsite core storage facility

● reviewed core of selected drill holes and reviewed the logged geological units and assay intervals matching them with visible mineralization, observed major structures and matched assay certificates to the assay database

● reviewed geotechnical and geological logging procedures

● visited active drill sites and observed drilling procedures

● verified the collar locations of several drill holes using a handheld global positioning system (GPS).

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The Geosyntec water management QP conducted a site visit to the Donlin property from 18-22 August 2025. Activities conducted while at site included field inspections of natural water bodies and drainage channels, assessments of water sources for various operational requirements, and detailed reviews of water management plans and hydrogeological data. An aerial survey via helicopter provided an overview of the project area, including infrastructure situated beyond the immediate mining zone. They evaluated drainage patterns, runoff controls, and prospective locations for water treatment and storage facilities. Additionally, they inspected current waste management practices and geological features to support future infrastructure development and water management strategies.

The Wood infrastructure QP visited the Donlin property on 8-9 September 2025. While at site they participated in a fly over of the proposed sites for the process plant, TSF, access road from the Jungjuk port, the Jungjuk port and the new airstrip. They also walked the locations of the proposed process plant, primary crusher, TSF and waste rock storage facility and visited the core shack and sample preparation facility. While on site they were able to discern the proximity to mineralized zones and proposed haulage routes and infrastructure corridors, and observed topography, drainage patterns and surface geotechnical aspects of the proposed sites.

The Geosyntec environmental QP conducted a site visit to the Donlin property from 18-22 August 2025. During the site visit, they performed baseline environmental assessments of water systems, infrastructure sites, and the surrounding ecology. The scope of activities included evaluating water distribution and monitoring facilities, observed the collecting of data on local vegetation and wildlife, reviewing proposed construction areas, and determining water management requirements. Additional tasks involved assessing permitting processes, consulting on stakeholder engagement strategies, and assessing the relationship with local native villages.

The Geosyntec geotechnical QP's site visit to the Donlin property from September 8-9, 2025, focused on geotechnical engineering aspects essential for mine development. During the flyover of the proposed pit, they evaluated terrain features, slope stability, and geotechnical conditions relevant to supporting the mine pits, WRF, plant site, and TSF. At the core shack, they observed geotechnical logging of drill holes to inform pit design and assess foundation conditions for the tailings and WRFs.

The Wood mineral processing QP did not conduct a site visit as there is currently no process facility to observe at site.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**2.4** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Information Sources** 

Reports and documents listed in Section 24 were used to support the preparation of the technical report summary. Additional information was requested from NOVAGOLD's personnel where required. Information provided by NOVAGOLD is identified in Section 25.

This Report updates the previous Report entitled "S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary on the Donlin Gold Project, Alaska, USA", prepared by Wood Canada Limited dated November 30, 2021.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**3.0** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **PROPERTY DESCRIPTION** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**3.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Location** 

The Donlin deposits are situated approximately 450 km west of Anchorage and 250 km northeast of Bethel up the Kuskokwim River. The closest village is the community of Crooked Creek, approximately 20 km to the south, on the Kuskokwim River (Figure 3-1).

The resource areas are within T. 23 N., R. 49 W., Seward Meridian, Kuskokwim and Mt. McKinley Recording Districts, Crooked Creek Mining District, Iditarod A-5 USGS 1:63,360 topography map. The mineralization is centered on approximately 540222.50 east and 6878534.36 north, using the NAD 83 datum (61<sup>o</sup>86' north latitude and 158<sup>o</sup>13' west longitude).

The area of the Donlin Gold property is 48,996 ha as described in Section 3.3.

The mineral resource areas consist of the ACMA and 400 Zone, Aurora and Akivik mineralized areas (grouped as ACMA) and the Lewis, South Lewis, Vortex, Rochelieu and Queen mineralized areas (grouped as Lewis). The proposed project configuration, including the pit outline for the combined ACMA and Lewis areas, in relation to the Calista Corporation (Calista) Lease boundary and The Kuskokwim Corporation (TKC) Surface Use Agreement boundary (SUA) (refer to Section 3.3) is shown as Figure 3-2.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**3.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Origin of Native Title to the Lands** 

The surface and subsurface estates held by Calista Corporation, a regional corporation, and The Kuskokwim Corporation, a village corporation, arise pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA). Section 12(a) of ANCSA entitled each village corporation to select surface estate land from an area proximal to the village in an amount established by its population. Under ANCSA, the regional corporation receives conveyance of the subsurface estate underlying the surface estate conveyed to the village corporation. ANCSA also allowed regional corporations to select lands to which they received both the surface and subsurface estates. Pursuant to ANCSA, the United States has conveyed portions of the Project lands to Calista Corporation as to the surface and subsurface for certain lands and subsurface only for other lands, and The Kuskokwim Corporation (TKC) as to the surface estate only. Donlin Gold LLC holds rights to those portions of the Project lands owned by Native corporations pursuant to the agreements described below.

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**Figure 3**-**1: Location Map**

![fig3_1.jpg](fig3_1.jpg)

Source: NOVAGOLD, 2025

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**Figure 3**-**2: Donlin Gold Property Land Status Map**

![fig3_2.jpg](fig3_2.jpg)

Source: Donlin Gold LLC, 2025

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**3.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Mineral Tenure** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**3.3.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Calista Lease** 

Calista, an Alaska Native Corporation, holds the subsurface estate (including minerals) beneath the Village-owned surface estate that is part of the Project lands.

Mineral rights in the Project lands were originally leased from Calista in 1995. A Restated Exploration and Lode Mining Lease was executed in February 2011, to reflect all amendments and assignments to the prior lease up to and including 11 February 2011 (Lease). The Lease grants to Donlin Gold LLC, with respect to the lands subject to the Lease, the exclusive right to explore for, develop, and mine all minerals in or under the leased property. The Lease also grants the right to construct and use buildings, roads, tailings ponds, waste dumps, and other improvements reasonably required under the purposes of the Lease. The Lease was amended again effective 6 June 2014; however, the amendment does not affect the land subject to the Lease as restated in 2011.

The Calista Lease currently includes a total of 72 complete sections of land and portions of an additional 13 sections of land in the vicinity of the Donlin deposits, and associated with the Project infrastructure. These lands comprise approximately 19,988 ha that have been conveyed to Calista by the Federal Government. Calista also owns the surface estate on a portion of these lands.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**3.3.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Lyman Lease** 

Lyman Resources in Alaska, Inc. (Lyman Resources) has an existing placer mining lease covering approximately 1,040 ha (partially covering six sections) within the Calista Lease area (Lyman-Calista Lease). The Lymans also have title to approximately 5.7 ha of surface estate within the Snow Gulch area. The lands subject to the Lyman-Calista Lease lie immediately to the north of the Project's planned open pit footprint. The Calista Lease grants priority to extraction of the lode mineralization in the event of a conflict of use between lode and placer mining operations, provided that a two-year notice is provided to Lyman Resources of activities that would deprive Lyman of the opportunity to recover placer gold.

Lyman Resources, the Lyman family, and Donlin Gold LLC entered into a Surface Lease and Assignment of Mining Lease effective 9 May 2012 leasing the Lyman surface estate and assigning the Lyman Lease to Donlin Gold LLC for mining use (Lyman Lease). The Lyman Lease has an initial term of 20 years but shall be extended while Donlin Gold LLC conducts operations within an area of interest defined in the Lyman Lease.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**3.3.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **State Mining Claims** 

In addition to the approximately 19,988 ha leased from Calista, Donlin Gold LLC holds 493 Alaska State mining claims comprising approximately 29,008 ha, on State and State-selected lands in the vicinity of the leased lands in the Kuskokwim and Mount McKinley recording districts, bringing the total mineral land package to approximately 48,996 ha (the Property).

Of these claims:

● 84 are on State-selected lands

● A total of 409 are located on lands that have been conveyed by the United States to the State of Alaska by Tentative Approval or Patent.

The mining claims abut and largely surround the northern and western boundaries of the lands subject to the Calista Lease and TKC SUA. State mining claims held by Donlin Gold LLC show as active on Alaska Department of Natural Resources online records, indicating that appropriate claim payments have been made and annual affidavits of annual labor have been timely recorded.

None of the claims held by Donlin Gold LLC have been surveyed.

All claims are either 64.8 ha or 16.2 ha in size.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**3.4** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Surface Rights** 

A separate Surface Use Agreement with TKC grants non-exclusive surface use rights to Donlin Gold LLC on at least 64 sections of land overlying much of the minerals leased from Calista, with provisions allowing for adjusting the SUA boundary in conjunction with adjustments to the mineral rights included in the Calista Lease. The SUA was originally entered into effective 5 June 1995, and revised and restated by Donlin Gold LLC and TKC to expand the TKC surface lands included in the SUA and update other provisions, effective 6 June 2014. The term of the SUA runs through 30 April 2031, and on a year-to-year basis thereafter, so long as the Calista Lease remains in effect. Upon termination of the Lease with Calista, the SUA will automatically terminate. The SUA provides Donlin Gold LLC with surface rights to approximately 16,923 ha of TKC-owned land.

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The Calista Lease, TKC SUA, and Lyman Lease grant to Donlin Gold LLC most of the surface rights that will be required to support mining operations in the proposed mining area. Additional land rights are required for off-site infrastructure, such as the Jungjuk port site, the road from the port site to the mine site, and natural gas pipeline. These facilities are to be situated on Native, State of Alaska, and BLM lands. Rights-of-way (ROW) are required from these underlying land owners for the road and pipeline corridors.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**3.5** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Royalties and Encumbrances** 

The terms of the Calista Lease and TKC SUA include various royalty and other payment provisions and considerations such as shareholder employment and contracting opportunities. The Lyman Lease provides for rent and certain other payments.

Royalty Terms of the Calista Lease include:

● Annual Advance minimum royalty (variable) to 2030

● All advance minimum payments are recoverable as a credit against the NSR royalty and net proceeds payment.

● NSR of 1.5% for the earlier of the first five years following commencement of commercial production or until initial capital payback, increasing to 4.5% thereafter

● Net proceeds royalty of 8% of the net proceeds realized by Donlin Gold LLC commencing with the first quarter in which net proceeds are first realized.

Payment Terms of the TKC SUA include:

● A Surface Use Fee paid annually on a per acre basis

● An Exclusive Use Fee for acres dedicated to certain uses or for Donlin Gold LLC's exclusive use unless TKC elects to have Donlin Gold LLC purchase that portion of the surface estate

● Milestone payments due upon the occurrence of specific events

● Annual advance minimum payment (variable based on project status)

● Milled tonnage fee of $0.40/t processed for the first 10 years of production and $0.50/t processed for all production after 10 years

● Net proceeds payment of 3% of the net proceeds realized by Donlin Gold LLC commencing with the first quarter in which net proceeds are first realized

● All advance minimum payments are recoverable as a credit against the milled tonnage fee and net proceeds payment.

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Additional estimated costs associated with various landowner and lease agreements, not already covered in initial capital or G&A operating costs, average approximately $8.6 million per year during the six pre-production years and $2.5 million per year during the 27 operating years.

Annual rent, labor expenditures and filings are required to maintain Alaska State mining claims on State land.

Mining license tax payments also apply and are discussed in Section 19.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**3.6** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Permits** 

Permits required to support Project development are discussed in Section 17 of the Report.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**3.7** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Environmental Liabilities** 

Environmental studies, closure plans and costs, and environmental liabilities and risk issues are discussed in Section 17 of the Report.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**3.8** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Significant Risk Factors** 

The relatively isolated location of the Property in Alaska makes the Project subject to the risk of delays to mine development and increased costs caused by difficult terrain and harsh seasonal weather conditions. Risks posed by these conditions are discussed in Section 15 of the Report.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**4.0** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **ACCESSIBILITY, CLIMATE, LOCAL RESOURCES, INFRASTRUCTURE, AND PHYSIOGRAPHY** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**4.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Accessibility** 

The Project site is approximately 450 km west of Anchorage and 250 km northeast of Bethel up the Kuskokwim River. The closest village is the community of Crooked Creek, approximately 20 km to the south, on the Kuskokwim River. Bethel, approximately 30 km upstream from the mouth of the Kuskokwim River, is the regional center for the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta area of Southwest Alaska. The town of Aniak, also on the Kuskokwim River and about 80 km southwest of the Project site, is the regional center for the Upper Kuskokwim Valley.

There is no road or rail access to the site. The nearest roads are in the Anchorage area. Access to Bethel and Aniak, the regional centers, is limited to river travel by boat or barge in the summer and air travel year-round. The Kuskokwim River is a regional transportation route and is serviced by commercial barge lines.

All current access to the Project site for personnel and supplies is by air. The Project has an all-season, soft-sided camp sufficient to support recent field activities. An adjacent 1,500 m long airstrip is capable of handling aircraft as large as C-130 Hercules, with a payload of 18,000 kg, allowing efficient shipment of personnel, some heavy equipment, and supplies. The Project can be serviced directly by charter air facilities out of both Anchorage and Aniak.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**4.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Climate** 

The area has a relatively dry interior continental climate with typically about 500 mm of total annual precipitation. Summer temperatures are relatively warm and may exceed 30°C. Minimum temperatures may fall to well below -42°C during the cold winter months.

Exploration is possible year-round, though snow levels in winter and wet conditions in late autumn and in spring can make travel within the Project area difficult. It is expected that mining operations will be able to be conducted year-round.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**4.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Local Resources and Infrastructure** 

Local resources necessary for the exploration and possible future development and operation of the Project are in Bethel and the Yukon-Kuskokwim region. Some resources would likely have to be brought in from the Anchorage area or other parts of Alaska.

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Alaska and the adjacent Canadian Province of British Columbia have a long mining history and a large resource of equipment and skilled personnel. The Property is currently isolated from power and other public infrastructure. The exploration camp has capacity for exploration and other on-site field work. Power is provided by on-site diesel generators. Water sources are described in Section 15.7.

Infrastructure assumptions and the proposed infrastructure layout for the Project are discussed in Section 15 of the Report.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**4.4** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Physiography** 

The Project area is one of low topographic relief on the western flank of the Kuskokwim Mountains. Elevations range from 150 to 640 m. Ridges are well rounded and easily accessible by all-terrain vehicles.

Hillsides are forested with black spruce, tamarack, alder, birch, and larch. Soft muskeg and discontinuous permafrost are common in poorly drained areas at lower elevations and along north-facing slopes.

Permafrost is sporadic, typically confined to valley bottom and mid-slope, with thickness ranging from 1.5 m to over 15 m (average ~4 m).

The site is in a seismically active region of Alaska, influenced by the collision of the Pacific and North American plates.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**4.5** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Sufficiency of Surface Rights** 

Regarding future mining operations, sufficient space is available to site the various facilities, including an open pit operation, personnel housing, stockpiles, tailing storage facility, waste rock storage facilities and processing plants.

It is a reasonable expectation that any additional surface rights to support Project development and operations can be obtained.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**5.0** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **HISTORY** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**5.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Prior Ownership** 

Calista Corporation (Calista), an Alaska Native Corporation, has held the mineral rights to the Project mine site lands since 1974.

Placer Dome Inc. acquired a 20-year lease from Calista effective 1 May 1995.

On 13 November 2002, NOVAGOLD Resources Alaska, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of NOVAGOLD, earned a 70% interest in the Property by expending $10 million on exploration and development of the Project. Placer Dome Inc. retained an option to buy back into the Property.

On 11 February 2003, Placer Dome Inc. exercised its back-in right and assumed management of the continued development of the Property. In January 2006, Barrick acquired Placer Dome Inc. and assumed Placer Dome Inc.'s joint venture responsibilities for exploration and development activities on the Property.

On 1 December 2007, NOVAGOLD entered into a limited liability company agreement with Barrick (the Donlin LLC Agreement) that provided for the conversion of the Project into a new limited liability company, the Donlin Creek LLC (DCLLC), which was jointly owned by NOVAGOLD and Barrick on a 50/50 basis. In July 2011, the Board of Donlin Creek LLC voted to change the name of the company to Donlin Gold LLC.

On 3 June 3, 2025, Barrick divested their 50% ownership in Donlin Gold LLC. NOVAGOLD through their wholly-owned subsidiary NovaGold Resources Alaska Inc., increased their ownership interest to 60%. The remaining 40% ownership interest in the Donlin Gold Project is Donlin Gold Holdings LLC, a subsidiary of Paulson.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**5.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Exploration History** 

Placer gold was first discovered at Snow Gulch, a tributary of Donlin Creek, in 1909. Intermittent small-scale placer gold production by Lyman Resources continued through 2014. Resource Associates of Alaska (RAA) carried out a regional evaluation for Calista in 1974-1975. This work included a soil grid and three bulldozer trenches in the Snow area immediately north of the current resource area. Calista followed up with prospecting activities between 1984 and 1986 and completed minor auger drilling in 1987.

The first substantial exploration drill program was carried out by WestGold in 1988 and 1989. WestGold completed geological mapping, trenching, rock and soil sampling, an airborne magnetic and very low frequency (VLF) survey, and ground magnetic surveys. WestGold also tested biogeochemical sampling and ground penetrating radar with positive results. Based on this information, WestGold performed an initial Mineral Resource estimate.

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Teck carried out a limited trenching and soil sampling program in the Lewis area in late 1993 and updated the Mineral Resource estimate.

Placer Dome Inc. explored the Property from 1995 to 2000. Placer Dome Inc. constructed an exploration camp and airstrip, undertook reconnaissance and geological mapping, aerial photography, completed rock chip and soil sampling, trenching, max-min (electromagnetic) geophysical surveys, airborne geophysical surveys, RC and core drilling, carried out detailed metallurgical testwork, and prepared a series of Mineral Resource estimates and initial mining and engineering studies.

Placer Dome Inc. formed the Donlin Creek joint venture (DCJV) with NOVAGOLD as operator in 2001. During the period of the DCJV, NOVAGOLD undertook trenching, core and geotechnical drilling, updated Mineral Resource estimates, and completed a Preliminary Assessment. Placer Dome Inc. reassumed management of the Property as operator in late 2002. From 2002-2005, work comprised additional core drilling, condemnation, geotechnical, and water drilling, geotechnical and hydrogeological studies, geological mapping and sampling of prospective calcium carbonate source areas, exploration and auger drilling program for sand and gravel resources, and updated Mineral Resource estimates.

Barrick acquired Placer Dome Inc.'s interest in the DCJV through a merger with Placer Dome Inc. in early 2006. Work completed in the period 2006-2007 included core drilling for resource infill, geotechnical, engineering, condemnation, waste rock, and metallurgical purposes, and updated Mineral Resource estimates.

The DCJV partners formed Donlin Creek LLC in late 2007, with the subsequent name change to Donlin Gold LLC occurring in 2011.

Work on the Property included soil and stream sediment sampling, core drilling for resource infill, geotechnical, engineering, condemnation, waste rock, and metallurgical purposes, and estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves.

Mining studies were completed on the Project in 2007, and updated in 2009, and then updated again in 2011.

Between 2011 and 2025 the following types of activities have been completed on the Property: resource infill and extension drilling, trenching, geotechnical work, metallurgical testing, monitoring to support permitting, advancement of permits and certificates for the project, consultation with local communities, community support activities and sponsorships, and infrastructure design work.

A summary of the exploration programs completed on the Property is summarized in Table 5-1.

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**Table 5**-**1: Exploration Work History Summary for Donlin Gold Property**

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| **Year** | **Company** | **Work Performed** | **Results** |
| 1909-1956 | Various prospectors and placer miners | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Gold discovered on Donlin Creek in 1909<br> ● Placer mining by hand, underground, and hydraulic methods | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Total placer gold production of approximately 30,000 oz |
| 1970s-present | Robert Lyman and heirs | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Resumed sluice mining in Donlin area and placer mined Snow Gulch | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Small scale placer mining |
| 1974, 1975 | RAA | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Regional mineral potential evaluation for Calista<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Soil grid and three bulldozer trenches in the Snow Gulch area | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Anomalous gold values in soil, rock, and vein samples |
| 1984-1987 | Calista | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Minor work | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● - |
| 1986 | Lyman Resources | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Auger drilling for placer evaluation encounters sulfide-rich clay near Quartz Gulch | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Initial discovery of Far Side (Carolyn) prospect |
| 1987 | Calista | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Rock sampling of ridge tops and auger drill sampling of Far Side prospect. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Anomalous gold values from auger holes |
| 1988, 1989 | WestGold | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Airborne geophysics, ground geophysics, geological mapping, and soil sampling over most of Project area<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Trenching at all prospects First metallurgical tests and petrographic work | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Initial work identified eight prospects (Snow, Dome, Quartz, Carolyn, Queen, Upper Lewis, Lower Lewis, and Rochelieu)<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Drilling at most of these prospects led to identification of the Lewis areas as having the best bulk-mineable potential<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Early resource estimate performed<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● WestGold dissolved by early 1990 |

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| **Year** | **Company** | **Work Performed** | **Results** |
| 1993 | Teck | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Trenching and soil lines in Lewis area<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Petrographic, fluid inclusion, and metallurgical work | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Identified new mineralized areas and expanded property, completed updated resource estimate<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Metallurgical tests not favorable, property dropped |
| 1995-2000 | Placer Dome Inc. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● 87,383 m of core, 11,909 of RC drilling, and 8,493 m of trenching | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Drilled the American Creek magnetic anomaly (ACMA), discovered the ACMA deposit<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Numerous Mineral Resource estimations |
| 2001, 2002 | DCJV (Placer Dome Inc. / NOVAGOLD) | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● 46,495 m of core including 89.5 m of geotechnical drilling, 11,589 m of RC drilling, and 268 m of water monitoring holes<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Mineral Resource estimate | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Expanded the ACMA resource |
| 2003-2005 | DCJV (Placer Dome Inc. / NOVAGOLD) | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● 25,448 m of core and 5,979 m of RC drilling<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Calcium carbonate exploration drilling<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Induced polarized (IP) lines for facility condemnation studies. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Infill drilled throughout the resource area demonstrated continuity<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Discovered a calcium carbonate resource<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Poor quality IP data not useful for facility studies |
| 2006 | DCJV (Barrick / NOVAGOLD) | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● 92,804 m of core drilling for resource conversion, slope stability, metallurgy, waste rock, carbonate exploration, facilities, and port road studies | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Geological model and internal resource updates |

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|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

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|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Year** | **Company** | **Work Performed** | **Results** |
| 2007 | DCJV | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Core drilling totaled 72,257 m and included resource delineation, geotechnical and engineering, and carbonate exploration<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● 13 RC holes for monitor wells and pit pump tests totaled 1,043 m<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Updated Mineral Resource estimate | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Improved pit slope parameters<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Positive hydrogeological results<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Exploration for carbonate mineral source was negative. |
| 2008 | DCLLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● 108 core holes totaling 33,425 m for exploration and facility related geotechnical and condemnation studies<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Metallurgical testwork: flotation variability and cyanide (CN) leach<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● 54 test pits and 37 auger holes completed for overburden characterization | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Resource expansion indicated for East ACMA<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● CN leach resource potential indicated for the main resource area, Snow, and Dome prospects<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Facility sites successfully condemned<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Updated resource estimates utilizing applicable data through 2007. |
| 2009 | Donlin Gold LLC (name change) | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● 19 geotechnical core holes totaling 950 m in facility sites and to address hydrology<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimate update | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● - |

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|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Year** | **Company** | **Work Performed** | **Results** |
| 2010 | Donlin Gold LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Six geotechnical core holes totaling 2,090 m to evaluate slope stability of expanded pit<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Drilled 90 auger holes totaling 585 m and dug 59 test pits to further evaluate overburden conditions and gravel supplies within TSF area<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimate update | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Pit slope stability of new pit design remained acceptable<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Evaluation of construction suitability of surficial materials in TSF is ongoing |
| 2017 | Donlin Gold LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● 16 HQ core holes totaling 7,040 m drilled within the resource area<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Acoustic televiewer surveys were completed on 12 holes. Five of the holes were also logged by geotechnical engineering consultants for pit slope geotechnical data collection<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Metallurgical sample collection was also conducted. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Geologic, geotechnical, and assay data were incorporated into project database for internal geologic modeling and optimization updates<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Metallurgical samples were tested in 2018, primarily for flotation optimization. |
| 2019 | Donlin Gold LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● 30 geotechnical core holes totaling 1,060 m were drilled as part of a site investigation program in support of detailed dam design | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Geotechnical data were incorporated into a site investigation dataset to be utilized for detailed dam design and permitting once the field program is complete. |

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|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Year** | **Company** | **Work Performed** | **Results** |
| 2020 | Donlin Gold LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● 85 holes and 23,361 m HQ core drilling in ACMA and Lewis resource areas<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Objectives on this program was to validate and increase the confidence in recent geologic modelling concepts and support future resource updates.<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Acoustic and optical televiewer surveying were completed on most of the holes.<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Geotechnical logging was performed on core from 10 holes. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Available geologic and assay data were incorporated into the project database for internal geologic modeling and optimization updates.<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● 2020 drilling geological logs generally agrees with the DC9 geological model while suggesting local adjustments. |
| 2021 | Donlin Gold LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● 79 core holes totaling 24,263 m in both the ACMA and Lewis deposits to validate recent geologic modeling<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● concepts and test for extensions of high-grade zones | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● 2021 drilling geological logs and preliminary assays results generally agree with the DC9 model while suggesting local adjustments |
| 2022 | Donlin Gold LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● 141 core holes totaling 42,331 m in both the ACMA and Lewis deposits in-pit and below pit in sparsely drilled areas<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Platform mapping, waste rock facility condemnation drilling and geotechnical drilling for the Alaska Dam Safety certificates | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Mapping to confirm mineralization continuity and key geological controls in representative areas of the deposit and studies to support future mining studies |

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|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Year** | **Company** | **Work Performed** | **Results** |
| 2023 | Donlin Gold LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● 42 core holes totaling 1,833 m and 13 RC holes totaling 1,279 m were drilled as part of a site investigation program in support of detailed dam design, hydrogeologic studies and seismic surveys. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Work supports the Alaska Dam Safety certificates and mine planning and design work |
| 2024 | Donlin Gold LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Metallurgical test work, field and geochemical data collection and advancement of the Donlin Gold mineral resource model | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Work performed will support future mining studies including closure planning. |
| 2025 | Donlin Gold LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● 47 core holes totaling 18,056 m comprising of infill drilling, in-pit exploration and geotechnical drilling<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● 26 holes totaling 399 m geotechnical drilling at Jungjuk Port Road material sites | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Work performed will support future mining studies. |

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|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**6.0** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **GEOLOGICAL SETTING,MINERALIZATION, AND DEPOSIT** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**6.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Regional Geology** 

The Donlin deposits lie in the central Kuskokwim Basin of southwestern Alaska, and the basin is northeast-trending which subsided between a series of amalgamated terranes. Rock types within the basin include Mesozoic marine volcanic rocks, Paleozoic clastic and carbonate rocks, and Proterozoic metamorphic rocks.

The Kuskokwim Basin is predominately underlain by the Upper Cretaceous Kuskokwim Group, a back-arc continental margin basin fill assemblage that formed in response to a change in the angle of convergence between the Kula oceanic plate and the Cretaceous North American continental margin. Sediments primarily consist of a coarse- to fine-grained turbidite comprising sandstone, siltstone, and shale with minor conglomerate.

Late Cretaceous and Early Tertiary volcano-plutonic complexes intrude and overlie the Kuskokwim Group sedimentary rocks. Volcanic components of these complexes consist of intermediate tuffs and flows. Subaerial volcanic tuffs, flows, and domes are regionally extensive and dominantly andesitic, locally include dacite, rhyolite, and basalt. Associated plutons are calc-alkaline in composition, ranging from monzonite to granodiorite. Felsic to intermediate hypabyssal granite to granodiorite porphyry dikes, sills, and plugs are also widely distributed and often intruded into northeast-striking extensional faults. Volumetrically minor Upper Cretaceous intermediate to mafic intrusive bodies are also common.

The center of the Kuskokwim Basin lies between two continental-scale, dextral slip-fault zones: the Denali-Farewell Fault system to the south and the Iditarod-Nixon Fork Fault system to the north. Fold-and-thrust-style deformation formed the earliest structures in response to subduction-related compression shortly after deposition of the Kuskokwim sediments. Eastward-trending folds and thrust faults are common in the central Kuskokwim Basin, including the Donlin Gold project area. Younger north–northeast-trending folds are dominant near the Iditarod-Nixon Fork Fault and Denali-Farewell Fault but also formed throughout the region in response to basin-scale dextral movement. Most of the folds predate emplacement of the volcano-plutonic complexes. Pre-, syn-, and post-(?) intrusion, northeast-striking normal and oblique slip faults formed during subsequent late compressional and extensional events and focused intrusive igneous rocks and hydrothermal systems across the basin.

A regional geological plan is included as Figure 6-1.

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**Figure 6**-**1: Regional Geology of Central Kuskokwim Area**

![fig6_1.jpg](fig6_1.jpg)

Source: Donlin Gold LLC, 2025

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**6.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Project Geology** 

Fluvial deposits of flood plains, outwash plains, and alluvial fans blanket much of the major river valleys. Gravel deposits occur on rock benches and terraces overlooking flood plains, thought to be of Pliocene age (5.3-2.6 Ma).

Although glaciers formed throughout Alaska in the Pleistocene (2.6 Ma to 11.7 ka), the Project area remained unglaciated. Loess (windblown silt) is widespread below elevations of 300-450 m and was deposited during Illinoian and Wisconsinan time (191-11 ka), derived from outwash plains and river floodplain deposits. Periglacial weathering, permafrost, and solifluction occurred throughout the area, generating extensive deposits from mass wasting and frost action.

Outcrop is limited and of generally poor quality, therefore property-scale geology is largely interpreted from trenches, drill holes, aeromagnetic surveys, and soil geochemistry.

The Project area is underlain by a 8.5 km long x 2.5 km wide granitic porphyry dike and sill swarm hosted by lithic sandstone, siltstone, and shale of the Kuskokwim Group.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**6.2.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Lithologies** 

The oldest igneous rocks at the Property are intermediate to mafic dikes and sills. They are not abundant but occur widely throughout the Property as generally thin and discontinuous bodies. The younger and much more voluminous granite porphyry intrusive rocks vary from about one meter to 60 m wide and occur as west–northwest-trending sills in the southern resource area and north–northeast-trending dikes farther north. The granite porphyry dikes and sills all have similar mineralogy, and the porphyry texture indicates relatively shallow emplacement. Although these rocks belong to the regionally important granite porphyry igneous event, geologists working on the Property classify them into five textural varieties of rhyodacite. These units are chemically similar, temporally and spatially related, and probably reflect textural variations of related intrusive events.

Figure 6-2 illustrates the interpreted property-scale distribution of igneous rocks, including the mineral resource area between the Queen deposit area on the northeast and the airstrip on the southwest.

**Figure 6**-**2: Interpreted Property-Scale Igneous Rocks**

![fig6_2.jpg](fig6_2.jpg)

Source: Donlin Gold LLC, 2025

Note: RDA = Aphanitic Porphyry; RDX = Crowded Porphyry; RDXL = Lath-Rich Porphyry; and RDXB = Blue Porphyry.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**6.2.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Structure** 

The Project is located in a structurally complex area about 25 km southeast of the Iditarod–Nixon Fault (refer to Figure 6-1). Sedimentary bedding generally strikes northwest and dips 10° to 50° to the southwest. Overall, sedimentary structure in the northern resource area is monoclinal, while sedimentary rocks in the southern resource area display open eastward trending folds. East–southeast-trending and plunging folds or monoclinal warps are the oldest recognized structures and are associated with north-vergent thrust faults. Thrust faults are generally southwest-dipping, parallel to the bedding plane, and account for imbrication of the sedimentary rocks and locally moderate to steep southwest and northeast dips. Younger,<br> low-amplitude north–northeast-trending folds crop out in the airstrip exposures along American Creek and are recorded on historical trench geology maps. Lack of cleavage or other evidence of dynamic recrystallization suggests that folds and thrust faults formed at relatively shallow depths.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**6.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Deposit Setting** 

Within the ACMA-Lewis area, a northeast, elongated, roughly 1.5 km wide x 3 km long cluster of gold deposits has an aggregate vertical range that exceeds 945 m. The deposits are hosted primarily in igneous rocks and are associated with an extensive Upper Cretaceous gold– arsenic–antimony–mercury hydrothermal system. Gold occurs primarily in sulfide and quartz–carbonate–sulfide vein networks in igneous rocks and, to a lesser extent, in sedimentary rocks. Broad disseminated sulfide zones formed in igneous rocks where vein zones are closely spaced. Sub-microscopic gold, contained primarily in arsenopyrite and secondarily in pyrite and marcasite, is associated with illite–kaolinite–carbonate–graphite altered host rocks.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**6.4** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Paragenesis** 

Fluid inclusion studies and field and drill hole observations define three distinct styles of gold mineralization that are locally telescoped and cross-cut one another. The earliest is a porphyry-style stockwork vein system at the Dome prospect.

Dome is located within the same dike-and-sill swarm that hosts the ACMA–Lewis resource, but the Kuskokwim sedimentary rocks are thermally metamorphosed to a siliceous hornfels. Quartz veins have a Au–Ag–Cu–Zn–Bi ± Te trace metal signature (Ebert et al., 2003c; Drexler, 2010) with up to 3% arsenopyrite–pyrite–chalcopyrite–pyrrhotite ± Fe-rich sphalerite and trace amounts of electrum, native bismuth, and bismuth tellurides and selenides. Veins cut both the hornfels and porphyry dikes.

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ACMA–Lewis-style mineralization post-dates the Dome veins and consists of sparse Au–Ag–As–Sb–Hg ± W (Ebert et al., 2003c; Drexler, 2010), trace metal-bearing quartz–Fe–dolomite veins with <3% auriferous arsenopyrite–pyrite ± stibnite ± late realgar, native arsenic, and graphite. Veins and related disseminated sulfide zones are primarily hosted in illite–carbonate–kaolinite-altered rhyodacite dikes and sills but also occur in Kuskokwim Group sedimentary rocks near igneous contacts.

Variations between Dome and ACMA–Lewis vein habits, vein mineralogy, wall rock alteration, geochemical signatures, stable isotope variations (Drexler, 2010), and fluid inclusion chemistry (Ebert et al., 2003c) indicate that hydrothermal fluids were sourced at depth northeast of the Dome prospect, precipitated the base metal assemblage at Dome from metals sequestered in the vapor phase, and then migrated southwestward to the more distal ACMA–Lewis environment, where gold-bearing minerals were precipitated due to mixing with meteoric waters and boiling.

The last event consists of gold-bearing quartz–stibnite veins up to 1 m thick with variable carbonate, pyrite, and arsenopyrite found mainly around the margins of Dome and partially overlapping ACMA–Lewis. Quartz–stibnite veins also contain anomalous Au–As–Cu–Zn–Bi and have fluid chemistry and temperatures intermediate between Dome and ACMA–Lewis (Ebert et al., 2003). In the opinion of Donlin Gold LLC geologists, these veins do not contain significant gold mineralization.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**6.5** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Deposit Geology** 

Most of the detailed trench, road cut, and outcrop maps have not yet been compiled into a geological "fact map" in the resource area. The surface geology illustration in Figure 6-3 is a projection of the 3D geological model of intrusive rock units and faults shown in a perspective view of an orthophoto-draped digital elevation model (DEM) image.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**6.5.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Sedimentary Rocks** 

Informal sedimentary stratigraphy in the immediate deposit area is shown in Table 6-1. The approximate thicknesses of each unit are from the southern or ACMA resource area.

The stratigraphy in the deposit area consists of basin margin clastic rocks (MacNeil, 2009) dominated by greywacke (lithic sandstone) units with complex transition zones of interbedded siltstone, shale, and greywacke. Marker beds are not yet recognized, so absolute stratigraphic breaks are difficult to identify. Greywacke is dominant in the northern part of the resource area (Lewis, Queen, Rochelieu, Akivik), whereas shale–siltstone-rich units are common in the southern part (South Lewis, ACMA).

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**Figure 6**-**3: Interpreted Surface Geology of Resource Area**

![fig6_3.jpg](fig6_3.jpg)

Source: Donlin Gold LLC, 2025

Note: Oblique view looking northeastward showing igneous rock units, faults, drill holes, and Mineral Reserve pit outline.

**Table 6**-**1: Donlin Gold Project Stratigraphy (Stratigraphic Column)**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Assigned Nomenclature** | **Principal Rock Type** | **Apparent Thickness**<br> **(m)** |
| Upper Greywacke | Greywacke | 100+ |
| Upper Siltstone | Siltstone/shale | 50 |
| Main Greywacke | Greywacke | 80 |
| Main Shale | Shale/siltstone | Up to 140 (with sills) |
| Basal Greywacke | greywacke | 200+ |

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Note: After Piekenbroke and Petsel (2003)

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**6.5.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Igneous Rocks** 

The mafic igneous rocks and the five textural varieties of rhyodacite recognized in the Donlin deposits were also shown in Figure 6-3. Table 6-2 lists the intrusive rocks from oldest to youngest.

**Table 6**-**2: Donlin Gold Project Stratigraphy (Stratigraphic Column)**

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name** | **Code** | **Age** | **Rock Types** |
| Mafic Dikes/Sills | MD | Oldest | Intermediate to mafic dikes and sills; locally host high-grade gold; generally less than 3 m thick. In the transition area between Akivik and ACMA, mafic sills are extremely abundant within the Lower Greywacke, immediately below the Main Shale. |
| Fine-Grained Porphyry | RDF | - | Earliest rhyodacite intrusions recognized. Grey, typically fine-grained, felsic porphyries. RDF intrusives occur as two main northeast-striking, 5 to 10 m wide dikes in the Lewis zone and possible discontinuous bodies in early eastward-trending compressional faults, e.g., the Lo Fault |
| Crowded Porphyry | RDX | - | Volumetrically the most significant intrusive phase. Grey, characterized by a uniformly crowded feldspar porphyry texture. Present as two 50 to 100 m wide dike zones in the eastern edge of the north to north-northeast mineralized trend of Lewis/South Lewis. RDX is also found as sills throughout ACMA near the basal part of the sill sequence. |
| Lath-Rich Porphyry | RDXL | - | Characterized by sparse, elongate plagioclase laths; significant coarser-grained biotite. Occurs as two important dikes in the Akivik area that strike south into the center of the ACMA deposit. In Akivik and ACMA, RDXL occurs as a significant sill immediately below the RDX sill. The RDXL sill continues to the west but pinches out to the east. RDXL dikes are also present within the main Lewis area RDX dike trend, but here they are volumetrically insignificant. |
| Aphanitic Porphyry | RDA | - | Rhyodacite rock with a salt-and-pepper texture of fine biotite phenocrysts and variable quartz and potassium feldspar phenocrysts. Numerous (up to eight) RDA dikes strike south from the Vortex/Rochelieu (Lewis) area into the East ACMA/ACMA area. The dikes are typically found west of the Vortex Fault but are also present between the Lo and Vortex faults and below the Lo Fault. An extensive sill package of RDA lies immediately above the RDX sills in the ACMA area. In West ACMA, the RDA sills are buttressed against, and locally cross-cut, RDX sills. Another package of RDA sills is found south of the AC Fault, in the Aurora domain. |
| Blue Porphyry | RDXB | Youngest | Final intrusive event; coarsely porphyritic with large blocky feldspars set in a graphite- and sulfide-rich matrix. Locally hosts important high-grade disseminated sulfide material in addition to gold-bearing veins. RDXB occurs as two major dikes, the Lewis Blue Porphyry dike and the Vortex Blue Porphyry dike. Extensive thin RDXB sills are found in the uppermost part of the sill sequence in the South Lewis and ACMA areas, and RDXB sills are present as both distinct sills and co-mingled with RDA in the core of ACMA and in the Aurora domain. |

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Note: After Piekenbroke and Petsel (2003)

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**6.5.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Structure** 

The morphology of intrusive rocks in the deposit is largely governed by the rheology of sedimentary rocks and pre-intrusion faults and folds. Faults in the geological model (from earliest to youngest) are the American Creek (AC) Fault, Lo and Rochelieu faults, Vortex Fault, and ACMA Fault. Figure 6-4 shows an oblique view of the faulting in the deposit area, and cross-sections through the ACMA and Lewis areas, respectively in Figure 6-5 and Figure 6-6.

**Figure 6**-**4: 100 m Bench Level Geology**

![fig6_4.jpg](fig6_4.jpg)

Source: Donlin Gold LLC, 2025

Note: Oblique view looking north-eastward of the 3D geological model projected on the 100 m pit bench level and the Mineral Reserve pit outline.

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**Figure 6**-**5: Lewis Area Section**

![fig6_5.jpg](fig6_5.jpg)

Source: Donlin Gold LLC, 2025

Note: Shows intrusive rocks, faults, drill holes, Mineral Resource pit and Mineral Reserve pit, looking northeast.

**Figure 6**-**6: ACMA Area Section**

![fig6_6.jpg](fig6_6.jpg)

Source: Donlin Gold LLC, 2025

Note: Shows intrusive rocks, faults, drill holes, Mineral Resource pit and Mineral Reserve pit, looking southeast.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**6.6** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Deposits** 

The Donlin deposits include eleven mineralized areas that exhibit slightly different geological settings but generally fall into two geologically similar deposit areas: ACMA and Lewis. ACMA, or the intrusive sill and shale–siltstone sedimentary setting, includes the Aurora, 400, Akivik, ACMA, and East ACMA mineralized zones. Lewis, or the massive greywacke-hosted intrusive dike setting, includes the South Lewis, Lewis, Vortex, Rochelieu, Queen, and North Akivik mineralized zones.

Veins in north–northeast-striking, east- or west-dipping faults and fracture zones are the primary control on gold distribution and are ubiquitous in all mineralized areas. Northwest- and northeast-striking veins occur locally but are relatively rare. Veins are narrow (typically <1 cm wide), highly irregular, discontinuous, and generally sparsely distributed, although vein density can locally range up to two to eight per meter in higher-grade zones. Vein zones vary from 2 to 35 m wide and 100 to 350 m long. Individual vein zones generally display limited lateral and vertical continuity; however, swarms of many anastomosing vein zones form larger mineralized corridors characterized by extensive lateral and depth continuity.

Vein corridors are more apparent in the north–northeast-trending dikes of Lewis than in the west–northwest-trending ACMA sill zone. The greater width of the sill-hosted ACMA mineralized zone makes discreet corridors less obvious (but still present). Mineralized zones follow steeply dipping dikes and sills beyond the depth limits of current drilling, or over a vertical range of at least 945 m.

Veins are best developed in relatively more brittle intrusive rocks and massive greywacke. Small, irregular, carbonate-altered mafic bodies often host very high-grade gold as sulfide dissemination, replacement, and breccia fill. Structural breccias in sedimentary rocks are also favorable sites for high-grade gold. Gold distribution in the deposit closely mimics the intrusive rocks. The more steeply dipping sills in the ACMA sill sequence host the highest-grade and most continuous igneous-hosted mineralized zones, particularly where intersected by northeast-striking "feeder" dikes and faults. Gold grade is directly proportional to vein density and intensity of overlapping disseminated sulfide vein aureoles. The dike-dominant Lewis deposit areas consist of sheeted veins with limited disseminated sulfide in the wall rocks and are characterized by lower-grade and less continuous mineralized zones.

Gold distribution in the planned pit area is shown in Figure 6-7, as a bench plan.

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**Figure 6**-**7: 100 m Bench Level Gold Distribution (>1 g/t Au grade blocks)**

![fig6_7.jpg](fig6_7.jpg)

Source: Donlin Gold LLC, 2025

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**6.7** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Mineralization** 

Gold-bearing zones are coincident with quartz–carbonate–sulfide veins and related disseminated sulfide aureoles in hydrothermally altered rhyodacite bodies and, to a lesser extent, in sedimentary rock near igneous contacts. Continuity and grade of mineralized material within the rhyodacite host rocks varies directly with vein spacing and the amount of vein and disseminated arsenopyrite, the principal gold-bearing mineral. Gold in sedimentary rocks and minor mafic igneous bodies is generally limited to small and discontinuous vein and breccia fill occurrences.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**6.7.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Vein and Disseminated Mineralization** 

Veins in the ACMA–Lewis area are subtle in appearance and vary from <1 mm to 20 cm wide, averaging <1 cm. They formed in brittle fractures and are typical of open-spaced fillings with vugs, drusy quartz-lined cavities, vein wall-banded and cockscomb quartz, and bladed carbonate. Veins are composed of gray to clear quartz, white to tan carbonate, and as much as 3% sulfides. Table 6-3 contains a summary of the gold-bearing vein stages.

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**Table 6**-**3: Vein Stages**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Vein** | **Description** |
| V1 | Thin, irregular, and discontinuous sulfide (>50%) veins with pyrite and trace arsenopyrite, little or no quartz (<30%) or carbonate (<50%). Broad disseminated selvage of pyrite and poorly crystalline illite and Fe–carbonate alteration. Barren or very low grade. |
| V2 | Thin, discontinuous quartz (>30%) sulfide veins contain variable pyrite and arsenopyrite. May have broad, often pervasive selvages of fine-grained, needle-like arsenopyrite. Broad pyrite aureole may surround the arsenopyrite selvage. Open-space vuggy textures common. Trace amounts stibnite. Have moderate gold grade and strong illite alteration aureoles with variable Fe–carbonate replacement of the host rock. |
| V3a | Higher-grade veins. Thicker, more planar and continuous, open-space quartz veins with<br> Fe-dolomite, pyrite, arsenopyrite, native arsenic, and variable amounts of stibnite. Commonly show broad arsenopyrite-rich selvages with little to no Fe–carbonate as wall rock alteration. |
| V3b | Thicker, more continuous, and planar quartz veins with open-space textures and complex mineralogy, including pyrite, arsenopyrite, stibnite, native arsenic, realgar, and trace other sulfides in intensely illite altered material. Gold grades are commonly much higher than the average grade of the deposit. |
| V4 | Latest vein phase. Barren carbonate-quartz (>50% and <50%, respectively) vein sets that post-date mineralized veins. Primarily barren white and clear quartz veinlets and calcite ± ankerite veinlets with no sulfides. |

---

Mineralized zones are consistently oriented sub-parallel to the main δ1 axis (024) of the compressive structural regime (Piekenbrock and Petsel, 2003). Veins in the ACMA–Lewis resource evolved through a continuum (V1 through V3) of changing mineralogy and increasing gold grade while maintaining a generally consistent north-northeast strike and southeast dip. The final carbonate–quartz vein set (V4) has a broader range of orientation.

MacNeil (2009) found that the average vein orientation for all veins is 024/71 degrees. This orientation is generally consistent across all domains and vein types, which indicates that veins in the Donlin deposits formed during the same mineralizing event.

A comparison by host rock shows that veins in igneous rocks strike more easterly and dip more steeply than veins in sedimentary rocks, probably due to refraction across lithologic contacts.

Several quartz and carbonate phases have been recognized, including pre-gold-stage Mn– calcite veins and wall rock replacement and cockscomb quartz veins; Fe–dolomite in main gold stage veins; and post-gold-stage clear quartz veins and ankerite stringer veins.

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Euhedral and porous replacement pyrite are the earliest sulfide phases, followed in order by marcasite, arsenopyrite, realgar, and native arsenic. Stibnite is most abundant in later veins. Most accessory sulfides are relatively early, while boulangerite is relatively late. Arsenopyrite occurs as both coarse (up to 1 cm) crystals and very fine (0.1 to 0.2 mm) euhedral grains.<br> Fine-grained arsenopyrite contains five to 10 times more gold than the paragenetically earlier coarse-grained phase.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**6.8** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Alteration** 

Rhyodacite bodies are ubiquitously altered to an illite–carbonate–kaolinite–chlorite / smectite ± quartz ± graphite assemblage.

Mafic igneous rocks are strongly altered by carbonate ± fuchsite and contain locally high-grade gold with disseminated, massive replacement or breccia filling sulfide.

Altered sedimentary rocks consist of relict quartz grains in a matrix of illite, kaolinite, carbonate, hematite, and <1% pyrite and trace sphalerite (Drexler, 2010).

Pyrite is widespread in all altered rocks (0.5% to 2%) but is more abundant (1% to 4%) in mineralized zones. Alteration is most intense near veins and is typically zoned outward from iIlite ± kaolinite to kaolinite ± illite and then to a distal zone of chlorite ± smectite ± quartz.

Silica is dominantly restricted to veins in the ACMA–Lewis area and is not generally expressed as pervasive silicification. Vein relationships show an increase in quartz content from early sulfide-dominant veins to late silica-dominant veins. Some increased silicification has been noted in the Queen area (Ebert et al., 2003b).

Short-wave infrared reflectance (SWIR) spectroscopy data, collected between 2007 and 2011, are interpreted by Donlin Gold LLC geologists to show that higher-grade gold is most strongly correlated with an alteration suite dominated by NH4–illite (ammonium–illite), whereas kaolinite-bearing zones contain lower-grade gold.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**6.9** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Minor Elements** 

The most abundant minor elements associated with gold-bearing material are iron, arsenic, antimony, and sulfur. These are contained primarily in the mineral suite associated with hydrothermal deposition of gold, including pyrite, arsenopyrite, realgar, native arsenic, and stibnite. Minor hydrothermal pyrrhotite and marcasite, and syngenetic or sedimentary pyrite, also account for some of the iron and sulfur.

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Much less abundant elements such as copper, lead, and zinc are contained in relatively rare or accessory hydrothermal mineral species observed in the deposit, including chalcopyrite, chalcocite, covellite, tennantite, tetrahedrite, bornite, native copper, galena, sphalerite, and boulangerite. Small amounts of silver in the deposit are most likely accommodated within the crystal structures of tetrahedrite and galena, and to a lesser extent in some of the other sulfides. Molybdenum occurs in rare molybdenite. Very minor nickel has been observed in the secondary sulfide mineral millerite and minor cobalt in various secondary minerals in sedimentary rocks. The nickel and cobalt probably have a sedimentary origin.

Three elements of particular processing significance are mercury, chlorine, and fluorine. Graphitic carbon and carbonate minerals also have the potential to negatively affect the metallurgical process.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**6.10** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Deposit Types** 

According to Donlin Gold LLC geologists, the Donlin deposits share characteristics of several gold deposit genetic models. It has been classified as:

● Granite porphyry-hosted gold polymetallic (Bundtzen and Miller, 1997)

● Distal or high-level epizonal intrusion-related (Hart et al., 2002)

● Low-sulfidation epithermal (Ebert et al., 2003a)

● Orogenic- or intrusion-related (Goldfarb et al., 2004)

● Reduced porphyry to sub-epithermal Au–As–Sb–Hg (Ebert et al., 2003c; Hart, 2007).

Hart (2007) classifies the deposit as a high-level, reduced intrusion-related vein system to account for the reduced ilmenite series intrusions, near contemporaneous age of mineralization, and the apparent genetic relationship to the higher-temperature hydrothermal system at Dome (Drexler, 2010).

The ACMA-Lewis part of the district is clearly a low sulfidation, reduced intrusion related, epizonal system with both vein and disseminated mineral zones and conforms most closely to the Hart (2007) classification.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**7.0** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **EXPLORATION** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**7.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Grids and Surveys** 

Historically, the Property has used a designated Geologic survey datum. The "Geologic Datum" was Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) Zone 4 (meters), NAD83/NGVD29.

In 2023, Donlin Gold LLC contracted Brice Environmental Services Corporation to convert all geologic data to UTM, Zone 4 (meters), NAD83(2011)/NGVD88; allowing an alignment with Engineering work and more precise locations. These transformed data were field checked against survey monuments and known collar locations to confirm successful transformation into the new datum.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**7.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Geological Mapping** 

Geologic mapping of the Project area has occurred both locally and on larger, quadrangle scales but, due to the natural terrain, has provided a limited amount of detail. The Donlin prospect is partially hosted in low-lying wetland terrains with limited and poor-quality outcrops. Shallow water tables, particularly in the ACMA portion of the deposit, lead to intense oxidation. Upland portions of the deposit, such as the Lewis area, are more accessible but are mostly vegetated with little to no naturally occurring outcrops. Successful mapping programs utilized support from more detailed data obtained from trenches and core drilling.

Localized geological mapping was performed by WestGold between 1988-1989. Reconnaissance mapping was undertaken by Placer Dome Inc. from 1996 to 1998. In 1999, Placer Dome Inc. completed a 1:10,000 scale geological mapping program over the entire Project area. In 2004 and 2006, Donlin Gold LLC conducted a geologic mapping exercise covering approximately 285 square kilometers east of Donlin Creek (Figure 7-1) to identify and track the distribution of calcareous sedimentary horizons.

In 2009, Donlin Gold generated an interpretive surface geologic map of rhyodacite intrusive rock units within the Project area given data and interpretations available at the time (Figure 6-2). The map was generated from data captured both during drilling and from historical surface mapping efforts and displays the distribution of the five visually distinct rhyodacite units described in Section 6.

After 2006, physical surface mapping efforts have been restricted to trench, road, and drill pad excavations. These small area maps have not been consolidated into a single map repository but will be discussed in subsequent sections.

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Mapping is generally limited by the poor quality and limited extent of outcrop. Information from the mapping programs was used to support more detailed data obtained from trenches and core drilling.

**Figure 7**-**1: 2004 and 2006 Mapping Campaigns**

![fig7_1.jpg](fig7_1.jpg)

Source: Buntzen and Laird, 2008

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**7.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Geochemical Sampling** 

From 1988 to present, 28,422 geochemical samples have been collected by the property operators as part of regional prospectivity evaluations. A summary of geochemical sampling organized by the different project operators through time can be found in Table 7-1. Sample types included: rock chip samples, stream sediment samples, soil samples, and biogeochemical samples.

Stream sediment samples were collected along numerous drainages as part of an exploration campaign by Placer Dome in 1998 and by Donlin Gold LLC in 2006, 2008, and 2010 (Figure 7-2).

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**Table 7**-**1: Geochemical Sampling Summary**

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Year** | **Company** | **Auger** | **Rock\*** | **Sediment** | **Soil** |
| 1988-1989 | West Gold | - | 3662 | - | 8713 |
| 1993-2005 | Placer Dome Inc. | - | 5167 | 240 | 2727 |
| 2006-2025 | Donlin Gold LLC | 107 | 1776 | 440 | 5590 |
| **Total** |  | **107** | **10605** | **680** | **17030** |

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Note: \* Sample type identified as "Rock" includes trench samples.

**Figure 7**-**2: Map of Stream Sediment Sampling Locations**

![fig7_2.jpg](fig7_2.jpg)

Source: Donlin Gold LLC, 2025

Extensive soil sampling campaigns were conducted on the Property in efforts to locate and determine the extents of mineralization (Figure 7-3). Samples collected along ridgetops or higher elevations show more continuity of mineralization than samples collected in low-lying areas due to the amount of overburden and difficulty retrieving viable samples in wetland terrain. Results from analysis of the soil samples show gold-in-soil anomalies over the Project area. Gold-in-soil anomalies were also identified on prospects to the north of the Project area, along trend of known mineralization. Prospects near the Donlin deposit with soil sampling data include Queen, Snow, Rob's Gulch, Far Side, Dome, and Ophir.

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**Figure 7**-**3: Overview of Soil Sampling Campaigns Completed on the Property**

![fig7_3.jpg](fig7_3.jpg)

Source: Donlin Gold LLC, 2025

Note: Individual dots represent sample locations and gold-in-soil analytical results, reported in parts per billion (ppb). The 2025 soil sampling campaign has not been included as results were pending at time of writing.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**7.4** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Geophysics** 

WestGold performed an airborne magnetic and very low frequency (VLF) survey and ground magnetic surveys during 1998-1999. The company also trialed ground-penetrating radar.

Placer Dome Inc. completed four geophysical surveys from 1995 to 1998 using an in-house Minimag system. In 1995, the Main ACMA to Dome area was surveyed with 200 m line spacing at an azimuth of 300<sup>o</sup> at 100 m height. In 1996, the survey extended from Dome to the northeast and was captured with the same parameters as 1995. In 1997, a higher resolution survey was conducted over the Main ACMA to Dome area with 50 m line spacing at 300° at 100 m height. In 1998, the survey area was extended to the southwest with 140 m line spacing at 300° at<br> 70 m height.

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During 1999, Placer Dome Inc. completed 25 km of max-min electromagnetic (EM) geophysical survey in the ACMA and southern Lewis areas and 1,800 km of aeromagnetic survey at 50 m line spacing and 50 m elevation, and 17.7 km of induced polarization (IP) and resistivity lines. In 2000, an additional 41.6 km of IP/resistivity lines were completed.

In 2000, the state of Alaska flew a frequency-domain multi-coil system (known as DIGHEM) airborne electromagnetic/resistivity/magnetic survey over the Iditarod Quadrangle, which includes the Donlin Property (Figure 7-4). The survey consisted of approximately 9,186 line-km, including 964 line-km of tie lines. The nominal line separation is approximately 400 m on azimuth 340° at 30 m height. Tie lines were flown perpendicular to the flight line direction with a separation of 5 km (Stephens, 2000).

In 2021, historic aerial geophysics data was compiled and re-interpreted using a new 3D magnetic vector inversion for a core subset of merged 1995, 1996, and 1998 magnetics (Figure 7-5). Vector inversion accommodates remanent magnetization, providing the strength and direction of magnetization. The re-interpretation utilized 50 m x 50 m x 25 m cell sizes to an approximately 4 km depth. The interpretation of the data suggests two different intrusive styles; the strongest response from reverse-polarity characterizes the rhyodacite dike corridor between ACMA and Dome, although evidence of demagnetization is present in the ACMA portion of the deposit. The second intrusion style interpreted from this work is a normal-polarity, deep-rooted intrusion, located both north of Dome and west of ACMA (Williams, 2021).

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**Figure 7**-**4: Fugro DIGHEM Geophysical Survey Flown Over Parts of the Sleetmute and Iditarod Quadrangles**

![fig7_4.jpg](fig7_4.jpg)

Source: Modified after The State of Alaska, 2000

Note: Black arrow indicates Donlin Gold LLC Property location

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**Figure 7**-**5: Plan View of Magnetic Vector Inversion**<br> **Model Sliced at -600 masl**

![fig7_5.jpg](fig7_5.jpg)

Source: Modified after Williams, 2021

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**7.5** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Excavations and Trenches** 

The lack of natural outcrops within the Property, resulting from thick vegetated cover of bedrock in wetland and tundra habitat, and mild topographic relief, necessitates localized excavations for the purpose of geologic mapping and sampling. To date, a total of 26,587 linear meters of trenches were excavated between 1988 and 2022 as part of exploration programs conducted by WestGold, Placer Dome, and Donlin Gold LLC (see Table 7-2 and Figure 7-6).

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**Table 7**-**2: Summary of Trenches Completed from 1998 to 2022**

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Year** | **Company** | **No. of Trenches** | **Meters** | **Prospects** |
| 1988-1989 | WestGold | 185 | 14173 | Lewis, Queen, Snow, Wheetie |
| 1993-1999 | Placer Dome Inc. | 166 | 11029 | Lewis, Lewis-Vortex, ACMA, Dome, Queen, Far Side |
| 2020-2022 | Donlin Gold LLC | 32 | 1385 | Lewis, Divide, Far Side |
| **Total** |  | **383** | **26587** |  |

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Note: Work completed by either NOVAGOLD or Barrick after the development of the joint venture, Donlin Gold LLC., is recorded under Donlin Gold LLC.

**Figure 7**-**6: Summary of Trenches Completed from 1998 to 2022**

![fig7_6.jpg](fig7_6.jpg)

Source: Donlin Gold LLC, 2025

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**7.5.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Legacy Excavations and Trenches** 

Excavations conducted by previous operators from 1988-1999 were linear and comprised excavations that were a few meters wide and up to 400 m long and created with small 20 -tonne class excavators and/or 10 -tonne class dozers. Geological data such as lithology information, structure type and orientation data, and geochemistry and assay data were collected from these excavations. These trenching activities are summarized in Table 7-2.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**7.5.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Recent Excavations and Trenches** 

A multi-year, phased, trenching and excavation program on Lewis Hill (within the Lewis area) was undertaken by Donlin Gold LLC from 2020 to 2022. In 2020, a 30 m x 100 m trench was designed to crosscut modeled mineralized features and excavated for the purpose of locating, characterizing, and collecting samples from the modeled features. In 2021, the second phase of the Eastern Lewis Hill trench was designed along strike length of the mineralized feature unearthed in 2020 and a 23 m x 80 m trench was excavated perpendicular to the original. In 2022, Donlin Gold LLC excavated the third and final phase of the Eastern Lewis Hill Trench (Figure 7-7) and an additional excavation, the Divide Trench, which is located on the western flank of Lewis Hill (Figure 7-8). The objective was to excavate in a different way relative to the legacy trenches (Section 7.5.1) to allow for true 2D representation of mineralization continuity. To this end, an approximately 60 m x 50 m surface area was excavated to improve geologic understanding of lithologic relationships, structures and mineralization continuity. All overburden and unconsolidated material overlying bedrock were cleared and the exposed bedrock was swept and pressure washed clean for detailed geologic mapping and sampling.

The Lewis Hill excavation provided insight into the complexity of the prospect (Figure 7-7). Five intrusive lithologies (RDX, RDF, RDXL, RDA and mafic dikes) were exposed in addition to the Kuskokwim sediments. A dominantly 020° trending set of structures with orthogonal cracking was mapped across the exposure, with lesser structures trending ~290°. The mapped mineralization was generally associated with the 020° structures. The excavation was sampled by laying out 1-m channels perpendicular to the expected mineralization trend, every 6 m. The channels were divided into bins less than 2 m wide based on their geology. Bulk samples, weighing approximately 2.5 kg were taken from each bin and sent for laboratory analysis.

The Divide Trench location was selected to better understand the structural relationship between the Lewis domain and the ACMA domain (Figure 7-8). At the center of the excavation, the Divide Fault was exposed and serves as the contact between three different intrusive units; RDX on the west, RDXB and RDA on the east. The fault strikes approximately 125° and is intersected by several 020° mineralized structures, similar to those present in the Lewis Trench.

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**Figure 7**-**7: Lewis Hill Trench**

![fig7_7.jpg](fig7_7.jpg)

Source: Donlin Gold LLC, 2025

**Figure 7**-**8: Divide Trench**

![fig7_8.jpg](fig7_8.jpg)

Source: Donlin Gold LLC, 2025

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**7.6** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Exploration Potential** 

Exploration potential in the vicinity of the Project open pit designs include extensions to the south and west of ACMA and to the north and east of Lewis. Mineralization remains open at depth under the current pit limits. Mineralization also remains open to the north of the planned pit and has been tested by shallow trenching and soil sampling, with limited drilling undertaken to date.

Exploration potential also extends outside the areas that have been the subject of the mine design. Gold mineralization is associated with an overall north–northeasterly trending high level dike/sill complex and includes the Ophir, Dome, Far Side, Quartz/Duqum, and Snow prospects. Soil sampling surveys were conducted between 1988 and 2008 by WestGold, Placer Dome Inc., and Donlin Gold LLC.

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Figure 7-3 and Figure 7-5 shows gold-in-soils analytical results for nearby prospects adjacent to the reprocessed geophysical data which highlights the reverse polarity magnetic trend along the same orientation as mineralization (Willliams, 2021).

Summaries of the prospect potentials identified by Donlin Gold LLC are derived from Buchanan (2009), Chamois (2009), Francis (2011), and collaborative assessment within the joint venture and Owners.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**7.6.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Far Side** 

The Far Side prospect has been tested by three Donlin Gold LLC core drill holes (735 m) along 300 m of strike and 29 RC holes that were drilled by WestGold. Drill results for the core drilling are indicated in Table 7-3. The prospect is situated in an area where dikes of a generally easterly trend intersect the more dominant northeasterly trend.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**7.6.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Duqum** 

The Duqum prospect is the site of the first recorded lode gold discovery in the Donlin deposit area. It is about 1 km long, and mineralization is associated with a narrow porphyry dike. Three core holes have been drilled (1,043 m) by Donlin Gold LLC. Drill results are summarized in Table 7-4.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**7.6.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Snow / Quartz** 

The Snow and Quartz prospects are hosted in a dike-related, gold-bearing corridor that is about 1.5 km wide and approximately 4 km long. In the area of this dike swarm, the porphyry dikes are 20 m to >100 m wide, discontinuous bodies. Gold mineralization is associated closely with the dikes and is hosted either within the dikes themselves or in the adjacent sedimentary rocks. limited drilling has been completed. Better drill results are included in Table 7-5.

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**Table 7**-**3: Far Side**

---

| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Hole ID** | **Northing** | **Easting** | **Elevation** | **Azimuth** | **Dip** | **Drill Intercept**<br> **From (m)** | **Drilled**<br> **Thickness (m)** | **Gold Grade**<br> **(g/t Au)** |
| DC96-254 | 6883383 | 542914 | 179 | 320 | 65 | 23.2 | 16.8 | 4.60 |
| DC96-255 | 6883356 | 542960 | 182 | 320 | 65 | 122.0 | 14.0 | 3.00 |
| DC96-256 | 6883296 | 542888 | 175 | 320 | 65 | 130.0 | 15.6 | 5.86 |

---

Note: These are illustrative of better drill results, may not be representative of the deposit in general. Drill thicknesses may not represent true thicknesses. Northings, eastings, and elevations are at the collar locations.

**Table 7**-**4: Duqum**

---

| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Hole ID** | **Northing** | **Easting** | **Elevation** | **Azimuth** | **Dip** | **Drill Intercept**<br> **From (m)** | **Drilled**<br> **Thickness (m)** | **Gold Grade**<br> **(g/t Au)** |
| DC97-387 | 6882450 | 543692 | 274 | 310 | 55 | 338.0 | 16.0 | 2.39 |
| DC97-388 | 6882605 | 543070 | 221 | 310 | 55 | 210.0 | 12.0 | 5.03 |
| DC97-388 | 6882605 | 543070 | 221 | 310 | 55 | 236.0 | 10.0 | 2.29 |
| DC97-389 | 6882607 | 543074 | 221 | 40 | 55 | 90.0 | 10.0 | 3.86 |
| DC97-389 | 6882607 | 543074 | 221 | 40 | 55 | 202.0 | 10.0 | 2.79 |
| DC97-389 | 6882607 | 543074 | 221 | 40 | 55 | 320.0 | 16.0 | 3.79 |

---

Note: These are illustrative of better drill results, may not be representative of the deposit in general. Drill thicknesses may not represent true thicknesses. Northings, eastings, and elevations are at the collar locations.

**Table 7**-**5: Snow / Quartz**

---

| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Hole ID** | **Northing** | **Easting** | **Elevation** | **Azimuth** | **Dip** | **Drill Intercept**<br> **From (m)** | **Drilled**<br> **Thickness (m)** | **Gold Grade**<br> **(g/t Au)** |
| DC97-383 | 6880373 | 541449 | 230 | 295 | 50 | 16.0 | 23.0 | 2.77 |
| DC97-384 | 6880537 | 541563 | 194 | 295 | 50 | 52.0 | 10.0 | 3.34 |

---

Note: These are illustrative of better drill results, may not be representative of the deposit in general. Drill thicknesses may not represent true thicknesses. Northings, eastings, and elevations are at the collar locations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**7.6.4** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Dome** 

The Dome prospect is situated under a prominent, rounded hill about 5 km north of the planned ACMA-Lewis pits. Several mineralized felsic porphyries intrude into a greywacke unit and have hornfelsed the sedimentary rocks over wide intervals. Mineralization consists of stockworks of veinlets containing arsenopyrite, pyrite, pyrrhotite, and minor chalcopyrite. Preliminary metallurgical testwork indicates that mineralization may be less refractory than that encountered in the ACMA-Lewis area.

Fourteen widely spaced drill holes have been completed over an area of approximately 500 m x 500 m. Mineralization is open to the north, east, south and to depth, and may be open to the west at depth. Better drill results are included in Table 7-6.

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**Table 7**-**6: Dome**

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| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Hole ID** | **Northing** | **Easting** | **Elevation** | **Azimuth** | **Dip** | **Drill Intercept**<br> **From (m)** | **Drilled**<br> **Thickness (m)** | **Gold Grade**<br> **(g/t Au)** |
| DC08-1785 | 6882542 | 544056 | 342 | 110 | 70 | 139.0 | 10.0 | 2.19 |
| DC08-1785 | 6882542 | 544056 | 342 | 110 | 70 | 163.0 | 10.0 | 3.89 |
| DC08-1785 | 6882542 | 544056 | 342 | 110 | 70 | 211.0 | 22.6 | 3.29 |
| DC08-1785 | 6882542 | 544056 | 342 | 110 | 70 | 248.0 | 25.0 | 2.94 |
| DC97-392 | 6882486 | 544041 | 340 | 130 | 65 | 94.0 | 52.0 | 3.21 |
| DC97-392 | 6882486 | 544041 | 340 | 130 | 65 | 185.0 | 61.0 | 3.30 |
| DC97-392 | 6882486 | 544041 | 340 | 130 | 65 | 258.0 | 14.0 | 3.99 |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**7.6.5** **Note: These are illustrative of better drill results, may not be representative of the deposit in general. Drill thicknesses may not represent true thicknesses. Northings, eastings, and elevations are at the collar locations.Ophir** 

The Ophir Hill is the highest topographic feature in the Donlin district. Surface mapping over an area of about 1.5 km x 750 m indicates Cretaceous sedimentary rocks have been intruded by felsic to intermediate intrusions, which may be dikes. Surface exposures are completely oxidized, but boxworks after sulfides indicate arsenopyrite, pyrite and other sulfides occur as disseminations and thin veinlets. Soil sampling has identified a strong gold-in-soil anomaly on the southwestern flanks of the hill. Four soil-sampling campaigns were completed between 1988 and 2010, comprising 149 samples (20 m spacing on a single line) in 1988, 108 samples (100 m × 400 m grid) in 1999, 518 samples (25 m × 100 m grid) in 2008, and 175 samples (50 m × 200 m grid) in 2010. No drilling has been undertaken.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**7.7** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Drilling** 

A total of 2,145 core and RC holes of 516,779 m were completed from 1995 through 2025 as summarized in Table 7-7. Holes drilled by previous operators between 1995 and 2000 include 347 core holes (86,298 m) and 77 RC holes (16,338 m). Holes drilled by Donlin Gold LLC include 491 core holes (121,383 m) and more recently 10 dual rotary holes (630 m).

A total of 1,737 core (456,450 m) and 387 RC (37,457 m) holes conducted since 1995, were used to inform the resource estimate. Results from the 2025 drilling were compared to the geologic model and resource model and were found to support the interpretation of geology and estimation.

Drill hole location plans are provided in Figure 7-9 for the Property, and in Figure 7-10 for the area where Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves were estimated.

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|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**7.8** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Drill Methods** 

Core sizes used on the Property include: NQ3 (45.1 mm core diameter), NQ (47.6 mm), HQ3 (61.2 mm), HQ (63.5 mm), and PQ (85 mm). Most of the core drilled between 1995 and 1999 was HQ size, since all holes were started with HQ tools and reduced to the smaller diameter NQ size as necessary.

Depth limits for HQ size holes varied by hole conditions from 475 m to 650 m.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**7.9** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Geological Logging** 

Standard logging conventions were developed by Placer Dome Inc. and refined over the durations of the drilling programs.

Standard logging and sampling conventions were used to capture information from the drill core and, where applicable, RC chips. Types of data captured in separate tables include lithology, mineralization, alteration (visual), structural and geotechnical. Remarks by the logging geologist were also recorded. Lithology was recorded in a two to four letter alpha code. The mineralization table recorded visual percent veining (by type) and sulfide (pyrite, arsenopyrite, stibnite and realgar). Specific alteration features including iron oxide and carbonate alteration were also recorded using a qualitative scale. Structural data collected consisted of the type of structure, measurements relative to core axis and oriented core measurements, if applicable. The geotechnical table recorded percent recovery and rock quality designation (RQD) for the entire hole, and fracture intensity where warranted.

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**Table 7**-**7: RC and Core Drill Summary Table**

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Year**  | **Company** | **No. of** <br> **Drill Holes** | **Hole** <br> **Type** | **Meters Drilled** | **Comments** |
| 1988-1989 | WestGold |  |  |  | Core and auger holes were drilled on the Property. |
| 1995 | Placer Dome Inc. | 32 | core | 6117 | Thirty in Lewis, one at Rochelieu Ridge, and one near the mouth of Queen Gulch |
| 1996 | Placer Dome Inc. | 26 | RC | 8413 | Seventeen of the holes twinned earlier core holes. Four water wells (three in camp, one in Lewis) were drilled with the RC drill, and five core holes in the 400 area were pre-collared through deep overburden. |
|  |  | 113 | core | 30214 | All but eight of the core holes were drilled in Lewis or Queen. The others were distributed north of the current resource area in the Dome, Far Side, and Snow prospects. |
| 1997 | Placer Dome Inc. | 51 | RC | 7925 | Lewis, Queen, Rochelieu, ACMA, 400 Area, Vortex, alongside the American Ridge runway, and Snow. Includes two water wells |
|  |  | 66 | core | 15241 | Lewis, Queen, 400 Area, ACMA, and north of the resource area at Quartz, Duqum, and Dome |
| 1998 | Placer Dome Inc. | 96 | core | 24132 | The drilling was done in two phases: four holes in the ACMA-400 area in March and April, and 41 closely spaced holes in the Lewis area in June to October to test variography. Resource expansion drilling in the Lewis, Queen, and ACMA areas was also conducted from June to October. |
| 1999 | Placer Dome Inc. | 33 | core | 9190 | Twenty-six of these, totaling 6,690 m, were resource definition holes drilled in ACMA-400. |
| 2000 | Placer Dome Inc. | 7 | core | 1404 | Five at Dome and two at Quartz, for an evaluation of IP anomalies and potential for high-grade deposits |

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Year**  | **Company** | **No. of** <br> **Drill Holes** | **Hole** <br> **Type** | **Meters Drilled** | **Comments** |
| 2001 | Placer Dome Inc. | 42 | core | 7493 | Evaluation of the potential for significant resource growth in the ACMA area |
| 2002 | NOVAGOLD | 146 | RC | 11589 | One hundred and forty-one exploration and resource expansion holes in the ACMA, 400, Lewis, Akivik, Rochelieu, Vortex, and Far East prospects. Three water wells were drilled near the mouth of American Creek, and two were drilled in the Low Road on the south face of Lewis. |
|  |  | 196 | core | 39092 | Two of the core holes are geotechnical holes in the Anaconda Creek valley. |
| 2004 | Placer Dome Inc. | 17 | RC | 2335 | Condemnation holes in the Anaconda Creek and upper American Creek valleys |
|  |  | 3 | core | 852 | Geotechnical core holes |
| 2005 | Placer Dome Inc. | 30 | RC | 3644 | - |
|  |  | 90 | core | 24596 | Infill in ACMA and Lewis |
| 2006 | DCJV | 327 | core | 92804 | Pit slope stability, metallurgy, waste rock studies, facilities condemnation, and engineering, and calcium carbonate resource bulk sampling, delineation, and exploration |
| 2007 | DCJV | 13 | RC | 1043 | Monitor wells and pit pump tests |
|  |  | 248 | core | 75257 | Pit resource infill, pit expansion, carbonate exploration, geotechnical, and engineering studies |
| 2008 | DCLLC | 108 | core | 33425 | Exploration, resource infill, condemnation, and geotechnical studies |
| 2009 | Donlin Gold LLC | 19 | core | 950 | Geotechnical and hydrological core holes |
| 2010 | Donlin Gold LLC | 6 | core | 2090 | Geotechnical core holes |
| 2017 | Donlin Gold LLC | 16 | core | 7040 | Infill, geotechnical and geometallurgy tests |

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Year**  | **Company** | **No. of** <br> **Drill Holes** | **Hole** <br> **Type** | **Meters Drilled** | **Comments** |
| 2019 | Donlin Gold LLC | 30 | core | 1060 | Geotechnical core holes in planned TSF and other planned water retention facilities in support of engineering and permitting of those facilities |
| 2020 | Donlin Gold LLC | 85 | core | 23361 | Infill to confirm recent geologic modeling concepts and test potential high-grade extensions |
| 2021 | Donlin Gold LLC | 79 | core | 24263 | Resource infill and grid drilling |
| 2022 | Donlin Gold LLC | 141 | core | 42331 | Resource infill and grid drilling |
| 2023 | Donlin Gold LLC | 42 | core | 1833 | Geotechnical drilling |
|  |  | 10 | dual rotary | 630 | Geotechnical drilling |
| 2025 | Donlin Gold LLC | 47 | core | 18056 | Infill resource drilling and geotechnical drilling |
|  |  | 26 | core | 399 | Jungjuk Port Road material sites |

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**Figure 7**-**9: Project Drill Hole Location Plan**

![fig7_9.jpg](fig7_9.jpg)

Source: Donlin Gold LLC, 2025

Note: Donlin Gold Mining Lease area that is available for subsurface exploration (e.g., drilling) under lease agreements with Calista and TKC.

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**Figure 7**-**10: Resource Area Drill Holes**

![fig7_10.jpg](fig7_10.jpg)

Source: Donlin Gold LLC, 2025

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**7.10** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Recovery** 

A survey of nearly 200,000 core recovery records in the database revealed an overall length weighted average core recovery of 95%. Material variation across the deposit areas is not expected as the recovery is uniformly high. Average recovery increases from 80-95% from<br> 0-40 m and then ranges from 95-100% below 40 m where overburden and surface weathering effects are generally absent.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**7.11** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Collar Surveys** 

Traditional (transit) survey methods were used to locate all 1995-1999 and 2001 drill collars and trenches. Modern GPS technology involving a base unit and up to two roving units was introduced in 2002. The roving instruments were operated in the field to collect stationary readings over the drill collars.

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Based on surveys of control points, the approximate maximum horizontal and vertical variances of drill hole collar surveys under optimal conditions were considered to be 0.2 and 0.6 m, respectively.

In 2017, surveyors utilized Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers and Real Time Kinematic (RTK) measurements. During the 2017 drill campaign, all drill holes, except one, were surveyed with a horizontal and vertical accuracy within 8 cm.

From 2020-2022, data were collected using GPS dual frequency receivers using RTK GPS methodology. No positions differed by more than 2 cm, horizontally or vertically.

From 2023-2025, data were collected using Post-Processed Kinematic (PPK) GPS methodology with a horizontal and vertical accuracy within 1 cm.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**7.12** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Down-hole Surveys** 

The Sperry Sun single-shot camera method was used through 2000 for directional surveys to determine down-hole deviation. Reflex EZ Shot instrumentation was introduced in 2001 and used until 2017. In 2020, the Boart Longyear TruShot tool was used. A SPT GyroMaster survey tool was used in 2021 and 2022 with a combination of the SPT GyoMaster and the Board Longyear TruShot tools being used in 2023. In 2025, Donlin Gold LLC switched to an Index OMIx42 downhole survey tool.

Televiewer data was collected from 2020-2025.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**7.13** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Geotechnical and Hydrological** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**7.13.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Drilling** 

Geotechnical and most hydrogeological drilling is conducted with methods and standards similar to resource drilling. Where drill holes were not consumed for testing work, samples were commonly collected for assay analysis and, if within reasonable distances to the core of the deposit, were considered useful for the purposes of resource estimation. Geotechnical and hydrological drilling is included in the drill totals in Table 7-7, and are included in the drill location plan in Figure 7-10. The interpretation of results is presented in Section 13 and Section 15. A summary of the site investigations is presented in Table 7-8. The database of borings used by BGC (2023c) consists of 52 geotechnical drill holes completed by BGC and 233 exploration drill holes completed for Mineral Resource definition.

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**Table 7**-**8: Summary of Site Investigations**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Type** | **Description** |
| Drilling Programs | Diamond core drilling and geotechnical logging |
| Laboratory Testing | Shear strength, deformability, index properties |
| Hydrogeological Data | Pumping tests, piezometric monitoring |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**7.13.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Hydrology and Hydrogeology** 

Automatic hydrometric stations are established at the site. These stations monitor and collect data on various hydrological and meteorological parameters and provide data useful for water management. Water quality data collected are maintained in accordance with the Quality Assurance Project Plan Water Quality Monitoring, Sampling and Analyses Activities.

Data pertaining to hydrogeology includes results from packer tests, slug tests, pumping tests, water quality sampling, and ground water elevation data. Data has been collected from site investigations going back to 1995. The following is a summary of the relevant data sets that inform the current understanding and conceptualization of hydrogeology on site.

● Single borehole response tests (i.e., packer tests) and pumping tests were conducted to estimate the hydraulic conductivity of the bedrock; falling or rising head slug tests and pumping tests were conducted to estimate the hydraulic conductivity of the alluvium (BGC, 2023a).

● Hydraulic head in the bedrock and alluvium readings were obtained from vibrating wire piezometers (VWPs) and standpipe piezometers across the site. Groundwater elevation data were available for 198 permanent locations comprising monitoring wells, pumping wells, standpipe piezometers, and VWPs up to 2014. The monitoring network was updated between 2019 and 2024. After the network was updated, periodic data collection resumed at site.

● Groundwater samples were collected quarterly from the second quarter of 2005 through the third quarter of 2013. The groundwater samples were used to characterize groundwater at the site (SRK 2017).

BGC (2023c) characterizes groundwater flow as fracture-dominated and mirroring topography. They indicate that some compartmentalization of groundwater flow is suggested by high hydraulic heads at elevated topography and find no strong evidence that major faults significantly control groundwater movement. Dewatering requirements and pore pressure control are modeled using MODFLOW-SURFACT, with seasonal fluctuations and compartmentalized fracture networks considered. Updated hydrogeologic models inform depressurization and drainage design.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**7.13.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **TSF Geotechnical Site Investigation** 

BGC performed a geotechnical investigation program for the TSF to characterize subsurface conditions, evaluate material properties, and provide design parameters for dam construction and tailings management. The program addressed foundation stability, permafrost behavior, and material suitability for engineered structures.

Key findings of the site investigation program include:

● Highly weathered bedrock, consisting of a soil-like, very poor-quality material was between 0-7 m thick.

● Competent weathered bedrock, consisting of poor to fair quality material was between<br> 2-44 m thick.

● Permafrost distribution was mapped to inform thaw settlement analysis with these findings:

- It is sporadic and typically confined to valley bottom and mid-slope

- Thickness ranging from 1.5 m to over 15 m (average ~4 m)

Ice-rich soils (>15% visible ice) are generally encountered in loess or silty alluvium near valley bottoms<br>

- Coarser-grained colluvium on slopes and ridge tops typically has low visible ice content

- Ice and frozen infill within bedrock discontinuities are infrequently observed..

● Fault gouge zones, ash beds, and slickensided shale joints were identified in bedrock

● The water table generally follows surface topography, with shallow groundwater in valley bottoms and deeper levels beneath ridges

● Groundwater gradients trend toward Crooked Creek and American Creek, which act as regional discharge zones

● Seasonal fluctuations occur due to snowmelt and precipitation

● Overall groundwater movement is slow because of low hydraulic conductivity.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**7.13.4** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Laboratory Testing Program** 

Samples of soils, rockfill, gravels, and tailings were tested per ASTM standards to define geotechnical properties, assess material suitability, and evaluate thaw settlement risks as summarized in Table 7-9.

Laboratory tests (sieve and hydrometer) were also performed on tailings and show that the material consist mainly of fine particles, with gradations typical of silt and minor clay and sand fractions (BGC, 2024). Atterberg Limits testing (ASTM D4318) indicates the tailings are nonplastic. The specific gravity of tailings particles generally ranges from about 2.6 to 2.8.<br> X-ray diffraction performed to characterize mineralogy indicates that tailings are mainly composed of silicate minerals, with minor clay minerals. No significant concentrations of acid-generating minerals (e.g., pyrite) were noted. A tailings column for the grind produced in test program supporting a previous mining study settled to a steady-state condition with an average solids content of 54% after deposition.

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**Table 7**-**9: Laboratory Results Summary of Soil Samples**

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Material/Sample** | **Test Type** | **ASTM Standard** | **Key Result / Observation** | **Estimated Strength Parameters** | **Design Implication** |
| Soil (Overburden, Terrace Gravels) | Standard Proctor Compaction | D698  | Max dry density ≈ 2080 kg/m  | N/A | Excellent compaction properties for dam construction |
| Soil (Fine-Grained) | Atterberg Limits | D4318  | Plasticity Index moderate in silt/clay zones | Cohesion: ~15–25 kPa;<br> Friction Angle: ~28–32° | Indicates potential frost susceptibility |
| Soil/Permafrost | Thaw Strain & Ice Content | Custom (Frost Tests) | Excess ice in isolated zones | N/A | Requires removal or mitigation to prevent settlement |
| Rock (Intrusive Units) | UCS/Point Load | ISRM / ASTM D5731 | High strength intrusive rocks | UCS: 80–120 MPa;<br> Friction Angle: ~40° | Very stable foundation material |
| Shale (Sedimentary) | Direct Shear | D3080 | Slickensided shale shows reduced shear strength | Cohesion: ~5–15 kPa;<br> Friction Angle: ~18–25° | Bedding-parallel weaknesses |
| Ash Layers | Direct Shear/Preliminary Tests | D3080 | Limited data; strain-softening potential noted  | Cohesion: ~0–10 kPa;<br> Friction Angle: ~15–20° | High uncertainty; conservative slope design needed |
| Foundation Rock | Packer Permeability | Constant Head Method | Low hydraulic conductivity | N/A | Favorable for seepage control under TSF |

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| ![logohdr.jpg](logohdr.jpg) | Donlin Gold Project<br> Alaska, USA |
|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**7.14** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Metallurgical Drilling** 

Specific drill holes were completed for comminution testwork. These holes, although not broken out by collar, are included in the drill location plan in Figure 7-9. Interpretation of the results are presented in Section 10.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**7.15** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Condemnation Drilling** 

Condemnation drilling was performed to identify potential infrastructure sites. Condemnation drilling is conducted with methods and standards similar to deposit drilling. Where drill holes were not consumed for testing work, samples were commonly collected for assay analysis and, if within reasonable distances to the core of the deposit, were considered useful for the purposes of resource estimation.

Locations of the condemnation drill holes are included in Figure 7-9. The results of the condemnation drilling were factored into the location of key surface infrastructure.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**7.16** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Twin Drilling** 

Core and RC holes were compared in 1996 when 17 core holes in the Lewis area were twinned with RC holes. This study found that, in most instances, composite assay intervals from the RC holes were shorter, less continuous, and lower in grade than in the twinned core holes (Szumigala, 1997).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**7.17** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Summary of Drill Intercepts** 

A summary of a number of drill hole intercepts from the ACMA area are shown in Table 7-10 and the Lewis area in Table 7-11. Interpretation of drill results with examples of the drill hole geometry, and drill hole intercepts are shown in Figure 7-11 (ACMA) and Figure 7-12 (Lewis), and demonstrate that the drilling was designed to intersect the mineralization as perpendicular as possible.

A summary of a number of drill hole intercepts from the areas that show exploration potential are shown in Table 7-3 to Table 7-6.

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| ![logohdr.jpg](logohdr.jpg) | Donlin Gold Project<br> Alaska, USA |
|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

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**Table 7**-**10: ACMA Area Drill Hole Intercept Summary Table**

---

| | | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Hole ID** | **Northing** | **Easting** | **Elevation** | **Azimuth** | **Dip** | **Area** | **Drill Intercept**<br> **From**<br> **(m)** | **Drill Intercept**<br> **To**<br> **(m)** | **Drilled**<br> **Thickness**<br> **(m)** | **Gold Grade**<br> **(g/t Au)** |
| DC06-1114 | 6878385.36 | 539899.82 | 127.97 | 294.85 | -65.4 | ACMA | 178.00 | 218.19 | 40.19 | 4.14 |
| DC06-1114 | 6878385.36 | 539899.82 | 127.97 | 294.85 | -65.4 | ACMA | 234.00 | 304.68 | 70.68 | 4.10 |
| DC06-1114 | 6878385.36 | 539899.82 | 127.97 | 294.85 | -65.4 | ACMA | 310.28 | 316.51 | 6.23 | 3.79 |
| **Total/Average** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | **117.10** | **4.10** |
| DC06-1115 | 6878270 | 540117 | 133 | 288.55 | -58.2 | ACMA | 194.00 | 198.00 | 4.00 | 1.37 |
| DC06-1115 | 6878270 | 540117 | 133 | 288.55 | -58.2 | ACMA | 232.00 | 242.00 | 10.00 | 4.58 |
| DC06-1115 | 6878270 | 540117 | 133 | 288.55 | -58.2 | ACMA | 248.00 | 252.98 | 4.98 | 19.37 |
| DC06-1115 | 6878270 | 540117 | 133 | 288.55 | -58.2 | ACMA | 261.00 | 280.29 | 19.29 | 5.64 |
| DC06-1115 | 6878270 | 540117 | 133 | 288.55 | -58.2 | ACMA | 286.00 | 304.00 | 18.00 | 2.19 |
| DC06-1115 | 6878270 | 540117 | 133 | 288.55 | -58.2 | ACMA | 310.00 | 332.94 | 22.94 | 3.49 |
| DC06-1115 | 6878270 | 540117 | 133 | 288.55 | -58.2 | ACMA | 343.05 | 368.00 | 24.95 | 5.87 |
| **Total/Average** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | **104.16** | **5.01** |
| DC06-1120 | 6878411.6 | 539846.32 | 127.22 | 295.85 | -61.2 | W. ACMA | 145.00 | 160.00 | 15.00 | 2.48 |
| DC06-1120 | 6878411.6 | 539846.32 | 127.22 | 295.85 | -61.2 | W. ACMA | 175.00 | 205.00 | 30.00 | 1.11 |
| DC06-1120 | 6878411.6 | 539846.32 | 127.22 | 295.85 | -61.2 | W. ACMA | 235.50 | 271.46 | 35.96 | 2.89 |
| **Total/Average** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | **80.96** | **2.15** |
| DC06-1126 | 6878684.93 | 539605.65 | 123.7 | 299.05 | -60.3 | W. ACMA | 189.04 | 204.50 | 15.46 | 2.56 |
| DC06-1126 | 6878684.93 | 539605.65 | 123.7 | 299.05 | -60.3 | W. ACMA | 222.00 | 229.30 | 7.30 | 4.21 |
| DC06-1126 | 6878684.93 | 539605.65 | 123.7 | 299.05 | -60.3 | W. ACMA | 259.90 | 264.00 | 4.10 | 1.21 |
| DC06-1126 | 6878684.93 | 539605.65 | 123.7 | 299.05 | -60.3 | W. ACMA | 303.00 | 309.00 | 6.00 | 2.32 |
| DC06-1126 | 6878684.93 | 539605.65 | 123.7 | 299.05 | -60.3 | W. ACMA | 317.00 | 335.00 | 18.00 | 5.37 |
| DC06-1126 | 6878684.93 | 539605.65 | 123.7 | 299.05 | -60.3 | W. ACMA | 345.00 | 365.00 | 20.00 | 3.27 |
| DC06-1126 | 6878684.93 | 539605.65 | 123.7 | 299.05 | -60.3 | W. ACMA | 374.00 | 382.00 | 8.00 | 2.40 |

---

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| ![logohdr.jpg](logohdr.jpg) | Donlin Gold Project<br> Alaska, USA |
|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

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---

| | | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Hole ID** | **Northing** | **Easting** | **Elevation** | **Azimuth** | **Dip** | **Area** | **Drill Intercept**<br> **From**<br> **(m)** | **Drill Intercept**<br> **To**<br> **(m)** | **Drilled**<br> **Thickness**<br> **(m)** | **Gold Grade**<br> **(g/t Au)** |
| **Total/Average** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | **78.86** | **3.43** |
| DC06-1134 | 6879104.23 | 539709.27 | 149.47 | 297.35 | -61.3 | Akivik | 17.00 | 27.00 | 10.00 | 1.64 |
| DC06-1134 | 6879104.23 | 539709.27 | 149.47 | 297.35 | -61.3 | Akivik | 35.00 | 43.00 | 8.00 | 4.22 |
| DC06-1134 | 6879104.23 | 539709.27 | 149.47 | 297.35 | -61.3 | Akivik | 187.00 | 201.00 | 14.00 | 5.54 |
| **Total/Average** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | **32.00** | **3.99** |
| DC06-1136 | 6879210 | 539771.1 | 150.99 | 297.55 | -59 | Akivik | 33.00 | 47.00 | 14.00 | 2.90 |
| DC06-1136 | 6879210 | 539771.1 | 150.99 | 297.55 | -59 | Akivik | 61.00 | 69.00 | 8.00 | 2.79 |
| **Total/Average** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | **22.00** | **2.86** |
| DC06-1138 | 6878826.27 | 539729.18 | 136.51 | 298.35 | -61.6 | Aurora | 13.00 | 40.00 | 27.00 | 2.07 |
| DC06-1138 | 6878826.27 | 539729.18 | 136.51 | 298.35 | -61.6 | Aurora | 54.63 | 68.00 | 13.37 | 2.70 |
| DC06-1138 | 6878826.27 | 539729.18 | 136.51 | 298.35 | -61.6 | Aurora | 104.23 | 117.00 | 12.77 | 1.51 |
| DC06-1138 | 6878826.27 | 539729.18 | 136.51 | 298.35 | -61.6 | Aurora | 285.50 | 288.00 | 2.50 | 12.40 |
| DC06-1138 | 6878826.27 | 539729.18 | 136.51 | 298.35 | -61.6 | Aurora | 306.00 | 316.00 | 10.00 | 4.05 |
| DC06-1138 | 6878826.27 | 539729.18 | 136.51 | 298.35 | -61.6 | Aurora | 405.00 | 409.00 | 4.00 | 4.54 |
| DC06-1138 | 6878826.27 | 539729.18 | 136.51 | 298.35 | -61.6 | Aurora | 460.00 | 474.00 | 14.00 | 3.88 |
| DC06-1138 | 6878826.27 | 539729.18 | 136.51 | 298.35 | -61.6 | Aurora | 494.00 | 506.00 | 12.00 | 2.19 |
| DC06-1138 | 6878826.27 | 539729.18 | 136.51 | 298.35 | -61.6 | Aurora | 526.00 | 530.00 | 4.00 | 3.25 |
| **Total/Average** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | **99.64** | **2.96** |

---

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| ![logohdr.jpg](logohdr.jpg) | Donlin Gold Project<br> Alaska, USA |
|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

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---

| | | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Hole ID** | **Northing** | **Easting** | **Elevation** | **Azimuth** | **Dip** | **Area** | **Drill Intercept**<br> **From**<br> **(m)** | **Drill Intercept**<br> **To**<br> **(m)** | **Drilled**<br> **Thickness**<br> **(m)** | **Gold Grade**<br> **(g/t Au)** |
| DC06-1245 | 6878553.04 | 540311.42 | 170.41 | 301.65 | -58.7 | E. ACMA | 5.33 | 23.00 | 17.67 | 1.62 |
| DC06-1245 | 6878553.04 | 540311.42 | 170.41 | 301.65 | -58.7 | E. ACMA | 42.00 | 62.00 | 20.00 | 1.84 |
| DC06-1245 | 6878553.04 | 540311.42 | 170.41 | 301.65 | -58.7 | E. ACMA | 94.00 | 106.00 | 12.00 | 5.53 |
| DC06-1245 | 6878553.04 | 540311.42 | 170.41 | 301.65 | -58.7 | E. ACMA | 112.00 | 126.00 | 14.00 | 2.33 |
| DC06-1245 | 6878553.04 | 540311.42 | 170.41 | 301.65 | -58.7 | E. ACMA | 128.00 | 148.97 | 20.97 | 2.85 |
| DC06-1245 | 6878553.04 | 540311.42 | 170.41 | 301.65 | -58.7 | E. ACMA | 166.00 | 178.00 | 12.00 | 1.21 |
| DC06-1245 | 6878553.04 | 540311.42 | 170.41 | 301.65 | -58.7 | E. ACMA | 187.00 | 193.65 | 6.65 | 2.33 |
| DC06-1245 | 6878553.04 | 540311.42 | 170.41 | 301.65 | -58.7 | E. ACMA | 210.00 | 245.50 | 35.50 | 8.35 |
| DC06-1245 | 6878553.04 | 540311.42 | 170.41 | 301.65 | -58.7 | E. ACMA | 254.00 | 276.00 | 22.00 | 1.89 |
| **Total/Average** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | **160.79** | **3.68** |

---

Note: Drill thicknesses may not represent true thicknesses.

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| ![logohdr.jpg](logohdr.jpg) | Donlin Gold Project<br> Alaska, USA |
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**Table 7**-**11: Lewis Area Drill Hole Intercept Summary Table**

---

| | | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Hole ID** | **Northing** | **Easting** | **Elevation** | **Azimuth** | **Dip** | **Area** | **Drill Intercept**<br> **From**<br> **(m)** | **Drill Intercept**<br> **To**<br> **(m)** | **Drilled**<br> **Thickness**<br> **(m)** | **Gold Grade**<br> **(g/t Au)** |
| DC06-1252 | 6878663.18 | 541745.81 | 302.68 | 303.35 | -59.6 | Lewis | 45.21 | 53.21 | 8.00 | 3.98 |
| DC06-1252 | 6878663.18 | 541745.81 | 302.68 | 303.35 | -59.6 | Lewis | 104.49 | 108.49 | 4.00 | 1.78 |
| DC06-1252 | 6878663.18 | 541745.81 | 302.68 | 303.35 | -59.6 | Lewis | 209.10 | 215.10 | 6.00 | 3.07 |
| DC06-1252 | 6878663.18 | 541745.81 | 302.68 | 303.35 | -59.6 | Lewis | 240.90 | 259.00 | 18.10 | 2.56 |
| DC06-1252 | 6878663.18 | 541745.81 | 302.68 | 303.35 | -59.6 | Lewis | 265.00 | 281.00 | 16.00 | 4.80 |
| DC06-1252 | 6878663.18 | 541745.81 | 302.68 | 303.35 | -59.6 | Lewis | 297.00 | 309.00 | 12.00 | 2.73 |
| **Total/Average** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | **64.10** | **3.39** |
| DC06-1253 | 6879030.63 | 541736.09 | 400.88 | 300.35 | -58.9 | Lewis | 9.00 | 14.33 | 5.33 | 3.00 |
| DC06-1253 | 6879030.63 | 541736.09 | 400.88 | 300.35 | -58.9 | Lewis | 26.00 | 32.50 | 6.50 | 1.84 |
| DC06-1253 | 6879030.63 | 541736.09 | 400.88 | 300.35 | -58.9 | Lewis | 39.69 | 42.50 | 2.81 | 3.39 |
| DC06-1253 | 6879030.63 | 541736.09 | 400.88 | 300.35 | -58.9 | Lewis | 74.50 | 85.70 | 11.20 | 1.17 |
| DC06-1253 | 6879030.63 | 541736.09 | 400.88 | 300.35 | -58.9 | Lewis | 90.00 | 120.00 | 30.00 | 1.60 |
| DC06-1253 | 6879030.63 | 541736.09 | 400.88 | 300.35 | -58.9 | Lewis | 293.00 | 305.00 | 12.00 | 1.26 |
| DC06-1253 | 6879030.63 | 541736.09 | 400.88 | 300.35 | -58.9 | Lewis | 311.00 | 340.50 | 29.50 | 3.29 |
| DC06-1253 | 6879030.63 | 541736.09 | 400.88 | 300.35 | -58.9 | Lewis | 349.00 | 363.00 | 14.00 | 1.21 |
| **Total/Average** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | **111.34** | **2.05** |
| DC06-1183 | 6879518.7 | 541253.71 | 240.06 | 299.65 | -61.8 | Rochelieu | 42.00 | 51.00 | 9.00 | 2.22 |
| DC06-1183 | 6879518.7 | 541253.71 | 240.06 | 299.65 | -61.8 | Rochelieu | 60.00 | 63.00 | 3.00 | 2.01 |
| DC06-1183 | 6879518.7 | 541253.71 | 240.06 | 299.65 | -61.8 | Rochelieu | 96.00 | 102.00 | 6.00 | 6.72 |
| DC06-1183 | 6879518.7 | 541253.71 | 240.06 | 299.65 | -61.8 | Rochelieu | 110.00 | 116.00 | 6.00 | 3.64 |
| **Total/Average** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | **24.00** | **3.67** |

---

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| ![logohdr.jpg](logohdr.jpg) | Donlin Gold Project<br> Alaska, USA |
|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

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---

| | | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Hole ID** | **Northing** | **Easting** | **Elevation** | **Azimuth** | **Dip** | **Area** | **Drill Intercept**<br> **From**<br> **(m)** | **Drill Intercept**<br> **To**<br> **(m)** | **Drilled**<br> **Thickness**<br> **(m)** | **Gold Grade**<br> **(g/t Au)** |
| DC06-1185 | 6879443.2 | 541416.5 | 288.87 | 295.35 | -61.9 | Rochelieu | 29.80 | 55.93 | 26.13 | 3.61 |
| DC06-1185 | 6879443.2 | 541416.5 | 288.87 | 295.35 | -61.9 | Rochelieu | 63.84 | 78.00 | 14.16 | 1.85 |
| DC06-1185 | 6879443.2 | 541416.5 | 288.87 | 295.35 | -61.9 | Rochelieu | 196.00 | 204.77 | 8.77 | 6.66 |
| DC06-1185 | 6879443.2 | 541416.5 | 288.87 | 295.35 | -61.9 | Rochelieu | 237.00 | 251.00 | 14.00 | 6.25 |
| DC06-1185 | 6879443.2 | 541416.5 | 288.87 | 295.35 | -61.9 | Rochelieu | 283.00 | 289.00 | 6.00 | 1.82 |
| **Total/Average** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | **69.06** | **4.02** |
| DC06-1267 | 6879724.6 | 542229.44 | 374.72 | 299.05 | -59.4 | Queen | 131.67 | 135.09 | 3.42 | 1.54 |
| DC06-1267 | 6879724.6 | 542229.44 | 374.72 | 299.05 | -59.4 | Queen | 190.00 | 206.00 | 16.00 | 2.41 |
| DC06-1267 | 6879724.6 | 542229.44 | 374.72 | 299.05 | -59.4 | Queen | 212.00 | 216.00 | 4.00 | 4.27 |
| DC06-1267 | 6879724.6 | 542229.44 | 374.72 | 299.05 | -59.4 | Queen | 242.00 | 248.00 | 6.00 | 1.46 |
| DC06-1267 | 6879724.6 | 542229.44 | 374.72 | 299.05 | -59.4 | Queen | 266.00 | 272.00 | 6.00 | 2.27 |
| DC06-1267 | 6879724.6 | 542229.44 | 374.72 | 299.05 | -59.4 | Queen | 316.43 | 332.80 | 16.37 | 2.10 |
| DC06-1267 | 6879724.6 | 542229.44 | 374.72 | 299.05 | -59.4 | Queen | 362.00 | 377.04 | 15.04 | 1.47 |
| **Total/Average** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | **66.83** | **2.09** |
| DC06-1268 | 6879663.53 | 542219.04 | 356.56 | 293.95 | -58.2 | Queen | 159.55 | 165.00 | 5.45 | 2.08 |
| DC06-1268 | 6879663.53 | 542219.04 | 356.56 | 293.95 | -58.2 | Queen | 234.00 | 243.00 | 9.00 | 8.06 |
| DC06-1268 | 6879663.53 | 542219.04 | 356.56 | 293.95 | -58.2 | Queen | 254.00 | 257.00 | 3.00 | 2.43 |
| DC06-1268 | 6879663.53 | 542219.04 | 356.56 | 293.95 | -58.2 | Queen | 288.00 | 292.34 | 4.34 | 2.54 |
| **Total/Average** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | **21.79** | **4.69** |

---

Note: Drill thicknesses may not represent true thicknesses.

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| ![logohdr.jpg](logohdr.jpg) | Donlin Gold Project<br> Alaska, USA |
|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

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**Figure 7**-**11: Example Drill Cross-Section ACMA**

![fig7_11.jpg](fig7_11.jpg)

Source: Donlin Gold LLC, 2025

Note: 2025 drilling included

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**Figure 7**-**12: Example Drill Cross-Section, Lewis**

![fig7_12.jpg](fig7_12.jpg)

Source: Donlin Gold LLC, 2025

Note: 2025 drilling included

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**8.0** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **SAMPLE PREPARATION, ANALYSES, AND SECURITY** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**8.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Sampling Methods** 

Drill hole sampling protocols were developed by Placer Dome Inc. and refined over subsequent drill programs.

Trenching was completed on the Project area but was not used for Mineral Resource estimation.

Holes are sampled from the top of bedrock to the end of the hole. Overburden, excluding the organic layer, is also sampled if core recovery was good and if the interval is abnormally thick and composed of abundant rock clasts. Prior to the 2017 drilling program, core sample intervals were typically based on rock type, rock type breaks, and presence of visible sulfide/arsenic minerals. The maximum sample length in zones consisting of intrusive rocks or that contain appreciable sulfide/arsenic minerals was typically 2 m, whereas sample lengths in sedimentary rock zones that lack appreciable sulfide/arsenic minerals could be 3 m. A minimum of three additional 2 m sample intervals were taken before and after each intrusive rock or mineralized zone. From 2017 onward, samples are typically taken at maximum of 2 m intervals.

Numbered paper tags are stapled to the core box at each sample break. A sampling cutting list is generated that also specifies the insertion points for control samples.

The core is then digitally photographed and split in half with an electric rock saw equipped with water-cooled diamond saw blades. Core cutters orient the core in the saw to ensure a representative split. One-half of the core is returned to the core box for storage at site, and the other half is bagged for sample processing. Occasionally, whole core has been transported off site for cutting and sampling, after which the remaining half-core is stored off site.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**8.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Metallurgical Sampling** 

Typically, metallurgical sampling consisted of taking half-core samples which were used in flotation and pressure oxidation tests. Whole core samples were only taken for drop weight and SAG mill comminution (SMC) tests.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**8.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Specific Gravity Determination** 

Historically, only two SG values were used in tonnage calculations: 2.65 for the intrusive units and 2.71 for the sedimentary units. Additional SG measurements were collected in 2006, 2008-2010, 2017 and 2019 to provide better coverage of deposit rock units and geographic sub-regions. Statistical evaluations of these SG values showed that they were similar to the historical intrusive and sedimentary rock SG values. Therefore, the historical values were used for the Mineral Resource estimate.

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The following methodology was used to determine SG:

● Samples of whole core approximately 5 to 10 cm in length were first weighed dry and then weighed in water. The dry weighing tray assembly was replaced with a wire basket and the sample was submerged in a five-gallon bucket of water. A small tare weight (to compensate for the removed weighing tray) was attached midway up the wire assembly to facilitate alternating wet and dry measurements.

● The formula for SG calculation was: *Weight in Air/(Weight in Air* – *Weight in Water)*. The SGs were automatically computed in acQuire when the weights were entered into the database.

● Measurements were collected for all rock types at a minimum frequency of one sample from all logged rock type intervals and one sample every 15 to 20 m in the longer rock unit intervals. Mineralized rock takes precedence over unmineralized rock in a given rock type interval, but sufficient measurements of unmineralized material were also collected to document potential variability.

The weighted average of all SG data points was 2.69.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**8.4** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Analytical and Test Laboratories** 

The primary laboratory for all assaying up to 2020 was ALS Vancouver, British Columbia. Other ALS laboratory locations were also utilized. During the exploration programs, ALS held accreditations typical for the time, including, at various times, ISO9001:2000 and ISO 9002, and from 2005, ISO/IEC 17025 accreditations. Prior to ALS, Placer Dome Inc. did utilize their own laboratory Placer Dome Technical Services, Vancouver, British Columbia (PDTS) for their earlier drilling campaigns. ALS is independent of Placer Dome Inc. and Donlin Gold LLC. Since 2020, Donlin Gold LLC have been using Bureau Veritas Commodities Canada Ltd., Vancouver, British Columbia (BV) as the primary laboratory for all assaying. BV is accredited with ISO/IEC 17025:2017. Donlin Gold LLC are independent of BV.

Metallurgical test facilities have included AuTec and Barrick Technology Center (BTC), both formerly PDTS, SGS-Lakefield Research, Lakefield, Ontario (SGS Lakefield), and Hazen Research (Hazen), Golden, Colorado, G&T Metallurgical Services, Kamloops, British Columbia (G&T), and FLSmidth Minerals Ltd., Scarborough, Ontario (FLSmidth) who are independent, recognized metallurgical testing laboratories. Work has also been performed by test facilities operated by Placer Dome Inc. and Barrick. Metallurgical test facilities are not typically accredited.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**8.5** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Sample Preparation and Analysis** 

Most core samples from 2005 through 2010 were split and crushed at the Donlin camp sample preparation facility and pulverized at the ALS Vancouver laboratory facility. Samples of 2006 core that were split by Alaska Earth Sciences in Anchorage were shipped to an ALS preparation laboratory for crushing and pulverizing. In 2017, whole core was shipped off-site, split and sampled in Fairbanks by a contractor independent of ALS. Sampled half-core was then crushed, pulverized, and split at ALS' facility in Fairbanks, and pulps were shipped to and analyzed primarily at the ALS Vancouver laboratory. In 2020, drill core was split at the Donlin camp facility, shipped primarily to ALS in Fairbanks for sample preparation, and pulps were shipped and analyzed at ALS in Vancouver and Lima, Peru. Since 2021, half core was sent to BV in Juneau or Fairbanks for the preparation and analysis for gold with all other analyses completed by BV and ALS.

Typical sample preparation procedures are as follows:

● The entire bagged sample is dried in an oven heated to 90- 95°C for 12 hours.

● The sample and sample tag are placed into trays for processing.

● Blank samples (one of three QA/QC control samples) are inserted into the sample stream.

● The sample is crushed until the end product passes 70% minus 10 mesh (2 mm). Sieve analyses are performed daily to check crush quality, and the crusher jaws are adjusted as necessary. The crushers are cleaned with blank material four times per 12-hour shift and before a new hole is started. Cutting lists also specify special cleaning frequency when unusually sulfide-rich material is processed.

● Crushed sample is then passed through a riffle splitter four to six times to obtain a nominal 250 g (or 1 kg between 2017-mid 2025) split. This subsample is put into a numbered pulp bag, and the remainder, or coarse reject, is put back into the original sample bag. The splitter and sample pans are cleaned with compressed air.

● Two additional control samples—standard reference material (SRM) and a duplicate split of crushed sample—are inserted as specified on the cutting list prepared by the geologist. Two of each control sample type, including SRM, duplicates, and blanks, are included in every batch of 70-100 samples. The blank is prepared by processing a sample from a bin of gravel-size crushed rock through the jaw crusher and riffle-splitting it to 200 g. When a duplicate is required, the crushed core sample is passed once through the riffle splitter, and each half is split repeatedly to obtain a 200 g sample.

Final sample preparation and chemical analysis at various ALS facilities consisted of the following:

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● Splits of crushed core were reduced to rock flour or pulp (better than 85% passing minus 75 μm in a ring-and-puck grinding mill.

● A 30 g subsample of the pulp was assayed by fire assay-atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Before 2007, the primary gold assay method was Au-AA23, which had an analytical range of 0.005-10 g/t Au. The Au-AA25 gold assay method was initiated in 2007 and had an analytical range of 0.01-100 g/t Au. This switch was made to reduce the cost and time delay associated with re-assaying samples with values above the 10 g/t Au analytical limit. In 2017, the program returned to using Au-AA23 as the based fire assay method using a 30 g subsample, with an overlimit (>10 g/t) trigger to a fire assay with a gravimetric finish.

● Trace multi-element analysis utilized ME-MS61m (4-acid ICP/MS suite with Hg by MS42). Overlimit analysis was performed for As using As-OG62 and Sb using Sb-AA08. Prior to 2017, this multi-element work was not performed on all samples, but a subset. Starting into 2017 to present, all samples undergo multi-element work.

● Samples that exceeded the analytical limit for a given method were re-assayed by fire-assay and gravimetric finish or ore grade fire-assay AAS. ALS determined the sulfur content of each sample according to the Leco method. The Leco method was also used to analyze samples flagged for acid base accounting (ABA) for carbon content as well as to determine neutralization potential (NP) and acid potential (AP) according to the industry-standard ALS ABA procedure.

● Prior to 2017, small subsets of samples underwent CNL and Leco analysis. Since 2017, all samples with Au >0.25 g/t are submitted. CNL was performed using Au-AA13: 30 g subsample leached in 60 mL of NaCN solution and finished using AAS. Leco was performed for Total C and S (ME-IR08), non-carbonate C (C-IR06a), and sulfate S by NaCO<sub>3</sub> leach with gravimetric finish (S-GRA06). One out of 10 samples from this subset were submitted to sulfide S short method (S-IR06a) and those within certain limits for this method triggered to sulfide S long method (S-IR07).

● Most trace and major element data for drill holes located within the resource model boundary were acquired prior to the 2005 program by various laboratories using<br> industry-standard acid digestions followed by atomic absorption (AA) or inductively coupled plasma (ICP) instrumental determinations. Subsequent multi-element trace analyses were performed at ALS using aqua regia or four-acid digestions followed by ICP ± mass spectrometry.

On occasion, if ALS Vancouver was unable to complete the preparation, another ALS laboratory would be used. ALS Vancouver currently analyzes samples for CNL/Leco as well as the umpire laboratory for core drilled since 2025.

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Final sample preparation and chemical analysis have occurred at BV since 2021 using the following:

● Split core was sent to BV, Juneau and BV, Fairbanks for crushing from 2021-2023. Crushing was performed to 70% passing 2 mm sieve. 1 kg crush splits were then sent to Vancouver for pulverization to 85% passing 75µm and submitted for analysis. BV's practice was to split the 1,000 g pulp into a 750 g archive and a 250 g analytical split. Starting in 2025, BV's Fairbanks preparation laboratory expanded to accommodate more throughput and all of prep went through BV-Fairbanks. This included completing pulverization in Fairbanks. Total of 250 g pulps splits were shipping to Vancouver for analysis.

● Total of 30 g fire assay with AAS finish (FA430) was employed for all samples. Detection limits were 0.005-10 g/t. An overlimit trigger 30 g fire assay with gravimetric finish was employed (FA530).

● From 2022-2024, BV's trace multi-element package was customized to replicate ALS MEMS61m results by modifying their procedure to use incipient dryness instead of total digestion. The resulting method was called MD250 and was used on all samples starting in 2025.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**8.6** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Quality Assurance and Quality Control** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**8.6.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Standard Reference Materials** 

Placer Dome Inc. produced four standards from Donlin material with two used up to the beginning of 2005 when additional reference material was purchased from Analytical Solutions and CDN Laboratories once these SRMs were depleted. After the 2005 season, two additional SRMs were created from Donlin coarse reject material. These two new standards and one from the CDN Laboratories were used during the 2006 season.

Nine matrix matched SRMs of varying gold grade were added in early 2007, and the older standards were eventually phased out. These SRMs were created from coarse reject samples from throughout the deposit. Composites of this material were pulverized and homogenized at CDN Laboratories in Vancouver, BC. A Barrick geochemist certified the 2007 SRMs after industry-accepted round-robin assay and statistical analyses. The final SRMs included four each from unoxidized igneous and sedimentary host rocks and one oxidized igneous rock SRM.

More recently, in 2022 SRMs were produced and certified for gold FA-AA by ORE, Melbourne. Eight standards were created which sought to create a selection of grades for sedimentary and intrusive matrices with two average grade oxide standards. These were all developed using coarse reject material from 2021 drilling.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**8.6.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Blank Materials** 

Washed river gravel produced by Anchorage Sand and Gravel was used for blanks through early 2006 and then replaced by granite crushed material until 2018. Between 2018 and 2021, decorative granite and marble chips were purchased from hardware stores and used as blanks. In 2022, blank material was purchased from AGGPRO in Juneau, Alaska which supplied ¾ inch washed river rock sourced by DuPont Quarry outside Olympia, Washington and underwent round-robin testing before included in the sample stream.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**8.6.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **1995-2002 Protocol** 

Placer Dome Inc. initiated the first QA/QC protocol during the 1995 drilling campaign. Coarse reject duplicate splits from 10% of the drill hole samples were submitted to an outside laboratory (Bondar Clegg, North Vancouver, British Columbia). SRM assay standards and blanks were added in 1996, and an outside laboratory (ALS Chemex, North Vancouver, British Columbia) performed check assays, presumably of coarse reject duplicates. Check assays by a secondary assay laboratory were discontinued after 1996. A more structured assay QA/QC protocol, consisting of SRMs, blanks, and duplicates inserted in rotation every 15 m down-hole, was initiated in 1997. This protocol evolved to random and blind insertion of SRMs, blanks, and coarse reject duplicates through the 2002 NOVAGOLD program.

From 1996-2002, SRMs and coarse-reject duplicates were inserted at an average rate of one per 24 samples, and blanks were inserted at an average rate of one per 25 samples. After the 1995 to 2002 drilling campaigns, almost all samples associated with SRM and blank control samples that returned values beyond acceptable tolerance limits were re-assayed until the control sample results were either acceptable or validated by duplication.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**8.6.4** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **2005-2006 Protocol** 

No resource delineation drilling was conducted in 2003 and 2004. Placer Dome Inc. implemented a slightly modified QA/QC protocol in 2005, which Barrick continued in 2006. Three QA/QC samples, consisting of one blank, one coarse reject duplicate, and one SRM, were randomly inserted into every block of 20 sample numbers. Thus, every block of 20 sample numbers contained 17 drill hole samples and three QA/QC control samples.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**8.6.5** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **2007-2010 Protocol** 

The batch size submitted to ALS was increased from 20 samples to 78 in 2007. To avoid sample mixing with products from other sources in the fusion process, the ALS protocol was based on a fusion batch size of 84 samples, where the laboratory added six internal control samples, leaving space for 78 client samples in a given batch.

Each batch of 78 samples shipped to ALS for sample preparation and analysis contained nine control samples (12%) consisting of three each of standards, blanks, and crushed duplicates. Spacing of the SRMs within the batch was left to the judgement of the geologist. Up to 5% field duplicates (remaining half split of core) were added to the sample batch at the discretion of the geologists for geologic reasons.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**8.6.6** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **2017 Protocol** 

At least nine quality control samples (three blanks, three standards, and three field duplicates) were inserted into each batch of 69 samples, totaling 78 samples. Coarse blanks consisted of blank silica material purchased from Analytical Solution, Ltd. Additional change to protocol was the use of a 1,000 g split for subsampling at the crushing stage, where previous programs used a 250 g split. All analytical work continued to operate through ALS with preparation occurring in Fairbanks and analysis at ALS, Vancouver.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**8.6.7** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **2020 Protocol** 

Sample dispatches to the laboratory were comprised of 80 samples, including QA/QC samples. Each group of 80 samples had 14 QA/QC samples inserted into the sample sequence which included four of each of the following: a SRM, and a coarse granite blank (blank-granite); as well as two of each the following: a pulp blank, a prep (crush) duplicate, and a pulp duplicate.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**8.6.8** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **2021-2023 Protocol** 

QC sample insertions sought to adhere to a protocol of 5% for standards, 2.5% coarse blanks, 2.5% pulp blanks, 2.5% crush duplicates, and 2.5% pulp duplicates. Additionally, laboratory repeats were performed by the analytical laboratory.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**8.6.9** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **2025 Protocol** 

Modifications made to the 2021-2023 QC protocol include:

● Preparation of all samples at BV Fairbanks

● Pulverization in Fairbanks rather than in Vancouver

● Completion of multi-element analysis in BV Vancouver using their custom MD250 method

● Re-introduction of a 250 g subsample at the crush stage rather than 1,000 g subsample

● Pulp splits of an extra 250 g specifically for ALS to perform their work was discontinued. Rather the remaining pulp material following BV analysis was sent to ALS.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**8.7** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Databases** 

The work completed by Placer Dome Inc. and predecessors before 2001 was collected and compiled into a main Microsoft Access database. NOVAGOLD compiled the Placer Dome Inc. database into an updated Access database and added information from work completed in 2001 and 2002.

Placer Dome Inc. contracted ioDigital to convert the Access database to an MS SQL Server database in early 2005 using an acQuire Technology Solutions data model (acQuire). Data obtained after the conversion were imported directly into the acQuire database.

Donlin Gold LLC continues to use acQuire software to capture drill hole data.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**8.8** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Sample Security** 

For all drill programs following the initial involvement of Placer Dome Inc. in the Project, core samples are transported from the field and brought to the yard adjacent to the geology office and logging tents at the end of each drill shift.

Core storage is secure because the Property is remote and camp access is strictly controlled.

Unauthorized camp personnel have generally been excluded from the core cutting facility.

Splits of core, along with the control samples, are packed in a shipping bag, secured with a numbered security seal, and sealed in boxes for shipment. The coarse rejects and remaining split core are returned to a storage yard on site or to a secure storage facility near Anchorage.

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Previously, the typical sample shipment procedure had boxed samples flown from the Donlin camp to ALS in Fairbanks, for sample preparation and forwarded to ALS in Vancouver (or other ALS facility as required) for analysis. When BV was initiated in 2021, bagged samples were shipped to Anchorage where either Lynden Transport moved the samples by road to Fairbanks or by Alaska Air Cargo to Juneau and then couriered by Eagle Raven Transport to the laboratory for sample preparation.

All samples, when stored at the prep facilities were stored in fenced, locked storage yards or within a warehouse where only laboratory staff were able to access the samples.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**8.9** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **QP Opinion on Sample Preparation, Security, and Analytical Procedures** 

Sample collection, preparation, analysis and security for all Placer Dome Inc., NOVAGOLD, Barrick, the DCJV, DCLLC and Donlin Gold LLC core drill programs are in line with industry-standard methods for gold deposits.

In the opinion of the Wood QP the adequacy of sample preparation, security and analytical procedures implemented for the Placer Dome Inc., NOVAGOLD, Barrick, the DCJV, DCLLD and Donlin Gold LLC drill programs are sufficiently reliable to support Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimation without limitations on Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve confidence categories.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**9.0** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **DATA VERIFICATION** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**9.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Drill Hole Database** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**9.1.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **2002-2008** 

The types of data verification activities include:

● CRM standards, blanks, duplicates, check assays

● how quality control failures were addressed

● collar locations against the topography

● downhole checked for anomalous deviation

● sampling intervals checked for gaps or overlaps

● assays checked against original documentation.

The Wood QP has reviewed the 2002 to 2008 drill hole database and QA/QC results and concludes that the data is reliable for Mineral Resource estimation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**9.1.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **2009-2025** 

The Wood QP performed a database integrity exercise on 5% of holes drilled between 2009 and 2022 and confirmed that the database reflects the original certificates for collar, downhole surveys and assays ensuring consistency and reliability of the database.

The Wood QP reviewed the 2021 and 2022 QA/QC information for the drill hole data used to construct the Mineral Resource estimate. Following are the outcomes of the review of the 2021 QA/QC samples:

● *CRMs*: A failure rate of 3.9% was realized during this period with 42 reruns initiated and resolved after rerun or investigation. A failure is defined as a CRM that returns a value of ≥3 standard deviations from the expected mean or two consecutive CRMs that return values ≥2 standard deviations from the expected mean.

● *Blanks*: Eleven coarse blank failures were identified with six found to be sample swaps. After initiating reruns only one was confirmed to be a result of contamination; however, results demonstrated that the contamination did not affect downstream samples and so was rejected.

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Following are the outcomes of the review of the 2022 QA/QC samples:

● *CRMs*: A failure rate of 1.97% was realized during this period with 33 reruns initiated and resolved after rerun or investigation. A failure is defined as a CRM that returns a value of ≥3 standard deviations from the expected mean or two consecutive CRMs that return values ≥2 standard deviations from the expected mean.

● *Blanks*: Eleven coarse blank failures were identified with five found to be sample swaps. After initiating reruns, three were confirmed to be a result of contamination; however, results demonstrated that the contamination did not affect samples that followed.

Based on their data verification, the Wood QP concludes the data is reliable for Mineral Resource estimation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**9.1.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **SRK Audit (2022)** 

In 2022, SRK was contracted to perform an audit of the Donlin database. This audit was conducted in two phases:

● *Phase 1*: Population assay audit whereby SRK recreated the assay database from original source documentation and compared it to the data housed within acQuire. Any discrepancies identified were addressed. Less than 5% of assay data within the database was not validated as original source documentation was not available.

● *Phase 2*: Database export audit that compared the resource modeling databases with the acQuire database to ensure data integrity between the datasets. This included evaluation of acQuire's configuration, metadata, key data points such as collar and downhole surveys, and the data workflow. Data Entry objects were evaluated for proper validation and recommendations were made.

The Wood QP reviewed the results of the audit report and considers them supportive of the reliability of the assay database.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**9.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Geology and Mineral Resource Data** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**9.2.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Wood (2025)** 

The Wood QP performed the following data verification procedures:

● Discussed the development of the 2025 geologic and mineral resource model with the modeler reviewing the following:

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- Resource estimation procedures

- Geological and Mineral Resource models

- Validation checks on the models

● During the August 2025 site visit, the Wood QP:

- discussed regional and local geology with site geologists

- visited the onsite core storage facility

- reviewed core of selected drill holes and reviewed the logged geological units and assay intervals matching them with visible mineralization, observed major structures and matched assay certificates to the assay database

- reviewed geotechnical and geological logging procedures

- visited active drill sites and observed drilling procedures

- verified the collar locations of several drill holes using a handheld GPS

● Completed a database review comparing 5% of the database against original documentation for assays, collar and downhole surveys

● Reviewed on screen all of the 2025 drilling results not used in the 2025 updated and compared them to the Mineral Resource model as a validation check.

Based on his data verification, the Wood QP concludes the data is reliable for Mineral Resource estimation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**9.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Mining** 

The Wood QP completed a 3-day site visit at the Project site during September 2025. During the site visit the following information was verified:

● Open pit location, including pit orientations aligned with the mineralization for both zones ACMA and Lewis

● WRFs location, including the natural containment features, alternative haulage routes, potential for staged expansion and reclamation

● Mine access constructability, including staging areas identified near camp and processing facilities

● Surface drainage patterns and potential constraints mine design related to topography

● Seasonal constraints, snow, freeze-thaw that could potentially affect the mine plan

● Ongoing drilling and geotechnical work, visited the core shack and observed the geotechnical logging of two drill holes

● Potential constraints to pit footprint, and pit wall orientation.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**9.4** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Metallurgy and Mineral Processing** 

The Wood QP reviewed the design documents and engineering studies that are associated with the mineral processing facility, including updates to the engineering and designs that were included in the current study, and additional metallurgical testing completed in 2018.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**9.5** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Infrastructure** 

The Wood and Geosyntec QPs visited the Project in September 2025 as detailed in Section 2.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**9.5.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Utilities, Onsite Buildings and Off-site Infrastructure** 

The Wood QP completed a general technical review of design and original source documents for the Donlin utilities, onsite buildings, and off-site infrastructure including, but not limited to:

● Power plant construction requirements and power distribution

● Fueling logistics and storage requirements

● Civil layout and facility locations

● Site topography to support facility installation

● Location of proposed Jungjuk port and access road alignment to project site

● Location of airfield as suitable for purpose

● Natural gas pipeline design including natural gas pipeline subject matter expert reports.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**9.5.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Tailings and Geotechnical** 

The Geosyntec QP's data verification focused on confirming data provenance, QA/QC integrity, sequential coverage, and consistency with permitting and design requirements. Data verification activities include:

● Reviewed the source documents

● Examined previous drilling logs, geophysical surveys, and laboratory reports to confirm subsurface conditions and structural geology

● Cross-referenced geological models with new interpretations

● Compared slope angles and stability criteria against design acceptance criteria

● Compared designs against ADNR dam safety guidelines and hazard potential classification

● Analyzed slope angle impacts on strip ratio and operational costs

● Reviewed liner and filter designs to mitigate potential weaknesses in the design

● Examined stability and deformation for seismic and flood events

● Reviewed investigation completeness and adequacy of the design stage.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**9.5.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Water Management** 

The Geosyntec QP's data verification focused on confirming data provenance, QA/QC integrity, sequential coverage, and consistency with permitting and design requirements. Verification activities include:

● Spot checks during the site visit to determine the existence of field investigation and monitoring locations

● Review of field logs and laboratory reports to confirm consistency with reported data and summaries

● An examination of prior technical reports for methodological soundness and internal consistency

● A determination that the hydrogeologic model was updated and recalibrated with data collected since 2014

● Evaluated the waste rock characterization program for consistency with industry standards

● Assessed the WTP process flow and datasets

● Reviewed referenced reports and supporting data were methodologically sound and internally consistent.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**9.6** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Environmental** 

The Geosyntec QP's data verification focused on confirming data provenance, QA/QC integrity, sequential coverage, and consistency with permitting and design requirements. Data verification activities include:

● *Baseline sources and coverage* – Verified the compilation of environmental baseline studies and references (2021–2025), including hydrologic/hydrogeologic models and aquatic monitoring updates, as cited in Donlin Report 2025 and the baseline matrix.

● *Sampling methods and QA/QC* – Reviewed the Integrated Waste Management Monitoring Plan and associated QAPP to confirm field and laboratory procedures, station lists, parameters, QA/QC frequencies, and reporting requirements.

● *Temporal completeness* – Assessed monitoring program timelines (1996–2015; resumed 2019–present) and confirmed sufficiency for current condition characterization.

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● *Model inputs and updates* – Verified the lineage and calibration sources for numerical hydrogeologic models and hydrometeorological syntheses (BGC 2011, 2014; updates in 2023).

● *Geochemistry and pit lake predictions* – Confirmed ARD/ML test work coverage for mine materials and reviewed pit lake/post closure treatment assumptions and citations (e.g., sulfate, selenium).

● *Permitting consistency* – Cross-checked environmental datasets against APDES, IWMP/WMP, 401 certification, and related permits, using the permit matrix and correspondence.

● *Monitoring and reporting* – Verified that monitoring plans include parameters, frequencies, and reporting protocols for construction, operations, closure, and post closure phases.

● *Site visits and consultations* – Documented QP site visit activities and confirmed agency/stakeholder reviews that validated environmental datasets and key issue lists.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**9.7** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **QP Opinion on Data Adequacy** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**9.7.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Database, Geology and Mineral Resources** 

In the opinion of the Wood QP, the data supporting the Mineral Resources are reliable and adequate for the purposes used in the Report.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**9.7.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Mining** 

In the opinion of the Wood QP, the data supporting the Mineral Reserves are reliable and adequate for the purposes used in the Report.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**9.7.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Metallurgy and Mineral Processing** 

In the opinion of the Wood QP, the data supporting the metallurgy and mineral process designs are reliable and adequate for the purposes used in the Report.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**9.7.4** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Utilities, Onsite Buildings and Off-site Infrastructure** 

In the opinion of the Wood QP, the data supporting the Project infrastructure are reliable and adequate for the purposes used in the Report.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**9.7.5** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Tailings and Geotechnical** 

In the opinion of the Geosyntec QP, the data supporting the tailings and pit design are reliable and adequate for the purposes used in the Report.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**9.7.6** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Water Management** 

In the opinion of the Geosyntec QP, the data supporting the water management are reliable and adequate for the purposes used in the Report.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**9.7.7** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Environmental** 

In the opinion of the Geosyntec QP, the data supporting the environmental permitting are reliable and adequate for the purposes used in the Report.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.0** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **MINERAL PROCESSING AND METALLURGICAL TESTING** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Geology and Mineralogy** 

The two main pits (Lewis and ACMA) are each subdivided into spatial geological domains typically separated by faults or other key geological structures as defined in Figure 10-1.

Discreet geological domains were generated by recognizing the main pit spatial domains (Lewis, ACMA, Akivik, 400, Aurora, and Vortex) for the intrusive rocks, but separating out the sedimentary lithologies from every spatial area, and differentiating into the two sedimentary global domains, greywacke (GWK) and shale (SHL). For metallurgical interpretation, all types of domain categorization are considered, used, and applied as appropriate.

**Figure 10**-**1: Geological Domains**

![figure101.jpg](figure101.jpg)

Source: Donlin Gold LLC, 2011

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.1.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Mineralization** 

A number of mineralogical investigations were undertaken between 2004 and 2007, including work carried out by Amtel, London, Ontario (Amtel), Hazen Research, Golden, Colorado (Hazen), G&T Metallurgical Services, Kamloops, British Columbia (G&T), Barrick Technology Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia (BTC) and SGS Lakefield, Lakefield, Ontario (SGS Lakefield). In 2018, work was performed by FLSmidth Dawson Metallurgical Laboratories, Salt Lake City, Utah and AuTec, Vancouver, British Columbia. (AuTec). All laboratories are independent of NOVAGOLD. Due to the nature of metallurgical testing, there is no international standard of accreditation provided for metallurgical testing laboratories or metallurgical testing procedures. Typical sulfide mineralization presence based on these investigations is summarized in Table 10-1.

Gold is associated with quartz-carbonate-sulfide veins defined by four vein stages (Section 6.7).

Pyrite is the dominant occurring sulfide within the deposit. Marcasite is also present, at an approximate ratio of 1:7 as marcasite to pyrite. Arsenopyrite is the main carrier of arsenic within the deposit. Stibnite is the main carrier of antimony.

**Table 10**-**1: Typical Sulfide and Metals Mineralization in the Donlin Ores**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Typical Occurrence** | **Sulfides** | **Chemical Formula** |
| Major to Minor | Pyrite | FeS<sub>2</sub> |
|  | Marcasite | FeS<sub>2</sub> |
|  | Arsenopyrite | FeAsS |
| Minor to Trace | Native Arsenic | As |
|  | Realgar | AsS |
|  | Stibnite | Sb<sub>2</sub>S<sub>3</sub> |
| Trace | Chalcopyrite | CuFeS<sub>2</sub> |
|  | Sphalerite | (Zn,Fe)S |
|  | Tetrahedrite | (Cu,Fe)<sub>12</sub>Sb<sub>4</sub>S<sub>13</sub> |
|  | Galena | PbS |
|  | Pyrrhotite | FeS |
|  | Molybdenite | MoS<sub>2</sub> |
|  | Bornite | Cu<sub>5</sub>FeS<sub>4</sub> |
|  | Covellite | CuS |
|  | Mercury Sulfide | HgS in pyrite |
|  | Native Copper | Cu |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.1.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Gold Deportment** 

The primary host mineral of gold is arsenopyrite, which contains 80-90% of the gold as a solid solution, with gold atomically distributed within the arsenopyrite crystal. Fine arsenopyrite is typically highest in gold grade at 500-1,500 g/t (mineral gold content), compared to coarse arsenopyrite at approximately 100-500 g/t. A proportion of the arsenopyrite (particularly coarser grained arsenopyrite) has been shown to have a preferential concentration of gold around the rim of the crystal.

Pyrite is the second most important gold carrier, also in a solid solution form. Typical pyrite gold grades are 1-50 g/t. Similarly, marcasite is also a gold carrier.

Free gold is a minor source of gold (rare occurrence) within the deposit, at less than 1% of the contained gold being free liberated particles less than 20 µm in diameter. Native arsenic is an insignificant carrier of gold in terms of both grade and quantity.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.1.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Mercury, Chlorine, Carbonates and Organic Carbon Deportment** 

For occupational health and environmental considerations, mercury is an important species considered for the process plant design.

Detailed deportment of mercury was undertaken by Amtel in 2007, which indicated that, based upon the concentrate samples tested, pyrite is the principal carrier (66%) of mercury as mercury sulfide in solid solution within the sulfide mineral matrix, followed by the sulfide marcasite (18%). The Amtel study also indicated that fine grained pyrite, marcasite, and stibnite are relatively enriched in mercury content. Arsenopyrite has relatively low mercury content and is an insignificant carrier. No specific mercury minerals have been found or identified in any of the samples examined by Amtel in the deportment work completed.

Donlin mineralization contains chloride with an average concentration of approximately 22 ppm. Detailed testing of chloride deportment carried out by Amtel in 2007 indicated that the principal carrier of chloride in flotation concentrate was muscovite (white mica) as KAl<sub>2</sub>(Si<sub>3</sub>Al)O<sub>10</sub>(OH,F,Cl)<sub>2</sub>, followed by hydroxylapatite, Ca<sub>5</sub>(PO<sub>4</sub>)<sub>3</sub>(OH,F,Cl).

In addition to the refractory nature of the ore, Donlin mineralization contains organic carbon in both sedimentary and intrusive lithologies. The sedimentary ores are relatively abundant in organic carbon, which can exhibit preg-robbing behavior, while the intrusive ores also contain organic carbon, typically in the form of well-ordered graphite. Although this graphitic carbon is believed to be less susceptible to preg-robbing, it remains a factor to consider.

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The form of carbonates is an important consideration as carbonates within the flotation tails stream are used to neutralize the acidic liquor coming from the autoclave. The major forms of carbonate identified by Amtel in 2007 were calcite (CaCO<sub>3</sub>), siderite (FeCO<sub>3</sub>), and dolomite (CaMg(CO<sub>3</sub>)<sub>2</sub>) and ankerite (Ca(Fe,Mg,Mn)(CO<sub>3</sub>)<sub>2</sub>). The predominant carbonate species remaining in flotation tails was dolomite and ankerite. Calcite was only identified in two test samples and siderite in only one test sample. For the samples tested, the Aurora geological domain consistently contains calcite as the dominant carbonate.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Metallurgical Testwork** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.2.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Samples** 

The current process flowsheet remains as per the 2011 design. The 2006 and 2007 testwork is the basis for informing the flowsheet. The samples used for the metallurgical testwork during 2006-2007 were obtained from a variety of sources. The summary of samples used during the 2006 and 2007 testwork campaigns with the relevant testwork performed is listed in Table 10-2 and Table 10-3. Samples for metallurgical testwork were selected to represent the various lithologies and geological domains.

Additional samples were collected and tested in 2017 and 2018. The main objective of the 2017 drilling campaign was to confirm resource modeling and improve geologic understanding. Some of the drill core from this campaign was made available and was utilized for metallurgical testing.

The metallurgical test results from these samples were reviewed in 2020 and again for this update. Consistent with the findings from 2020, these results did not lead to any changes in the process design.

The test samples are considered representative of the various types and styles of mineralization and the mineral deposit as a whole.

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**Table 10**-**2: Summary of Samples Used in 2006 Metallurgical Testing**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Preparation Date** | **Samples Generated** | **Major Testwork Use** |
| Q1, 2006<br> HQ Core Drilled 2005 | Three bulk composites formed by Hazen and separately tested:<br> ● ACMA Int (2005)<br> ● Lewis Int (2005)<br> ● Sedimentary (2005) | ● Hazen bench/pilot flotation (2006)<br> ● G&T bench/pilot flotation (2006)<br> ● Concentrates from both pilot flotation used for:<br> - Bench and pilot pressure oxidation testwork at BTC – Aug to Nov 2006<br> - BIOX Testing at SGS South Africa<br> ● Flotation Tails from pilot flotation used for:<br> - Bench and Pilot neutralization<br> ● Test program products also tested for:<br> - Mineralogy (Amtel)<br> - Tailings geotechnical / geochemical<br> - Thickening and Rheology |
| Q4, 2006<br> HQ Core Drilled in 1999, 2001 | 12 x Variability samples (selected by lithology) | ● Bench flotation testing<br> ● Mineralogy (variability) |
| Q4, 2006<br> HQ Core Drilled in 1999, 2001 | 155 x Variability samples | ● Crushing/grinding hardness variability testing |
| Q4, 2006<br> HQ Core Drilled in 1999, 2001 | ● Bulk composite sample (~5 tonne) based on lithology<br> ● Including 9x bulk variability samples | ● SGS Lakefield Pilot Flotation Dec 2006 (conventional float)<br> ● Concentrates generated used for bench and pilot pressure oxidation at BTC (February 2007, Phase I test program)<br> ● Flotation tails used for bench and pilot neutralization (February 2007)<br> ● Pilot test products also tested for:<br> - Mineralogy (Amtel and SGS Lakefield)<br> - Tailings geotechnical / geochemical<br> - Bench and pilot CIL<br> - Thickening and rheology |
| Q4, 2006<br> PQ Core Drilled 2006 | 9 x Variability (selected by lithology) | ● Crushing/grinding hardness testing<br> ● JK drop weight testing |

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**Table 10**-**3: Summary of Samples Used in 2007 Metallurgical Testing**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Preparation Date** | **Samples Generated** | **Major Testwork Use** |
| Q1, 2007<br> HQ Core Drilled 2006 | Bulk Composite (5 tonnes) based on lithology | ● SGS Lakefield pilot flotation (February 2007, Phase II)<br> ● Conventional flotation pilot<br> ● MCF2 flotation pilot<br> ● Concentrates from pilot flotation used for:<br> - Bench and pilot pressure oxidation testwork (BTC) – May 2007<br> ● Flotation tails from pilot flotation used for:<br> - Bench and pilot neutralization<br> ● Test products also tested for:<br> - Mineralogy (Amtel)<br> - Tailings geotechnical/geochemical<br> - Geochemical<br> - Thickening and rheology |
| Q1, 2007<br> HQ Core Drilled 2006 | 9 x Bulk Variability samples (selected by lithology) | ● Samples derived from the components forming the bulk composite<br> ● Bench flotation testing |
| Q1, 2007<br> HQ Core Drilled 2006 | 149 x Variability samples | ● Crushing/grinding hardness testing |
| Q4, 2006<br> HQ Core Drilled 2006 | 102 x Variability samples | ● Bench flotation and bench autoclave tests (BTAC)<br> ● Mineralogy (SGS Lakefield)<br> - Chlorine/fluorine neutron activation |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.2.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Comminution** 

Initial grinding testwork was undertaken in the 1990s with additional work completed in 2002-2003 at Hazen that was managed by NOVAGOLD.

Placer Dome Inc. initiated some further work by SGS Lakefield in 2004, which tested ACMA material. During this program, JK and Bond testwork were completed in conjunction with testing the applicability of using high-pressure grinding rolls (HPGRs). During 2006/2007, Barrick initiated three major testwork programs at SGS Lakefield:

● SGS Lakefield 2006 HQ half-core testwork

● SGS Lakefield 2006 PQ whole-core testwork

● SGS Lakefield 2007 HQ half-core testwork.

Testwork completed on fresh core from exploration drilling conducted in 2006 formed the basis for the design of the grinding circuit.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.2.2.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **2002–2003 Testwork** 

A summary of results of the testwork undertaken in 2002-2003 is shown in Table 10-4. The testwork summary indicates that the material tested at that time was moderately hard. These results align with more recent testwork.

**Table 10**-**4: Grinding Testwork Results from Hazen**

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Pit** | **Location** | **Ore Type** | **BWI**<br> **(kWh/t)** |
| ACMA | - | Intrusive | 14.3 |
|  | - | Sediment | 13.0 |
| Lewis | Rochelieu | Intrusive | 14.1 |
|  | Rochelieu | Sediment | 13.3 |
| Lewis | North | Intrusive | 13.9 |
|  | North | Sediment | 13.1 |
| Lewis | South | Intrusive | 15.1 |
|  | South | Sediment | 12.1 |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.2.2.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **2004–2005 Testwork** 

Placer Dome Inc. initiated a testing program at SGS Lakefield in 2004. This work was performed on two large samples from the Donlin deposits with the objective of comparing the power efficiency of using HPGR as opposed to semi autogenous grinding to prepare the ore ahead of ball milling. The results of the JK and Bond work are summarized in Table 10-5.

**Table 10**-**5: Summary of Grindability Testing**

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| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Sample Composite** | **CWI**<br> **(kWh/t)** | **A x b** | **ta** | **Density**<br> **(g/cm<sup>3</sup>)** | **RWI**<br> **(kWh/t)** | **BWI**<br> **(kWh/t)** | **Ai**<br> **(g)** |
| ACMA Sedimentary | 9.9 | 38.7 | 0.39 | 2.76 | 14.7 | 14.0 | 0.205 |
| ACMA Intrusive | 11.3 | 52.8 | 0.31 | 2.69 | 13.5 | 14.7 | 0.181 |

---

Note: CWI = Bond low-energy impact; RWI = rod work index; BWI = Bond ball work index; Ai = abrasion index

The following key items were identified from the testwork:

● The sedimentary rock sample was described as moderately hard with respect to resistance to impact, as measured by the impact work index (CWI) and drop-weight test (A x b).

● The intrusive rock sample measured as hard in terms of low-energy impact and medium in the drop weight test (DWI).

● The sedimentary rock sample was moderately hard with respect to resistance to abrasion breakage (ta), while the intrusive sample was hard.

● Both samples can be categorized as medium in terms of Bond rod mill (RWI) and ball mill work indices (BWI).

● Both samples were only mildly abrasive (Ai).

The two samples were also submitted to a series of bench-scale HPGR tests. The tests showed that the HPGR successively reduced the 13 mm material feed to ball mill feed size with an energy input of 2.07 and 1.94 kWh/t for the sedimentary and intrusive rock samples, respectively. The BWI's of the resultant samples were tested at 75 µm and produced values of 12.5 and 13.3 kWh/t, respectively, indicating that a reduction (in the BWI) was attributable to the HPGR processing.

SGS Lakefield recommended further HPGR work at Polysius with the REGRO unit accompanied by ATWAL abrasion testing. The testwork by Polysius judged that a specific energy input in a range of 1.5-2.0 kWh/t was the optimum for HPGR comminution of the test samples provided. A specific throughput rate of approximately 250 ts/m<sup>3</sup>h was achieved with the grinding force selected.

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The abrasion testwork indicated an ATWAL wear index of 8.3 g/t for sedimentary rock material and 24.8 g/t for intrusive rock material. This testwork was done at the standard feed moisture of 1%. This wear is medium abrasive compared with Polysius' database at the time.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.2.2.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **2006 HQ Core Testwork** 

SGS Lakefield conducted an extensive test program to determine grinding parameters for the Donlin mineralization. The samples used were HQ drill core taken from the 1999 and 2002 drilling campaigns, which had been stored at the exploration site. Parameters were obtained from the following tests:

● Minnovex SAG power index (SPI), crusher index (Ci), and modified Bond ball mill work index (Modified Bond test)

● SMC drop-weight index test

● Bond low-energy impact, rod mill work index, ball mill work index, and abrasion index

● HPGR energy test.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.2.2.4** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **2006 Whole PQ Core Testwork** 

HQ drill core was too small in diameter for full drop weight tests for JKSimMet modeling. Larger diameter PQ holes were drilled in a 2006 drilling campaign targeting bulk mineralized areas of the deposit and covering the full range of lithologies. The samples from these drill holes were processed by SGS Lakefield to develop JK grinding parameters, in addition to conventional Bond ball mill and rod mill work index numbers. This information was important for use in checking the grinding parameters developed from the HQ testwork. Comparing the work index properties from the PQ core results with the 2006 HQ core results, showed that the freshly drilled PQ core was consistently harder than the HQ core samples that had been stored for several years. It was recommended that a second set of HQ samples be selected from freshly drilled core in 2006.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.2.2.5** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **2007 HQ Core Testwork** 

A total of 149 additional samples from fresh drill core were tested by SGS Lakefield in early 2007.

In parallel with this testwork, AMEC undertook grinding circuit design trade-off studies, which indicated that a semi autogenous mill, ball mill and pebble crushing (SABC) circuit design was the preferred option. Therefore, the test program was designed to maximize generation of comminution properties relating to the required parameters for the SABC circuit. The parameters tested in the program were then restricted to:

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● Minnovex SAG power index

● Minnovex crusher index

● Minnovex modified Bond ball mill work index

● Rod mill work index

● Ball mill work index.

Results indicated consistently harder comminution properties than the 2006 test program using older core and were regarded as being a more reliable predictor of the hardness in the deposit.

Therefore, it was recommended that comminution data obtained from core predating 2006 be normalized to fresh rock conditions for design calculations when results are based on core that had been exposed to the Alaskan climate for an extended period on time. Normalization was carried out on the 1999 and 2001 HQ core data. Results were preserved to provide more test samples to augment the variance analysis and subsequent population of the geological model (see Section 10.2.2.8).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.2.2.6** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Effect of Grind Size on BWI** 

The potential adoption of a "mill chemical-float, mill chemical-float" (MCF2) flowsheet would result in two different ball mill product size distributions. The products from the primary ball milling circuit would target P<sub>80</sub> 120-150 µm, and the secondary ball mill would target P<sub>80</sub> 50 µm. It is known that in some circumstances the measured BWI of a test sample will vary according to the target P<sub>80</sub> of the BWI test. To determine if this is the case for the Project, and to quantify that effect, a number of additional BWI tests at different final product sizes were undertaken by SGS Lakefield. For the grinding circuit modeling and design, an overall adjustment model was applied to the BWI value used, based on these results.

Using the blended pilot-plant feed sample, an additional set of BWI tests were undertaken at varying product sizes.

Results show that as the target product P<sub>80</sub> size decreases, the measured BWI of the test sample increases. On the blended pilot-plant sample a significant increase in BWI occurs between P<sub>80</sub> 54 µm and 42 µm. Figure 10-2 is a graphical representation of the pilot-plant blend feed sample results.

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**Figure 10**-**2: Test P<sub>80</sub> vs. Measured BWI Results on Blend Composite Sample**

![figure102.jpg](figure102.jpg)

Source: AMEC, 2011

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.2.2.7** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Comminution Circuit Selection** 

In 2006, Barrick contracted Orway Mineral Consultants (OMC), Australia, and SGS Lakefield (Minnovex), to perform appraisals of the various comminution options. Capital and operating cost alternatives for four options were investigated:

● Option 1 – autogenous milling with ball milling and crushing of pebble reject (ABC)

● Option 2 – semi-autogenous milling with ball milling and pebble crushing (SABC)

● Option 3 – coarse crushing followed by HPGR with ball milling

● Option 4 – fine crushing followed by ball milling.

AMEC performed a trade-off study based on the OMC recommendations to investigate the economics of various options, as well as non-economic factors.

Option 2 (SABC circuit) was selected as the comminution circuit for the following reasons:

● Lowest capital cost

● Ability to cope with the clay fraction in the ore

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● Ability to cope with the climatic conditions

● General ease of operation and maintenance

● Flexibility in throughput rates

● Widely applied technology in the milling industry

● Barrick's extensive experience in SABC circuit application.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.2.2.8** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Geostatistical Assessment** 

AMEC developed a geometallurgical model using the comminution data (Ci, SPI, and BWI) to investigate relationships that may exist between the mineralized sample hardness, rock lithology, spatial location, grades (Au, S, As, Mg, Sb), and rock quality designation. The key results of the geotechnical assessment are summarized below:

● No correlations could be determined between these comminution properties, and therefore each parameter had to be assessed individually.

● Variability of the crushing index data is quite high within and between lithologies, and is dominated by lithology as indicated in Table 10-6.

● The SPI results are dominated by lithology, with the differences between lithologies being significant. Based on analysis of the variance of the data, four separate categories were defined and used to populate the block model. These are summarized in Table 10-7.

● Lithology was determined to be the significant variable influencing ball work index (Table 10-8). With the exception of the SHL and MD lithologies, the variance in results within a lithology was quite low due to a small number of test results.

**Table 10**-**6: Estimation of Crushing Index (Ci)**

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Domain** | **Ci Mean** | **Standard Deviation** | **Sample Count** |
| RDXL | 21.9 | 8.2 | 33 |
| Non-RDXL West (<541,000) | 14.2 | 6.7 | 158 |
| Non-RDXL East (>541,000) | 14.8 | 6.9 | 81 |
| **Total/Average** | **15.3** | **7.4** | **272** |

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**Table 10**-**7: Estimation of SAG Power Index (SPI)**

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Domain** | **SPI Mean** | **Standard Deviation** | **Sample Count** |
| SHL | 58 | 17 | 9 |
| RDXL | 71 | 14 | 33 |
| RDX | 85 | 22 | 79 |
| Remaining Lithologies | 95 | 21 | 152 |
| **Total/Average** | **88** | **23** | **273** |

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**Table 10**-**8: Estimation of Bond Ball Work Index (BWI)**

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Domain** | **BWI Mean** | **Standard Deviation** | **Sample Count** |
| RDX + RDF + MD | 15.5 | 1.3 | 107 |
| GWK + SHL | 14.6 | 1.5 | 48 |
| RDA | 13.8 | 1.3 | 46 |
| RDXL | 14.4 | 1.1 | 33 |
| RDXB | 16.4 | 1.2 | 39 |
| **Total/Average** | **15.0** | **1.5** | **273** |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.2.2.9** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **MCF2 Grinding Circuit Design Method and Capacity Definition** 

During the first quarter of 2007, pilot flotation testing was carried out at SGS Lakefield to assess the potential of a MCF2 flowsheet to improve confidence in the overall gold recovery and economic value of the Project. The MCF2 flowsheet shown in Figure 10-3 incorporates two separate stages of grinding and flotation utilizing the SABC configuration as the primary grinding step.

Mineralogical assessment, flotation bench-scale, and flotation pilot scale testwork have indicated that the primary rougher feed P<sub>80</sub> should be in the range 120-150 µm, and that the secondary rougher feed P<sub>80</sub> should be in the range 50-60 µm, to achieve high flotation gold recoveries. These assumptions were applied to the grinding circuit modeling and design.

Through various studies, the optimal mill throughput was determined to be 53,500 t/d.

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**Figure 10**-**3: Illustration of MCF2 Generic Flowsheet**

![figure103.jpg](figure103.jpg)

Source: AMEC, 2011

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.2.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Flotation** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.2.3.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Summary** 

Extensive bench and pilot flotation testwork has been carried out on mineralized material from 1995-2007.

The objective for the flotation circuit is to provide high gold recovery (+90%) to a sulfur concentrate (greater than 6.5% total sulfur content) for pressure oxidation feed. Once the feed contains sufficient grade of sulfide sulfur as fuel to generate heat and achieve the required operating temperatures within the autoclave, there is little overall net benefit in increasing the sulfur grade of the concentrate any further. This is advantageous as overall gold recovery in flotation concentrate decreases significantly as concentrate grade is increased.

A general target of 7% sulfur grade has been selected for the final flotation concentrate, noting that the autogenous grade is determined to be approximately 6.5% sulfur, varying slightly with changes in the solids/liquid ratio, the carbon, and arsenic grade of the autoclave feed. The gap between 6.5% autogenous grade and the target 7% grade is provided to allow for variability in feed and to minimize any requirement to add external heating to the autoclaves.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.2.3.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **1995-2006 Testwork** 

Wood reviewed the flotation testwork and made the following observations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***Bench Testing***<br>

● The testwork results indicated that producing a bulk concentrate was the optimum route to maximize gold recovery.

● A variety of reagent schemes were attempted. The best reagent system was using plant acid, copper sulfate, xanthate, and dispersant.

● Nitrogen-based flotation technology was tested extensively throughout the Project but provided no overall benefit.

● Adequate retention time was found to be very important. To achieve maximum recovery, a long flotation retention time, of 114 minutes, was found to be necessary.

● The required particle grind size reflects the presence of the two different mineralization types in the feed. While the intrusive mineralization can tolerate coarser sizes in the range of 75-110 µm, the sedimentary mineralization performs best in the range of 60-80 µm for the conventional flotation flowsheet.

● Mass pull from the rougher and scavenger circuits was dictated by entrainment of clays during the long residence time of the flotation. With the use of dispersants, lower flotation feed pulp densities and cleaning, the overall mass pull to final concentrate could be decreased to approximately 15%.

● The process development testwork indicated that froth recovery was a critical factor. Froth recovery can be enhanced by using crowding cones in the flotation machine and through launder design.

● Because of the different flotation responses of the samples, testwork was performed to assess the outcome of blending the two main ore types. Given adequate reagent dosages and residence times, it proved possible to produce high flotation recoveries with the LOM test blends provided for the testwork.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***Flotation Pilot-Plant Testing***<br>

● Extensive testwork was performed in 2004 and 2006, demonstrating that a recovery of 91-92% on a LOM lithology blend was possible, confirming the performance of the conventional rougher/scavenger flowsheet under continuous operation.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.2.3.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Mineralogy Summary** 

Numerous mineralogy studies completed on many different flotation test samples, present relatively consistent themes with regards to achieving high gold recovery (+90%) to concentrate:

● Fine arsenopyrite must be recovered to final concentrate.

● Mineralized material (particularly from Lewis) must be ground finer than a P<sub>80</sub> of 75 µm to improve the liberation characteristics.

● Pyrite hosts a significant portion of the gold in a solid solution and therefore must also be recovered to concentrate.

● Over-grinding of the liberated sulfides to a particle size less than 10 µm is detrimental to flotation recovery.

● The liberation properties of the sulfide mineralization are variable.

● The expected concentrate sulfur grade from a flotation circuit producing high gold recovery (+90%) is going to be less than 10% sulfur, because of the presence of low-grade composite particles of sulfide with gangue, floatable gangue (such as carbon and carbon/clay binaries), and non-floatable gangue as entrainment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.2.3.4** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **2006 Pilot-Plant Testing** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***G&T***<br>

Testwork was performed at G&T to confirm process parameters on a blended sample of 50% Lewis Intrusive, 25% ACMA Intrusive, and 25% Sedimentary. This pilot flotation testing did not produce flotation gold recoveries (at required grade) that were comparable to those achieved from a bench test undertaken on the same sample. Pilot results showed recovery in the range of 83-85% in the blended sample, compared to the bench flotation test at 91-93%.

Subsequent testing was undertaken to explain this discrepancy through exhaustive re-testing of both the bench and pilot-plant flotation cells under different operating and test conditions. This work led to the conclusion that the froth conditions generated by the G&T pilot plant were hindering recovery of sulfide composite particles to the concentrate. Consequently, the importance of froth recovery was emphasized in design.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***SGS Lakefield***<br>

The SGS Lakefield pilot run was initiated to understand which key items were affecting gold recovery under pilot conditions.

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The testwork was performed on available material and later followed up by another pilot run using freshly drilled core to eliminate any issues related to sample weathering.

It was found that the poorer flotation results were attributed to partially geologically oxidized ore in some of the upper areas of the deposit as evident from the 2007 variability testing.

The pilot-plant run showed approximately 91% gold recovery to a 7% sulfur concentrate was achieved compared to a bench test result of 93% recovery on a LOM lithology blend (Figure 10-4). This was a significant improvement from the earlier pilot work in 2006.

**Figure 10**-**4: Comparison of SGS Lakefield Dec 2006 Key Bench and Pilot-Plant Results**

![figure104.jpg](figure104.jpg)

Source: AMEC, 2011

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.2.3.5** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Bench Testing of MCF2 Flowsheet** 

To further improve the overall performance of the flotation circuit design, an alternative MCF2 flotation configuration was considered, and some comparative bench testing of this option commenced.

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Initial tests were conducted by SGS Lakefield at a nominal grind of P<sub>80</sub> 40 µm for the second stage product and with varying primary stage grind sizes. The results showed that the alternative MCF2 grind/flotation configuration was realizing a measurable improvement in gold recovery of approximately 2% at the same final concentrate grade as the conventional grind/float configuration.

These tests also suggested that the primary grind size selection was not a key parameter and that there could be some flexibility in the final size selection for the stage of grinding.

Subsequent bench tests were undertaken to attempt to quantify the effect of the secondary grind size on gold recovery. The results did not clearly define an optimal secondary grind target but a nominal P<sub>80</sub> of 50 µm was selected for the subsequent MCF2 pilot run based on trends identified through previous mineralogical work.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.2.3.6** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **2007 Pilot-Plant Testing** 

A second SGS Lakefield pilot-plant campaign was undertaken with the aim to confirm pilot-plant recovery of the conventional flotation circuit on a LOM lithological blend using freshly drilled core.

The pilot runs produced on average 92.8% recovery to a 7% sulfur concentrate grade compared to the bench tests, which indicated approximately 94.0% recovery. A second series of pilot runs confirmed that a mild steel primary mill with high chrome media could be used in lieu of the original stainless steel mill with high chrome media. A third series of pilot tests were undertaken where the scavenger concentrate was reground before cleaning. A slight improvement in the grade/recovery profile was evident. A fourth series of pilot tests evaluating the MCF2 configuration showed a clear trend of improved recovery. At a concentrate of 7% sulfur grade, the recovery difference between MCF2 and conventional flotation is approximately 1.8%. This compares reasonably well to the approximately 2% recovery improvement indicated by the initial MCF2 screening bench test results.

Based on these results the MCF2 option was selected as a potential base case for the grinding/flotation circuit design.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.2.3.7** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **2007 Variability Testing** 

The flotation variability testwork program consisted of 149 flotation tests using 102 test samples covering a range of lithologies and geological domains using core drilled throughout 2006. The number of samples selected for each lithology was based on the proportion of the orebody represented by that lithology.

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Of the 102 samples, 22 were characterized as having some form of partial geological oxidation, and the remaining 80 were considered unoxidized fresh rock. Two types of variability bench scale flotation tests were carried out, a modified Minnovex Flotation Test (MFT), and a conventional bench flotation test (CFT).

Analysis of test data indicated:

● RDX, RDA, RDXL, and MD lithological domains appear to behave similarly in terms of average and standard deviation, and together have an average flotation recovery of ~96%.

● RDXB lithology is the worst-performing intrusive, with an average recovery of 94.8%. This is characteristic for RDXB, which has relatively high graphitic carbon content compared to the other intrusive rocks.

● RDF is the best-performing intrusive rock, with an average gold recovery of 97.7% and relatively low variance in performance.

● GWK and SHL recoveries are, on average, lower (91.5% and 89.8%, respectively), with a relatively large variation in performance.

● The GWK domain dataset does exhibit a weak correlation of flotation recovery with both arsenic and gold grade, noting that there is a natural strong relationship between gold and arsenic head grades. Given the relatively poor correlation with the GWK dataset this type of relationship is not recommended to predict recovery for the GWK ores. Instead, a non-weighted average of the test data should be used.

● For the SHL test results, no obvious correlations are evident to improve recovery predictions, and a non-weighted recovery average is recommended.

Test samples were also characterized via geological domain, which is mainly based on physical location rather than rock type. Examining the statistical representation of recovery data based on geological domain suggests:

● Samples from 400, ACMA, Akivik, and Aurora behave fairly similarly, with an overall average recovery of approximately 96.5%

● Samples from Lewis have an average recovery of 94.3%

● Samples from Vortex have an average recovery of 95.2%.

The Vortex geological domain is adjacent to the Lewis domain; the Lewis geological domain has a high content of RDXB intrusive where it is mainly concentrated.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.2.3.8** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Effect of Geological Oxidation on Flotation Performance** 

The upper portion of the deposit contains mineralization that shows some sign of geological oxidation or weathering. To quantify the potential impact of this oxidation on flotation, a series of 22 samples were selected. Results indicated that the presence of some form of geological oxidation significantly affects the flotation performance. The average gold recovery is 72%, with a relatively high standard deviation of 22%.

Where there was insufficient sulfur content in the test sample to generate a 7% concentrate, gold recovery was determined at the 15% mass-to-concentrate point instead.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.2.3.9** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Flotation Circuit Scale-up and Modeling** 

The conventional approach to designing flotation circuits focuses on the use of scale-up factors from bench-scale testwork to determine the residence time required for a full-scale plant.

JKSimFloat was used to model the flotation circuit design. Simulated results for a 53,500 t/d flotation circuit using the flotation parameters as tested suggested a gold recovery of about 94% at a concentrate grade of 7.2% sulfur, for a two row circuit configuration with head grade of 1.12% sulfur and 2.37 g/t gold. Flotation cell sizes of 300 m<sup>3</sup> were selected based on lip loading data.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.2.3.10** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **2018 Bench Flotation Testwork** 

AuTec completed metallurgical testing to investigate optimization opportunities recommended in previous studies. Samples were selected from the Lewis pit representing the first 10 years of operation, and from the ACMA pit representing the first five years of operation. Composites consisted of intrusive, sedimentary and mixed (intrusive/sedimentary blends) samples.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***Lewis and ACMA Pit***<br>

Intrusive and mixed composites were used as flotation testwork feed. Testwork investigations included grind size, pulp density, pH, flash flotation, MF1/MCF1/MF2/MCF2, oxide material flotation and CIL.

Oxide mineralization flotation: Intrusive samples with lower levels of oxidation indicated faster gold kinetics and recoveries (80-85% for Lewis and 90% for ACMA) compared to higher oxidation level samples. Results of the RDX and GWK Vortex composite samples indicate low recovery at 50-55% for Lewis and for the GWK Vortex at ACMA, a 38% recovery.

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The results from the rougher flotation and CIL tests indicated that samples with a lower degree of oxidation were suitable for flotation but resistant to cyanidation. In contrast, the more oxidized samples did not perform well in flotation but responded favorably to direct CIL processing.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***ACMA Pit Sulfides***<br>

This investigation was mainly focused on the effects of grind size, pulp density, pH and reagent optimization for the ACMA sulfide samples. Results are as follows:

● Reducing the flotation pH from pH 5.5-4.5 improved flotation kinetics

● For intrusives, a primary grind size P<sub>80</sub> of 75 µm appeared to be optimum for gold recovery without a second stage grind.

● A coarser primary grind size (P<sub>80</sub> of 100 µm) is possible as it yielded similar rougher flotation gold kinetics as compared to the grind size P<sub>80</sub> of 75 µm.

● While maintaining gold recovery at 94-95% rougher flotation time could be reduced to:

4 minutes with a mass pull of 7% for intrusive composite. At 15 minutes retention time the Intrusive had a 97% gold recovery and a 13% mass pull.<br>

15 minutes with a mass pull of 17% for sedimentary composite<br>

15 minutes with a mass pull of 15% for mixed composite.<br>

● Collector PAX dosage was 55 and 100 g/t for the intrusive and mixed composites, respectively. Other reagents including promoter A7249, dispersant or gangue depressants (sodium meta-silicate nonahydrate, corn starch, PEO and CMC) and sulfide activator (copper sulfate pentahydrate) did not improve gold recoveries for the intrusive and mixed composites. Reagent optimization was not investigated for the sedimentary composite.

● Use of stainless steel or mild steel grinding media resulted in similar final flotation gold recoveries for the intrusive and mixed composites.

● MCF2 or MF2 flowsheets with first and second stage grinds at P<sub>80</sub> of 150 µm and 45 µm respectively, did not yield a better gold recovery than a single grind (MF1 and MCF1) at P<sub>80</sub> of 75 µm for the intrusive composite.

Although the ACMA test report noted that a single grind to P<sub>80</sub> of 75 µm could achieve the required recoveries for the intrusive composites and that a second grind might not be beneficial, it is noted that the mixed composites indicated that the MCF2 circuit configuration for both Lewis and ACMA performed better in terms of recovery and kinetics.

Further testwork was initiated to test the improved flotation scheme using a pH of 4.5 with a grind to a P<sub>80</sub> of 75 µm. No locked cycle or pilot tests were completed for these samples.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.2.4** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Pressure Oxidation** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.2.4.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Chemistry of Pressure Oxidation and Hot Cure** 

Pressure oxidation in gold processing generally refers to the oxidation of gold bearing sulfide minerals to metal sulfates using a combination of heat (typically 200-230°C), acid, and oxygen sparging in a specifically designed pressure vessel. The breakdown of the sulfide particles effectively releases the gold locked within the mineral matrix, rendering it amenable to leaching by cyanidation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.2.4.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **2004 Batch Autoclave Testing** 

Dynatec Scientific Laboratories, El Paso, Texas carried out bench-scale autoclave testing of four composite samples including ACMA Intrusive, ACMA Sediment, Lewis Intrusive, and Lewis Sediment. The scope of the test program included kinetic and locked-cycle mass balance pressure oxidation tests on the concentrates, followed by neutralization tests on the POX discharge liquors and (CIL) cyanidation tests.

The concentrates were relatively fine, with P<sub>80</sub> levels of 33-41 µm (82-89% minus 44 µm), and were tested without further size reduction for comparison purposes. Direct CIL cyanide leaching of the unoxidized feeds yielded gold extractions between 3% (ACMA Sedimentary rock) and 11% (Lewis Intrusive rock).

Higher autoclave oxidation kinetics were observed at 210°C and 220°C than at 200°C. Gold extractions were highest from the solids oxidized at 220°C. All subsequent pressure oxidation testwork on all four concentrates were, therefore, conducted at 220°C.

As shown in Figure 10-5, the sulfide sulfur oxidation kinetics was rapid, with more than 98% oxidation achieved within 30 minutes.

Gold extractions from the oxidized concentrates, as shown in Figure 10-6, were correspondingly high after 30 minutes of pressure oxidation and improved marginally to their maximum values of between 95.1% (ACMA Sedimentary rock) and 98.5% (ACMA Intrusive rock) after 45 minutes of oxidation. With extended pressure oxidation time, however, the gold extractions declined, most markedly for the sedimentary rock concentrates which had relatively high organic carbon content.

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**Figure 10**-**5: Sulfide Oxidation Pressure Oxidation Kinetics at 220**°**C**

![figure105.jpg](figure105.jpg)

Source: AMEC, 2011

**Figure 10**-**6: Gold Recovery Profiles from Pressure Oxidation at 220**°**C**

![figure106.jpg](figure106.jpg)

Source: AMEC, 2011

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A retention time of 45 minutes was selected for the POX in the subsequent material balance and locked-cycle testwork.

In the locked-cycle testwork, the POX tests were conducted at pulp densities approaching those anticipated for the discharge slurries in commercial autoclave operation. The extents of sulfide sulfur oxidation with the 45-minute POX retention time at 220°C exceeded 98%, with more than half over 99%. There was no systematic change in the oxidation extent with increasing cycle number, indicating that the recycled solution did not affect the sulfide oxidation.

Analysis of selected solution samples for gold and silver indicated that these were below their respective detection limits of 0.2 mg/L and 1 mg/L, respectively in the POX discharge solutions.

Stirred tank CIL cyanide leach gold extractions varied from 90.3-98.8% for the four oxidized concentrates, with median extractions of 93.5-97.4%.

Subsequent testing has indicated that oxidation rates and performance of the batch tests are strongly affected by the decision to pre-acidify the concentrate sample charge, or not, both at pilot scale and bench scale.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.2.4.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **2006 Batch Autoclave Testing** 

A summary of the key conclusions of the various tests undertaken on composite samples by BTC are mainly limited to gold recovery performance in the following sections.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***Baseline Tests***<br>

A series of batch tests were conducted to understand the potential impact of autoclave temperature, oxidation time, pre-acidification, oxygen concentration, and thiocyanate concentration on autoclave performance.

The results of the bench autoclave tests (BTAC) indicate that oxidation rate increases with POX temperature. The optimum temperature for the gold recovery profile is 230°C, which was marginally better in performance than at 220°C.

In conclusion, autoclave temperatures of more than 192°C are required to achieve >92% gold recovery within a nominal 1 hour autoclave residence time, and temperatures of 220-230°C provide maximum recovery values.

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Some preliminary BTAC tests were undertaken to evaluate the potential impact of thiocyanate (SCN) dosed into the feed slurry on the CIL gold recovery of the autoclave products. No detrimental impact on recovery was indicated

From the autoclave test data, it was noted that gold recovery improved with increasing POX residence time. Therefore, experiments were undertaken to test the potential application of higher temperature POX (230-240°C). It was seen that gold recovery does improve with extended autoclave time and that this improvement is indeed accelerated at 240°C.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***2007 BTAC Testing Phase 1 Composite Concentrate Sample***<br>

The BTC carried out a series of BTAC tests on a sub-sample of the concentrate generated from the SGS Lakefield pilot flotation test program. The test program aimed to investigate the pressure oxidation characteristics of the new composite concentrate sample against previous testwork, and to investigate the effect of autoclave parameters on pressure oxidation performance. The best result obtained from the testwork was at 220°C with 45 minutes of residence time.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.2.4.4** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **2006 Pilot-Plant Testing** 

Two phases of autoclaving pilot tests were conducted. Discussion of results on the gold recovery aspects of the pilot-plant results are presented as a whole.

A series of 220°C and one 225°C pilot campaign were conducted to determine what recovery could be achieved with more complete oxidation levels. This run successfully demonstrated that the CIL gold recoveries of the autoclave residue of more than 96% were possible.

A pilot test run at 240°C achieved high gold recoveries quickly, albeit with faster oxidation kinetics than at 220°C. An improvement in recovery is evident; however, it is not practical to run at the higher temperature.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.2.4.5** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **2007 Phase 1 Pilot-Plant Testing** 

An additional autoclave pilot campaign was undertaken at the BTC to verify the autoclave design parameters and potential gold recovery results for the 2007 FS. This pilot run attempted to explore the three different operating temperatures, 200°C, 210°C, and 220°C utilizing pre-acidification of the concentrate.

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Higher than design residence times were tested to try to achieve greater sample oxidation at the autoclave discharge, than had been achieved in previous campaigns. Each of the pilot-plant autoclave compartments were sampled and CIL tests undertaken on each sample.

Results showed a maximum gold recovery of approximately 96.9% was reached in compartments 3 and 4 for the 225°C test run, representing a residence time of 50-55 minutes. For the 220°C run, a maximum recovery of 95-96% was achieved in compartment 5 at a residence time of approximately 55 minutes. CIL gold recovery dropped significantly towards the discharge of the autoclave, after peaking at 96.0-96.4% near compartments 3 and 4. The results concluded that as the operating temperature of the autoclave was decreased, the required residence time for reaching maximum gold recovery increased.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.2.4.6** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Phase 2 Pilot-Plant Testing** 

The aim of the Phase 2 testwork was several-fold:

● To operate the pilot unit more closely to the design optimum autoclave residence time as determined from Phase 1

● To demonstrate that target CIL gold recoveries can be achieved on final products from the autoclave, not just on compartmental sub-samples

● To confirm potential downstream CIL gold recoveries

● To confirm the selected design criteria for the pressure oxidation circuit for the 2007 FS

● To provide more autoclave profile data for oxidation rates and gold recoveries.

The concentrate feed sample was obtained from material generated from the SGS Lakefield pilot flotation test program undertaken in 2007.

Concentrate pre-acidification reduced the carbonate content (inorganic carbon) of the concentrate from 0.35-0.05%, representing approximate 86% dissolution of the contained carbonates.

The pilot-run investigated two operating temperatures, 220°C and 225°C.

Oxidation rates were reasonably fast and consistent, and measurable sulfide oxidation was completed between 37 and 42 minutes residence time.

Sampling commenced when the autoclave was at steady state and continued for four to five hours.

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It was found that if the autoclave residence time was permitted to exceed 50 minutes, then CIL gold recovery of the autoclave discharge drops to 93-94%. Similarly, if autoclave residence time was too short, then recovery was less than optimum at 96-97%. Optimum gold recovery, exceeding 97%, was recorded at around 45-49 minutes.

During operation of the pilot campaign four profile samples were collected approximately every 30 minutes. Results from these samples confirmed the optimum residence time to be in the range 37-47 minutes. Optimum gold recovery from the autoclave appears to correspond with the "just completed" extent of sulfide sulfur oxidation. Excess oxidation after that point is detrimental to gold recovery.

Test results showed the organic carbon content (by assay) had decreased from 0.78% to an average of 0.57%, with approximately 25% of the organic carbon being oxidized in the autoclave. The graphitic carbon (by assay) showed negligible reduction in assay grade in the autoclave. Inorganic carbon in the feed was reduced to below assay detection limits by the pre-acidification process and no apparent trends were discernible.

Standard gas testing was performed on the main vent gases from the autoclave, ahead of the water scrubber, with the purpose of quantifying the oxygen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and total hydrocarbon (THC) generation rates from the autoclave that would be fed to the gas scrubbing system.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***Hot Cure***<br>

A testwork series on hot curing optimization was undertaken to confirm the proposed hot cure section design and to provide the latest information for future optimization.

The analyses of the hot cured solids and liquor components show that sulfur in the solids is dissolving, with a corresponding decrease in solids mass and liquor sulfuric acid concentration and a consequential increase in liquor iron content. A decrease in lime consumption is required for pH adjustment to 11 and CIL gold recovery improves slightly at the six-hour residence time point. The hot cure circuit was designed with a residence time of six hours. Lime consumption of well-washed hot cure solids to pH 9 was relatively constant at around 3-4 kg/t of hydrated lime.

Washing tests of hot-cured autoclave product followed by neutralization reduces the consumption of lime by up to 98%. This demonstrated that operating a CIL circuit at a pH of 9 is optimal for limiting lime consumption.

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The benefit of operating a CIL circuit at pH 9, in terms of lime consumption, is also demonstrated from this work.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***Summary***<br>

The main results of the 2007 phase 2 pilot autoclave testing program were as follows:

● Product CIL gold recoveries of 96.6% can readily be achieved and recoveries of 97% are possible under optimum operating conditions, as indicated by the tests on the discharge samples as well as the autoclave profile samples.

● CIL gold recovery from the pilot autoclave is sensitive to the autoclave residence time. Gold recovery is slightly lower than optimum when autoclave residence time is too short because of incomplete sulfide sulfur oxidation. Recovery can also be lower than optimum if autoclave residence time is too long and oxidation is excessive.

● Autoclave operating temperatures of 220-225°C provided good results with optimum residence times of 45-49 minutes for CIL gold recovery (exceeding 97%), based on the autoclave discharge samples.

● Measurable sulfide sulfur oxidation is essentially completed by 37-42 minutes residence time, as indicated by analysis of the autoclave profile samples.

● Organic carbon content (by assay) decreased from 0.78% to an average of 0.57%, with approximately 25% of the organic carbon being oxidized in the autoclave.

● The selected hot curing time of six hours as per the process design provides good lime consumption results and CIL gold recovery performance, but dissolution of arsenic is evident, subsequently requiring precipitation in the following neutralization stage.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***Autoclave Mercury Emission Testwork***<br>

During a pilot run, two gas streams were sampled for mercury content in the flash pot vent stream and the autoclave vent stream.

The amounts of mercury vented through the flash system and the autoclave vent were 0.21% and 0.026%, respectively, of the calculated mercury head in the concentrate.

The results from a second series of emissions testing indicated the presence of very little mercury emission in the combined gas streams (0.003% of feed mercury content), with the gas and scrubber mercury contents being close to assay detection limit.

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Despite the low measurements, a mercury abatement system has been designed to comply with the December 2010 US EPA National Emissions Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants for gold ore processing and production facilities. Future studies should consider any updates to legislation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.2.5** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Neutralization** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.2.5.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Summary** 

The oxidation of pyrite and other naturally occurring sulfides generates sulfuric acid and other metal sulfates within the autoclave and hot curing circuits. These species need to be neutralized and precipitated into a stable form to ensure that the final tails from the plant have a low soluble metals content and is also at approximately neutral pH.

Typically, limestone (calcium carbonate) and hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide) are utilized for this neutralization duty. Limestone can be used for the first part of the pH adjustment while the final pH adjustment to 7 (for acidic liquor neutralization) and 9-11 (for CIL feed) is carried out with hydrated lime as Ca(OH)<sub>2</sub>, which is a more reactive neutralizing reagent.

Metallurgical studies were undertaken to determine the potential neutralization capacity of the flotation tails stream and also of calcareous sandstone (CSS), a local natural source of low grade carbonates. This local material is composed of ferroan dolomite, ankerite, calcite and siderite in decreasing levels.

The deposit has a relatively high carbonate content of 2.33% reported as CO<sub>2</sub> (or 3.18% reported as CO<sub>3</sub>) over the LOM compared to a sulfur content of 1.13%. This represents a stoichiometric ratio of carbonate to sulfur of 1:1.49. Therefore, there is sufficient, or rather, excess alkali in the ore available to neutralize the sulfates generated from the oxidation of all the contained sulfur. However, this requires effective utilization (reactivity) of the measured neutralization content of the ore for the excess to be valid.

Testwork has shown that with the provision of sufficient neutralization residence time, and the elevation of the slurry temperature in neutralization, utilization of the contained carbonates in the ore is possible, resulting in a minimal amount of lime required.

Further, it has been determined that the use of CSS is not required for neutralization of the acidic autoclave acid, as flotation tails have been found to be more effective. CSS has a high pH (>5.0), and does not compete economically with imported lime. The local CSS resource can serve as a back-up alkali source as required.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.2.5.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **2004 Neutralization Testwork** 

Dynatec tested the neutralization properties of the acidic liquors generated from bench autoclave tests using flotation tails, limestone, and lime. The neutralization tests conducted with limestone and lime performed well. At a pH of 8.0 all metals, with the exception of Mn and Mg, precipitated virtually completely from solution at generally below detection limit grade. The results were not favorable from a lime consumption cost perspective.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.2.5.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **2005 Neutralization Testwork** 

PDTS investigated the neutralization capacities of CSS and flotation tails. Results showed that CSS with high CaO/MgO ratios provided higher carbonate utilization compared to low ratio composites. The grind size did not have a large effect on the neutralization capacity of the CSS composites.

Testwork on flotation tailings showed higher carbonate usage from the intrusive materials compared to the sedimentary materials. Overall, the utilization of the carbonate within the tailings was very low.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.2.5.4** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **2006 Preliminary Batch Neutralization Testing** 

A limited batch neutralization testwork program was initiated in mid-2006, aiming to improve quantification of the neutralization options for the Project. The results indicated that the flotation tails/lime neutralization option, with extended neutralization residence time, was the most economic with the lowest total cost.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.2.5.5** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **2006 Pilot Neutralization** 

A pilot neutralization testwork program was undertaken using acid solution produced during the pressure oxidation pilot run conducted with the autoclave operating at 220°C followed by hot curing of the slurry for at least 12 hours at 95°C.

Flotation tailings produced from G&T were blended in the ratio of 25% ACMA Intrusive, 50% Lewis Intrusive and 25% Sedimentary.

Profile samples were routinely collected from the pilot-plant run with lime added to achieve a final pH of 7.0. At the given ratio of flotation tailings to concentrate (5.135 kg tailings per kg concentrate), neutralization of the dilute acidic pressure oxidation solution using flotation tailings with a carbonate grade of about 1.8% CO<sub>2</sub> reached a pH of 4.0-4.5 after 12 hours. There was no significant increase in pH at longer retention times. Under the conditions tested, lime consumption after flotation tailings neutralization was approximately 4.5 g quicklime per liter of dilute acid solution, or 24 g of quicklime per kilogram of concentrate. It was also possible to use CSS at the rate of 1.6 kg of CSS per kg of concentrate.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.2.5.6** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **2007 Neutralization Phase 1 Bench Testing** 

The acidic solution used for this testwork was generated from concentrate during the continuous pressure oxidation pilot run in 2007. The concentrate was pre-acidified to a pH of about 2 with sulfuric acid prior to the oxidation process. The campaign run was at 225°C with a 70-minute retention time. The discharge slurry was then hot cured for about 24 hours immediately following pressure oxidation.

The hot cure slurry was washed with gypsum saturated water in a pilot counter-current decant (CCD) circuit at a ratio of 2:1. The overflow acidic filtrate was collected and used for batch and continuous tests. Initially, the pH of the diluted pressure oxidation solution was approximately 1.0.

The flotation tailings used was a blend from a flotation piloting campaign in December 2006. The flotation tails used had a carbonate grade of 2.0% CO<sub>3</sub> and was sourced from the same pilot float feed sample that provided the concentrate used to generate the acidic liquor, via the pilot autoclave.

Bench tests at varying temperatures were undertaken to determine the effect of temperature on neutralization rate and utilization. Significant improvement in performance occurs as temperature increases. Temperatures of 55°C or greater allowed a pH of 6.0-6.5 to be reached, consequently resulting in the reduction of lime consumption to about 1-2 g/L of diluted acidic liquor.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.2.5.7** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **2007 Neutralization Phase 1 Pilot Testing** 

Based on the bench tests, a pilot neutralization campaign was initiated, using 70°C and two residence time selections of 8 and 12 hours, and the same acidic liquor and flotation tails as used for the bench testing.

The average pH profiles of both residence time test campaigns are shown in Figure 10-7. Final pH levels of greater than 6.0 were reached with the flotation tails for both runs.

Figure 10-8 shows that lime consumption tests of profile samples taken from the pilot-plant runs required lime addition of less than 1 g/L of diluted acidic liquor, at the end of the neutralization circuit.

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**Figure 10**-**7: 2007 Phase 1 Neutralization Pilot pH Profiles**

![figure107.jpg](figure107.jpg)

Source: AMEC, 2011

**Figure 10**-**8: Phase 1 Neutralization Pilot Samples Lime Demand Test Results**

![figure108.jpg](figure108.jpg)

Source: AMEC, 2011

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.2.5.8** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **2007 Neutralization Phase 2 Pilot Testing** 

During Phase 2 of the pilot autoclave test program the neutralization performance of the MCF2 pilot flotation tails and the FS design of the neutralization pilot circuit were investigated with the following key parameters:

● Four float tails neutralization tanks

● One lime neutralization tank

● Six hours residence time (based on testwork)

● Operating temperature of 55°C (based on heat balance)

● Addition of CIL tails into tank one

● Mixing ratios of diluted acidic liquor and flotation as per the mass balance.

In addition to the six-hour residence time run, a second three-hour residence time campaign was undertaken to investigate the potential to reduce the size of the circuit for the detailed design phase.

The source of the dilute acidic liquor was the overflow stream from the operation of the pilot CCD plant, washing of hot cured product. To be conservative, no calcium carbonate was added to this acidic liquor to correct for the pre-acidification process.

The source of the flotation tails was the 2007 SGS Lakefield flotation pilot, which incorporated the MCF2 grinding/flotation flowsheet. The sample used for the pilot test had a carbonate grade of 1.65% (as CO<sub>3</sub><sup>2+</sup>), compared to the LOM predicted carbonate grade of 2.33% (as CO<sub>3</sub><sup>2+</sup>).

The average pH profiles for the two test campaigns are shown in Figure 10-9. The six-hour test campaign (i.e., matching the circuit design) reached a final pH of 6.75 prior to the lime addition step. The three-hours residence time run resulted in a final pH of 6.50.

Figure 10-10 shows the results of the lime demand tests undertaken on profiles from the pilot plant. Lime consumption at the end of the neutralization circuit is less than 0.2 g/L of diluted autoclave acid solution, with wash water flows increased in the design (more dilution of the acidic liquor) to improve washing efficiency of the autoclave discharge hot cure product.

The results of the three-hour test campaign are encouraging, suggesting the potential to decrease the size of the neutralization circuit further. However, for the purposes of managing the potential variability of carbonate content in the ore, and also to provide time for the operations personnel to respond to unplanned grinding or flotation circuit shutdowns, the longer six-hour residence time circuit continues to be the recommended design.

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**Figure 10**-**9: 2007 Phase 2 Neutralization Pilot pH Profiles**

![figure109.jpg](figure109.jpg)

Source: AMEC, 2011

**Figure 10**-**10: Lime Demand Test Results of 2007 Phase 2 Pilot Samples, Plotted against Initial pH**

![figure1010.jpg](figure1010.jpg)

Source: AMEC, 2011

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.2.5.9** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **2007 Neutralization Variability Testing** 

A variability neutralization testwork program was initiated at SGS Lakefield. The program had the dual aim of confirming the potential differences in neutralization performance of the varying lithologies and of developing a confident relationship between lime consumption (for final pH trim to 7) and the feed samples carbonate grade.

SGS Lakefield generated a synthetic dilute autoclave acid based on the prediction of key species content from the near-final MetSim model's prediction of that stream. Flotation tails samples from the recently completed flotation variability program were used as the source of neutralizing solids.

Figure 10-11 is a summary chart of the results of the tests completed.

Prediction of lime consumption for acidic liquor neutralization for the operating cost estimate is based upon the relationship between lime demand and flotation feed carbonate grade developed from this test data.

**Figure 10**-**11: Plot of Neutralization Variability Testing Lime Demand Results at Six Hour Residence Time**

![figure1011.jpg](figure1011.jpg)

Source: AMEC, 2011

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.2.6** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Carbon-in-Leach** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.2.6.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Summary** 

Extensive cyanidation testing has been undertaken on samples at various points in the flowsheet since 1995.

Cyanidation of unoxidized ore, with or without the presence of activated carbon, consistently yields very low gold recoveries of 5-30%, either as flotation feed, flotation tails, or concentrate. This is characteristic of ore where gold is predominantly associated with arsenopyrite or pyrite in solid solution form.

The bulk of the cyanidation tests carried out to date have largely been on autoclave compartmental and discharge samples, where large numbers of relatively small samples are leached with high concentrations of carbon and cyanide. This is a diagnostic tool that enables the performance of various autoclave tests to be established without the added complication of the constraints that could be imposed by attempting to optimize leaching kinetics.

CIL gold recovery has generally shown to be more sensitive to the autoclave operating conditions (residence time, temperature) than to the operating conditions and methods applied in the CIL circuit. The target of the metallurgical design of the CIL circuit is rather to ensure that good CIL recovery performance is achieved on the material presented to it from the autoclave, with optimum reagent (lime and cyanide) usage.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.2.6.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Key Metallurgical Aspects of Planned Donlin CIL Circuit** 

The aim of the testwork programs was to define the operating characteristics and circuit design of the CIL circuit for treatment of CCD-washed autoclave product.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***Leach Circuit pH***<br>

The MetSim modeling and metallurgical testing have shown that the CIL circuit could operate well at a relatively low pH of 9.

Increasing CIL pH above 9 in the CIL circuit will consume additional lime through the precipitation of magnesium hydroxide from magnesium sulfate in solution. The magnesium hydroxide are then dissolves when combined with tailings and returns to the plant through tailings water recycle. To achieve the conventional CIL circuit pH levels of 10-11, all of the magnesium in the feed solution would need to precipitate completely.

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Assuming a CIL pH of 9, lime addition is estimated to be in the order of 5-7 kg/t of concentrate. The key component affecting both is the washing efficiency of the autoclave product CCD wash circuit. To maximize washing efficiency, a four stage CCD circuit with a high wash ratio of 4:1 is used.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.2.6.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **2006 CIL of Flotation Tails** 

BTC undertook CIL tests on the flotation tails from the G&T pilot-plant campaigns. Results showed low gold recovery, concluding that leach of flotation tails is not economically viable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.2.6.4** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **2006 CIL Optimization Testwork** 

A composite of autoclave discharge material from the 2006 autoclave pilot test program was collected and leached under varying conditions. The gold recoveries achieved from this work were limited due to the nature of the product from the particular pilot run. The following conclusions are drawn from the CIL optimization work undertaken on the pilot autoclave product:

● Cyanidation in the absence of carbon is detrimental to final leach gold recovery.

● Using higher carbon loadings (pre-loaded with gold) does not adversely affect gold recovery.

● Leaching at pH 9.2 does not negatively affect CIL gold recovery.

● Increasing the wash efficiency of the CIL feed slurry can significantly reduce reagents consumption rates.

● Leaching at too high a slurry density can negatively affect CIL gold recovery through unsuitable rheological properties of the slurry.

Samples of the detoxified CIL products were sent to the University of British Columbia for rheological testing, where it was seen that the slurry solids content (% solids) had a significant impact on the viscosity of the slurry. Densities above 35% are considered potentially problematic.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.2.6.5** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **2007 CIL Pilot-Plant Testing** 

BTC carried out a pilot CIL test run using CCD-washed pilot autoclave product from the 2007 Phase 1 autoclave pilot testwork program.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***Gold and Silver Recoveries***<br>

The carbon in the pilot CIL circuit was successfully loaded up to 4,000 g/t gold, and two carbon transfers were undertaken.

A gold balance for the period of the pilot-plant run returned a calculated gold recovery of 93.6% with a tailings grade of 1.39 g/t.

A bottle roll test of the CIL feed conducted at pH 11 yielded a comparative gold recovery of 93.9%, indicating that the pilot operation provides equivalent recovery performance to that achieved in a batch bottle roll test, even with the pilot plant operating at a relatively low pH of 9 and using profile-loaded carbon.

Silver recovery from the pilot plant was low, at 29.7%, which is typical of the leaching characteristics of silver from autoclave solids product due to its dissolution and subsequent precipitation as cyanide insoluble silver-jarosite within the autoclave.

Leaching residence time of 20-24 hours over six tanks is an appropriate design for the continuous CIL circuit.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***Cyanide Consumption and Addition***<br>

The CIL feed is relatively free of cyanide consumers. This is characteristic of concentrate that has been subject to pressure oxidation, where sulfur is oxidized completely to sulfate and base metals are dissolved into solution. This is followed by CCD washing, which removes the dissolved metals from the autoclave product ahead of CIL.

Cyanide addition to the pilot circuit was 1.5-1.6 kg/t, with a consumption of 1.1-1.3 kg/t. Most of the consumption is likely to be from losses through hydrogen cyanide from the pilot CIL circuit, rather than consumption by species within the ore. Hydrogen cyanide losses of this magnitude will not be experienced at full scale, and the hydrogen cyanide that evolves will be recovered via the ventilation and scrubbing system and returned to the CIL circuit feed. Cyanide addition to the pH 11 bottle roll tests on the pilot-plant feed was 1.2 kg/t, with a consumption of 0.05 kg/t.

Assuming a CIL pH of 9, a cyanide addition of 0.7-0.9 kg/t of concentrate is estimated. Consumption of cyanide will be lower at a higher CIL pH of 11.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.2.6.6** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **2007 CIL Optimization Testwork** 

A series of bench scale tests were undertaken on products from the 2007 Phase 2 pilot autoclave test program with focus on optimizing the CIL process.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***Cyanide Addition Optimization***<br>

A series of 24-hour bottle roll CIL tests were conducted at varying cyanide concentrations to determine the relationship between cyanide addition rate and gold recovery. Due to the limitations associated with undertaking low pH CIL tests at laboratory scale, a higher pH of 11 was used. Results showed that CIL gold recovery was not significantly affected at low cyanide concentration, and that the process is more economically favorable at low CIL cyanide concentration levels.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***Rheology***<br>

Additional rheology testing was undertaken on a detoxified CIL product from the 2007 Phase 2 pilot-plant work. Beyond a level of 35% solids the viscosity of the material was found to climb rapidly.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.2.6.7** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Cyanide Detoxification Testwork** 

Cyanide detoxification testwork was completed on CIL tails slurry generated from the 2006 pilot autoclave test program. Three types of cyanide detoxification methods were tested and found effective:

● *Prussian blue (iron sulfate precipitation)* – consists of adding autoclave discharge acid to detoxify the cyanide complexes

● *AVR (Acidification, Volatilization, Recycle)* – consists of acid addition to drive the cyanide off as hydrogen cyanide and capturing the hydrogen cyanide for reuse in the circuit

● *SO <sub>2</sub> /air testing* – uses a combination of SO<sub>2</sub> and air to detoxify the cyanide.

The SO<sub>2</sub>/air method was selected. The CIL tailings slurry was effectively treated in a single stage operating with approximately 60 minutes of retention and an SO<sub>2</sub> dosage of 4 g/g CNWAD. A pH of 8.5 was used for all tests as acid addition was required to lower pH levels. The addition of copper sulfate at 10 mg/L Cu<sup>2+</sup> was required for effective removal of cyanide present in the feed.

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The content of arsenic in the liquor phase was found to increase after SO<sub>2</sub>/air cyanide detoxification. This solubilized arsenic will be re-precipitated upon mixing the CIL tails into the neutralization circuit as a result of the presence of high levels of dissolved iron in this circuit.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.2.7** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Thickening and Counter-Current Decantation Washing** 

The flowsheet includes the following thickening/solids settling operations:

● Concentrate thickening after flotation

● CCD washing of pre-acidified concentrate with fresh water to provide optimal oxidation conditions

● CCD washing of hot cured autoclave product slurry with process water to reduce lime consumption ahead of CIL cyanide leaching

● Clarification of the portion of hot cure CCD overflow not reporting to pre-acidification or flotation conditioning to recover entrained gold values

● Thickening of flotation tailings prior to neutralization to minimize dilution during neutralization and reclaim of process water.

Earlier flowsheets included a final tailings thickener to dewater the combined CIL tailings and neutralization residue prior to discharge to the TSF. This thickener was removed from the flowsheet.

The flotation tailings, which are a combination of the secondary rougher and the cleaner scavenger tailings, are de-watered before being directed to the pressure oxidation to provide cooling.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.2.8** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Tailings Neutralization Capacity** 

To provide samples that are reasonably representative of both the complete metallurgical processes, and also the ore, the testing of combined pilot-plant tailings was selected as the preferred testing method.

The final tailings consist of a blend of detoxified CIL tails (cyanide leached autoclave and hot cure product) and neutralized autoclave acidic liquor using the flotation tails stream.

The Project flowsheet is favorable for tailings that are not acid producing as a result of near complete sulfide sulfur oxidation.

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Mineralogy undertaken by SGS Lakefield indicates that up to 23% of the sulfate sulfur in the 2006 pilot final tails sample is in the form of jarosite, with 7% in the 2007 Phase 1 pilot plant final tails and 8% in the 2007 Phase 2 pilot-plant final tails. Modifying the calculated ABA parameters, assuming that jarosite is an acid-forming component of the sulfate, indicates that the tailings will still contain an excess of neutralization capacity.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Recovery Estimates** 

There are two components to defining the final recovery of gold to bullion including:

● Gold recovered from the flotation circuit to the flotation concentrate

● Gold recovered through leaching/adsorption (CIL) of the pressure oxidized flotation concentrate.

Due to the refractory nature of the ore and the relatively low grade of the flotation tails stream, it is not economically viable to recover gold from the flotation tails stream.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.3.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Flotation** 

The MCF2 flowsheet is assumed to be the basis of the flotation circuit design and for all recovery figures referenced in this section, both as bench testing and pilot testing.

Flotation pilot and variability testing was conducted on fresh ore while bench scale variability flotation testwork was also undertaken on oxidized (or partially) samples. While the extent of the geological oxidation is relatively low, there is still potential for significant effects on flotation recovery. The overall deposit flotation recovery was corrected to account for the small oxidized component of the deposit.

Gold recovery from the MCF2 pilot program is achieved by means of fitting a linear regression line through all the MCF2 pilot survey results (Figure 10-12). These gold recovery survey calculations incorporate both the primary rougher concentrate and the secondary rougher cleaner concentrate. Cleaner scavenger concentrate was recirculated to the feed of the secondary rougher. At the design concentrate target of 7% (total) sulfur, the gold recovery of the blended composite samples tested is 94.64%. This recovery forms the basis of the flotation gold recovery estimate and must be adjusted to account for effects of geological domain and alteration (oxidation extent).

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**Figure 10**-**12: MCF2 Pilot-Plant Campaign Survey Results**

![figure1012.jpg](figure1012.jpg)

Source: AMEC, 2011

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***Variability Testing*** – ***Unoxidized Ores***<br>

Recoveries determined during the variability testwork were grouped by geological domain and sedimentary rocks as summarized in Table 10-9. The gold and sulfur head grades of the MCF2 pilot-plant composite are very close to the orebody average.

**Table 10**-**9: Flotation Recovery from Variability Testwork Program**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Geological Domain** | **Average Flotation Recovery**<br> **(%)** |
| Akivik | 97.61 |
| 400 | 96.97 |
| ACMA | 96.45 |
| Aurora | 96.22 |
| Vortex | 95.19 |
| Lewis | 94.87 |
| GWK | 91.45 |
| SHL | 89.99 |
| OXIDE | 81.45 |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***Variability Testing*** – ***Oxidized Ores***<br>

There is a large variation in flotation test results (i.e., gold recoveries to target concentrate grades) of the ores affected by oxidation. As a result, the relationship between sulfur grade and flotation recovery was used as the basis of recovery estimation.

An oxidation wireframe was used to flag the block model allowing the allocation of tonnes and grade of the oxidized ore in the production plan.

Oxidized ore will be stockpiled and subsequently reclaimed for mill feed during the course of the mine life. A sulfur degradation and flotation recovery factor of -5% was applied to reclaimed material that was stockpiled for longer than one year.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***Final Flotation Recovery Model Definition***<br>

As the pilot-plant sample was originally composited on the basis of lithological domain, rather than geological domain, the recoveries have been adjusted slightly to account for the variation in content between the pilot-plant sample and the latest estimate for the orebody. Adjusting the MCF2 pilot-plant recovery based on the geological domain, variability flotation performance results in a minor upward adjustment of 0.16% for the unoxidized ore.

The proportionally adjusted flotation recoveries by geological domain are summarized in Table 10-10. Wood recommends that these recovery values be used within the mine plan where the geological domains are separately defined on a period-by-period basis.

No clear relationships between gold, arsenic, or sulfur head grades in flotation recovery were identified in the variability testwork.

**Table 10**-**10: Summary of Flotation Recovery in Variability Testwork Program by Geological Domain and Adjusted to MCF2 Pilot Result**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Geological Domain** | **Adjusted Recovery to MCF2 Pilot Result**<br> **(%)** |
| Akivik | 97.77 |
| 400 | 97.13 |
| ACMA | 96.61 |
| Aurora | 96.38 |
| Vortex | 95.34 |
| Lewis | 95.03 |
| GWK | 91.61 |
| SHL | 89.99 |
| OXIDE | 81.45 |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.3.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Pressure Oxidation** 

Under the continuous pilot plant testwork and based on the proposed plant design, an overall gold recovery of 96.6% of concentrate for all ore types can be achieved through the pressure oxidation/CIL circuits on a continuous and long term basis. This considers sedimentary rock hosted ore as containing deleterious components that will be a consistent contributor to the blended ore received at the mill.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.3.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Overall Plant Gold Recovery** 

To determine the overall plant recovery, both pressure oxidation and flotation need to be considered together. The LOM plant recovery averages 90.0% based on mill feed from the mine plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.4** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Deleterious Elements** 

Arsenic is the predominant deleterious element, present as the arsenopyrite which is the major gold hosting mineral, as well as native arsenic and realgar in minor to trace amounts. Pressure oxidation of arsenopyrite in the presence of excess iron is generally considered a best practice process to generate stable scorodite (FeAsO<sub>4</sub>.2H<sub>2</sub>O) for tailings disposal. Promoting the formation of stable precipitates is favored when the molecular ratio of iron to arsenic ratio in process solutions exceeds 4:1. Within the plant feed there is sufficient iron to provide the recommended molar ratio of 4:1 of iron to arsenic. The actual assay grade of iron is typically double the iron content that is accounted for by arsenopyrite and pyrite alone and is more typically at grades of 15,000-40,000 ppm.

Mercury is present in the sulfide mineralization as a mercury sulfide. The mercury is released from the sulfide mineralization through pressure oxidation. The cyanide in the CIL circuit dissolves a portion of the mercury in the solids feed to the circuit. A portion of this dissolved mercury in the CIL circuit is adsorbed onto the activated carbon and is then recovered from the carbon via stripping and carbon regeneration. However, the capacity of the carbon to completely adsorb the mercury is limited and therefore a component of the soluble mercury remains in the CIL tails solution. This remaining soluble mercury will then be blended with the detoxified CIL tails into the neutralization circuit, which then reports to the TSF.

Reductions in soluble mercury content in recirculating plant waters can be achieved by addition of mercury precipitation reagents, which convert soluble mercury to a stable mercury sulfide product. This is currently practiced using the Cherokee Chemical UNR reagent suite at operating mine sites in the US.

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Based on the testwork completed, it is recommended that the process plant design includes a dosage facility for Cherokee reagent UNR 829 to permit addition to a recirculating water stream for precipitation of mercury in solution into a stable mercury sulfide solid. Doing so will eliminate potential build-up of mercury in the process water circuit.

Based on the process design which includes mercury removal and abatement measures, the presence of the deleterious elements will not significantly affect potential economic extraction.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.5** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **QP Opinion on Data Adequacy** 

Metallurgical testwork and associated analytical procedures were performed by recognized testing facilities, and the tests performed were appropriate to the mineralization type.

Samples selected for testing were representative of the various types and styles of mineralization in the Donlin deposits. Samples were selected from a range of depths within the deposit. Sufficient samples were taken so that tests were performed on sufficient sample mass.

Extensive testwork on composites has shown that acceptable gold recoveries can be produced through a combination of conventional flotation pre-concentration, POX, and CIL cyanidation flowsheet.

In the opinion of the Wood QP, the nature of tests undertaken, and the data obtained is adequate for the purposes used in this Report.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**11.0** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATES** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**11.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Summary** 

This section describes the updated Mineral Resource estimate for the Project. The Wood QP reviewed and validated the geologic model and mineral resource model prepared by NOVAGOLD and based on that review prepared a Mineral Resource statement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**11.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Database** 

The Mineral Resource model is based on 1,737 core holes (456,450 m) and 387 RC holes (37,457 m) drilled between 1995 and 2022. Trenches, auger holes, and water wells were not used for estimation. A total of 47 holes (18,056 m) were completed in 2025 within the resource area; however, they were not used in the development of the geologic or Mineral Resource model. All 2025 drilling results were checked against the geologic and Mineral Resource model with good correlation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**11.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Geologic Models** 

Donlin Gold LLC generated three-dimensional (3D) solids for the geological model using tools available in Leapfrog Geo, a commercial mine design software. The data used to construct the models include core holes, trenches, RC holes and field mapping conducted up to 2023. The 2024 drilling campaigns were not within the block model limits. The following 3D solids were used to incorporate geologic control into the grade model for the intrusive rocks:

● The five main intrusive types of RDA, RDF, RDX, RDXB, and RDXL

● Undefined intrusive rhyodacite (Isolated Intrusive)

● Mafic dike (MD)

● Sediment rocks (Mixed sediments – combined greywacke (GWK), shale (SHL), siltstone (SLT), and other sediments)

● Overburden.

A separate wireframe of oxide material was created based on logged oxidation in the drilling. The wireframe was used to flag the block model and used in final recovery calculations.

The Donlin deposits have been divided into nine geological domains as described in Table 11-1.

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**Table 11**-**1: Donlin Deposits Geological Domains**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Domain** | **Domain Name** | **Description** |
| 1 | ACMA | Dominated by a wide and compact sill sequence within a synclinal shale unit. Domain 1 is limited to the north by the Lo Fault and to the west by the ACMA Fault. The eastern and southern margins correspond to the edge of the Lower Vortex domain. |
| 2 | Lower Vortex | Dominated by the lower extension of the RDA dikes and the far eastern extension of the ACMA RDX and RDA sills. It is limited to the north by the Lo Fault. Arbitrary lateral boundaries were digitized on either side of the dike system to separate it from the Lewis domain on the south and east, and from the ACMA domain on the west. |
| 3 | Lewis | Dominated by a series of wide dikes that intersected the shale sequence and produced wide masses of sills. Domain 3 is limited to the west by the Lower Vortex and Vortex domains. |
| 4 | Vortex | Corresponds to the upper portion of the Vortex RDA dikes. It is limited to the south by the Lo Fault. Arbitrary lateral boundaries were digitized on either side of the dike system to separate it from the Akivik and Lewis domains. |
| 5 | Akivik | The upper faulted extension of the ACMA sill sequence and includes the RDXL dike. Domain 5 is limited to the south by the Lo Fault and to the west by the ACMA Fault. The eastern margin corresponds to the edge of the Vortex domain. |
| 6 | Tortured Block | Dominated by the ACMA sills that have been faulted into an indistinguishable mass of intrusive. It is limited to the north by the extension of the Lo Fault beyond the ACMA Fault (currently named the Hello Fault), to the west by the American Creek Fault, to the south by the Upper-Lo Fault, and to the east by the ACMA Fault. |
| 7 | Wedge Block | Dominated by the eastern extension of the ACMA domain RDA and RDXB sills. It is immediately south of the Tortured block below the Upper-Lo Fault. It is bound to the west by the American Creek Fault and to the east by the ACMA Fault. |
| 8 | 400 | Characterized by a series of sub-parallel sills that are the western extension of the ACMA/Tortured domains. Domain 8 is located above the Lo Fault between the ACMA Fault and American Creek Fault. |
| 9 | Aurora | Characterized by a series of sub-parallel sills that are the western extension of the ACMA/Tortured domains. Domain 9 is located below the Lo Fault and west of the ACMA and American Creek faults. |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**11.4** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Exploratory Data Analysis** 

The assay database contains over 270,000 samples of generally 2 m in length. The geological model wireframes were used to define exploratory data analysis (EDA) envelope.

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The box plot of raw gold assays shows that the average grade within the intrusive units is higher than the sedimentary units (Figure 11-1). Within the sedimentary units, the greywacke unit shows a higher average gold grade than the shale or silt units.

Gold estimation domains are defined by two major geological units defined by the geologic wireframes:

● Intrusive units including the mafic dike (RDX, RDXB, RDA, RDXL, RDF, MD)

● Mixed sediments (GWK, SHL, SLT).

Each gold estimation unit is further constrained by a grade shell generated by a gold probability model using a gold grade threshold of 0.25 g/t.

**Figure 11**-**1: Box Plot Raw Gold Assay by Rock Type**

![figure111.jpg](figure111.jpg)

Source: Wood 2025

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**11.5** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Density Assignment** 

Specific gravity (SG) data were gathered from the 1996–1997 and 2006–2019 drilling programs. As of December 31, 2024, a total of 15,780 SG measurements had been collected. After removing samples with obvious outliers, uncommon rock types, mafic dike and overburden samples, and samples outside the resource area, 13,195 samples remained. Table 11-2 summarizes the average SG values by rock type grouped by geologic domain.

A total 1,045 SG samples were measured for the mafic dike with an average SG of 2.73; however, a more conservative value of 2.65 was used to account for erratic units that were observed.

Blocks that were flagged as overburden in the block model were assigned an SG value of 2.14.

**Table 11**-**2: Specific Gravity by Rock Type**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Rock Type/Domain** | **No. of Samples** | **SG** |
| Intrusive Rocks |  |  |
| RDA | 1111 | 2.64 |
| RDF | 457 | 2.65 |
| RDX | 2059 | 2.66 |
| RDXB | 961 | 2.64 |
| RDXL | 384 | 2.64 |
| **Total/Average** | **4972** | **2.65** |
| ***Mixed Sediments*** |  |  |
| Greywacke | 5292 | 2.71 |
| Siltstone | 1429 | 2.72 |
| Shale | 1217 | 2.71 |
| Argillite | 285 | 2.75 |
| **Total/Average** | **8223** | **2.71** |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**11.6** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Grade Capping/Outlier Restrictions** 

Raw assays in the database were examined for the presence of local high-grade outliers, and overall grade distributions were used to establish capping values. The raw assay data were grouped by rock type, and capping values for gold were determined for each major rock type (Table 11-3). Individual frequency distribution plots were generated to determine the appropriate grade cap for each rock type. Capping was applied to all raw gold assays prior to compositing. Total sulfur, arsenic, mercury, and antimony assays were not capped.

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**Table 11**-**3: Capping Analysis for Gold**

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| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  |  |  | **Uncapped** | **Uncapped** | **Capped** | **Capped** |  |
| **Rock Type** | **Capped Grade**<br> **(g/t)** | **No. of Capped**<br> **Samples** | **Mean (g/t)** | **CV** | **Mean (g/t)** | **CV** | **Metal Loss**<br> **(%)** |
| Greywacke | 25 | 299 | 0.47 | 5.33 | 0.45 | 4.39 | 5.31 |
| Shale/argillite | 30 | 19 | 0.21 | 11.84 | 0.19 | 6.04 | 8.32 |
| Siltstone | 20 | 59 | 0.24 | 9.75 | 0.21 | 5.17 | 13.35 |
| Mafic dike | 30 | 58 | 1.01 | 6.40 | 0.78 | 3.30 | 22.54 |
| RDA | 20 | 76 | 1.82 | 1.69 | 1.80 | 1.57 | 1.39 |
| RDF | 16 | 36 | 1.37 | 2.19 | 1.32 | 1.65 | 4.19 |
| RDX | 30 | 74 | 1.40 | 2.33 | 1.38 | 2.12 | 1.36 |
| RDXB | 28 | 46 | 1.52 | 2.25 | 1.49 | 1.97 | 1.75 |
| RDXL | 10 | 69 | 1.37 | 1.55 | 1.33 | 1.37 | 2.75 |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**11.7** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Composites** 

Assay intervals were composited to a length of 6 m for gold, sulfur, arsenic, antimony, mercury, magnesium, calcium, carbonate and neutralization potential (NP). The composites were not broken at intrusive or sedimentary boundaries. Only core holes and RC holes were composited for estimation. Composites were back flagged with lithology using the geologic model (see Section 11.2).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**11.8** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Block Model Set Up** 

The block model parent size is 6 m (X) x 6 m (Y) x 6 m (Z). The block model was not rotated. The model extends beyond mineralization in the east, west, and south directions. Although mineralization is known to extend to the north at depth, the block model is terminated in the north and at depth to define a reasonable area for potential extraction. Block model definition parameters are summarized in Table 11-4.

**Table 11**-**4: Block Model Set Up**

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Parmeter** | **Easting** | **Northing** | **Elevation** |
| Minimum | 539,000 | 6,877,000 | -716 |
| Offset | 4,320 | 4,008 | 1,158 |
| Block size | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Number of blocks | 720 | 668 | 193 |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**11.9** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Indicator Estimation** 

Separate indicator models were estimated for gold and sulfur using inverse distance squared (ID2) to identify areas of higher grade. An indicator value of 0 or 1 was assigned to the composites using a cut-off value of 0.25 g/t for gold and 0.50% for sulfur. Intrusive and sedimentary blocks were modeled separately. Composites flagged as intrusives were estimated for intrusive blocks and composites flagged as sediments were estimated for sediment blocks using two estimation passes and the estimation parameters summarized in Table 11-5. Search ellipsoids follow an orientation previously identified through structural orientations of veins in core holes and confirmed with directional gold correlograms. The only sample criteria that changes with each pass is the number of holes required to estimate blocks.

A probability threshold of 0.5 was selected to separate blocks that have a high confidence of containing grades greater than 0.25 g/t Au and 0.5% S, creating a mineralized envelope for grade estimation within the intrusives and sediments.

**Table 11**-**5: Indicator Estimation Parameters**

---

| | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Search Distance (m)** | **Search Distance (m)** | **Search Distance (m)** | **Search Rotation** | **Search Rotation** | **Search Rotation** | **Sample Selection** | **Sample Selection** | **Sample Selection** |
| **Pass** | **Major** | **Semi-Major** | **Minor** | **Bearing (Z)** | **Plunge (X)** | **Dip (Y)** | **Min** | **Max** | **Max/Hole** |
| 1 | 175 | 175 | 100 | 24 | - | -68 | 6 | 13 | 2 |
| 2 | 175 | 175 | 100 | 24 | - | -68 | 4 | 13 | 2 |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**11.10** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Estimation Methods** 

Gold grades were estimated using inverse distance to the third power (ID3) methodology for blocks inside and outside the mineralized envelopes defined by the indicator model for the intrusives and the sediments. Interpolation was conducted with five passes with increasing search distances with each pass. The first pass used a "box search" with a search range equal to the dimensions of a single block. The range was increased for each successive pass, requiring at least two holes to estimate a block in passes 2 to 4. Search ellipse distances and sample weights were adjusted based on an anisotropic correlogram model developed for the indicator estimation. Pass 5 only required a single composite to be estimated with up to three from holes within close proximity to the block (Table 11-6).

Sulfur grades were estimated using the same method and parameters as for the gold grade estimation. Sulfur data are less extensive than gold data; therefore, sulfur was not estimated for a number of blocks during estimation runs due to a lack of support. Regression formulae were used to assign sulfur values to unestimated blocks based on the estimated gold grade. Where gold was not estimated, a value of 0.001 g/t Au was assumed for the calculation. The formulae used to assign unestimated sulfur blocks are summarized in Table 11-7.

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Arsenic, mercury, and antimony grades were estimated using methods and parameters similar to those for the gold grade estimation. Data available for arsenic, mercury, and antimony are much less extensive than the data availability for gold and sulfur. Regression curves were derived from the relationship between gold and each of these elements for each of the major rock types. The regression formulae were then used to assign arsenic, mercury, and antimony values to non-estimated blocks based on the estimated gold grade. Where gold grade was not estimated, a value of 0.001 g/t Au was assumed for the calculation.

**Table 11**-**6: Grade Estimation Parameters**

---

| | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Search Distance (m)** | **Search Distance (m)** | **Search Distance (m)** | **Search Rotation** | **Search Rotation** | **Search Rotation** | **Sample Selection** | **Sample Selection** | **Sample Selection** |
| **Pass** | **Major** | **Semi-Major** | **Minor** | **Bearing (Z)** | **Plunge (X)** | **Dip (Y)** | **Min** | **Max** | **Max/Hole** |
| 1 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 90 | - | - | 1 | 99 | 99 |
| 2 | 75 | 75 | 15 | 24 | - | -68 | 2 | 3 | 1 |
| 3 | 75 | 75 | 30 | 24 | - | -68 | 2 | 3 | 1 |
| 4 | 125 | 125 | 55 | 24 | - | -68 | 2 | 3 | 1 |
| 5 | 30 | 30 | 10 | 24 | - | -68 | 1 | 3 | 1 |

---

**Table 11**-**7: Sulfur Regression Formulae**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Rock Type** | **Regression Formula** |
| RDA | S = 0.7382 x Au^0.2293 |
| RDF | S = 1.0686 x Au^0.2568 |
| RDX | S = 0.8616 x Au^0.3594 |
| RDXB | S = 0.7571 x Au^0.3502 |
| RDXL | S = 0.7744 x Au^0.2762 |
| Isolated intrusives | S = 0.9738 x Au^0.3623 |
| Mafic dike | S = 0.9489 x Au^0.3278 |
| Mixed sediments | S = 0.9663 x Au^0.4015 |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**11.11** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Classification of Waste Rock Management Categories** 

Additional variables were included in the block model to aid with the geochemical classification of waste rock, based on ongoing waste rock characterization studies.

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Acid potential (AP) was calculated from the estimated total sulfur concentration (S) where:

*AP = 31.25 x S (%)*

Neutralization potential (NP) from carbonate minerals (NP<sub>CO3</sub>) was calculated from:

*NP<sub>CO3</sub> = 0.85 x NP + 3.4*

where by:

*If NP* ≤ *22.7 kg CaCO<sub>3</sub>/t: NP<sub>CO3</sub> = NP*

*If NP > 22.7 kg CaCO<sub>3</sub>/t: NP<sub>CO3</sub> = 0.85 x NP + 3.4*

The calculated variables NP<sub>CO3</sub> and AP were used to calculate acid rock drainage (ARD) potential using the ratio:

*ARD = NP<sub>CO3</sub>/AP*

Blocks were classified into seven waste rock management categories (Table 11-8) subdivided into potentially acid generating (PAG) and non-acid generating (NAG) groups, based on their ARD potential.

The estimated arsenic and sulfur values were used to calculate the ratio of arsenic to sulfur (As/S) for each block. During the process, arsenic leaching was recognized as being ubiquitous throughout the deposit.

**Table 11**-**8: Waste Rock Management Categories**

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Category** | **PAG/NAG** | **Category Description** | **NP<sub>CO3</sub>/AP Range** |
| 1 | N/A | N/A | - |
| 2 | NAG | Very unlikely to generate ARD and potentially significant arsenic leaching | NP<sub>CO3</sub>/AP >2 |
| 3 | N/A | N/A | - |
| 4 | NAG | Unlikely to generate ARD and potentially significant arsenic leaching | 1.3 < NP<sub>CO3</sub>/AP ≤2 |
| 5 | PAG | Very long delays (several decades) to the onset of ARD | 1.0 < NP<sub>CO3</sub>/AP ≤1.3 |
| 6 | PAG | During LOM (possibly less than a decade) | 0.2 < NP<sub>CO3</sub>/AP ≤1.0 |
| 7 | PAG | Shorter delays to the onset of ARD (less than a few years) | NP<sub>CO3</sub>/AP ≤0.2 |

---

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**11.12** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Validation** 

A nearest neighbor (NN) model was generated during the estimation process and used for validation purposes.

The estimated block model gold grades were compared visually against drill holes and composites in section and plan view. Figure 11-2 and Figure 11-3 show section views and plan views of the estimated block grade for the Measured and Indicated blocks with the input 6 m gold composite grades. Overall, the estimated gold grades match well with the composite database gold values.

Box plots and summary statistics comparing the estimated gold block grades (Au ID3) and the declustered composites represented by the NN gold grades (Au NN) by estimation domains are shown in Figure 11-4 and Table 11-9. Mean values of the estimated gold and the declustered gold by estimation domains show good agreement.

Figure 11-5 shows swath plots of the gold grade profiles of the Measured and Indicated estimated blocks and the NN model along the easting, northing, and elevation directions. Swath plots show good grade profile agreements between the estimated gold grades and the declustered composite (NN) grades with no local estimation bias observed.

The relative degree of smoothing in the block estimates was evaluated using the Hermitian Polynomial Change of Support (HERCO) method, also known as the Discrete Gaussian Correction. A set of well-supported blocks (Measured and Indicated) inside the Mineral Resource pit was selected for the HERCO calculation using the 6 x 6 x 6 m and 12 x 12 x 6 m block models. Figure 11-6 shows HERCO grade-tonnage curves illustrating that the estimated model is under-smoothed at 0.5 g/t Au cut-off, slightly above the breakeven cut-off of 0.47 g/t Au for the 6 x 6 x 6 m block model. Figure 11-7 shows HERCO grade-tonnage curves illustrating that the estimated model is under-smoothed at 0.5 g/t Au, slightly above the breakeven cut-off of 0.47 g/t Au, for the 12 x 12 x 6 m model within an acceptable limit for the tonnes and above the acceptable limit for the grade.

Additional dilution was applied to the 12 x 12 x 6 m block model for mine planning and Mineral Reserve estimation that accounts for a mix of in-situ and contact dilution, and mineralization loss. This process adds additional dilution, which offsets the under-smoothed re-blocked 12 x 12 x 6 m Mineral Resource model.

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| ![logohdr.jpg](logohdr.jpg) | Donlin Gold Project<br> Alaska, USA |
|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

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**Figure 11**-**2: Section View Maps Showing the Estimated Gold Grades and Composite Au Grades for Measured and Indicated Blocks,** ±**20 m**

---

| |
|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ![figure1121.jpg](figure1121.jpg) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ![figure1122.jpg](figure1122.jpg) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ![figure1123.jpg](figure1123.jpg) |

---

Source: Wood, 2025

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| ![logohdr.jpg](logohdr.jpg) | Donlin Gold Project<br> Alaska, USA |
|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

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**Figure 11**-**3: Plan View Maps Showing the Estimated Gold Grades and Composite Au Grades for Measured and Indicated Blocks, 0m Elevation** ±**20 m**

![figure1131.jpg](figure1131.jpg)

Source: Wood, 2025

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|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

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**Figure 11**-**4: Box Plots of Au ID3 and Au NN by Estimation Domain**

![figure114.jpg](figure114.jpg)

Source: Wood, 2025

**Table 11**-**9: Summary Statistics of Gold ID3 and NN**

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Estimation Type** | **Classification**<br> **Category** | **No. Samples** | **Min**<br> **(g/t)** | **Max**<br> **(g/t)** | **Mean**<br> **(g/t)** | **CV** |
| ***Sedimentary Rock*** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Au ID3 | MI+I | 3633168 | 0.00 | 24.07 | 0.27 | 3.66 |
| Au NN | MI+I | 3631710 | 0.00 | 26.00 | 0.27 | 4.11 |
| Au ID3 | M+I | 2054567 | 0.00 | 24.07 | 0.35 | 3.60 |
| Au NN | M+I | 2054019 | 0.00 | 26.00 | 0.36 | 3.62 |
| ***RDI Intrusive Rock*** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Au ID3 | MI+I | 1482804 | 0.00 | 28.59 | 1.27 | 1.38 |
| Au NN | MI+I | 1482493 | 0.00 | 28.59 | 1.26 | 1.62 |
| Au ID3 | M+I | 1147611 | 0.00 | 28.59 | 1.46 | 1.24 |
| Au NN | M+I | 1147388 | 0.00 | 28.59 | 1.46 | 1.46 |

---

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|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

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**Figure 11**-**5: Gold Swath Plots**

![figure1151.jpg](figure1151.jpg)

![figure1152.jpg](figure1152.jpg)

![figure1153.jpg](figure1153.jpg)

Source: Wood, 2025

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|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

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**Figure 11**-**6: HERCO Change of Support Grade-Tonnage Plots**

![figure116.jpg](figure116.jpg)

Source: Wood, 2025

**Figure 11**-**7: 12 x 12 x 6 m Block-HERCO Change of Support Grade-Tonnage Plots**

![figure117.jpg](figure117.jpg)

Source: Wood (2025)

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|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**11.13** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Classification** 

Mineral Resource classification criteria include the distance to the nearest composite as well as the number of drill holes used to estimate a block and the block indicator values (see Table 11-10).

Measured Mineral Resources were classified in four areas of closely spaced drilled zones, conducted in 2021 and 2022. The areas were drilled at grid distances of 20 x 20 m with some infill grids of 10 x 10 m. Wireframe solids were created around the grids and were used to flag the block model in the Measured category.

Indicated Mineral Resources were classified for blocks where the distance to the closest composite equates to the range of approximately 85% of the variance of the omni-directional indicator correlogram model, or 30 m.

Inferred Mineral Resources were classified for blocks where the distance to the closest composite equates to the range of approximately 90% of the variance of the omni-directional indicator correlogram model, or 60 m.

Additional drilling since 2010 confirmed longer ranges within the intrusive rocks and has confirmed more consistent sediment mineralization which is reflected by the indicator block conditions.

**Table 11**-**10: Mineral Resource Classification**

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Classification Category** | **Min. Distance**<br> **to Composite**<br> **(m)** | **Max. Distance**<br> **to Nearest Composite**<br> **(m)** | **Min. No. of**<br> **Drill Holes** | **Indicator Block**<br> **Condition Criteria** |
| ***All*** |  |  |  |  |
| Measured | Wireframe solids around four 10-20 m grids | Wireframe solids around four 10-20 m grids | Wireframe solids around four 10-20 m grids |  |
| ***Intrusive or Mafic Dike*** |  |  |  |  |
| Indicated | - | 30 | ≥2 | ≥0.0 |
| Indicated | 30 | 50 | ≥2 | ≥0.5 |
| Inferred | 30 | 50 | ≥2 | ≥0.0 & <0.5 |
| Inferred | 50 | 65 | ≥2 | ≥0.5 |
| ***Sediments*** |  |  |  |  |
| Indicated | - | 30 | ≥2 | ≥0.0 |
| Indicated | 30 | 45 | ≥2 | ≥0.6 |
| Inferred | 30 | 45 | ≥2 | ≥0.0 & <0.6 |
| Inferred | 45 | 60 | ≥2 | ≥0.6 |

---

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| ![logohdr.jpg](logohdr.jpg) | Donlin Gold Project<br> Alaska, USA |
|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**11.13.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Uncertainties Considered During Confidence Classification** 

The confidence classification assigned to each category of Mineral Resource considers uncertainties to the factors associated with the interpretation of the continuity of geology and grade between drill intercepts, errors introduced during sampling and analysis, and assumptions regarding metallurgical recoveries and their variability.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**11.14** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Reasonable Prospects for Eventual Economic Extraction** 

To determine reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction, a Mineral Resource pit optimization analysis was performed using the Lerchs-Grossman (LG) algorithm provided in GEOVIA Whittle software. The analysis used the economic parameters summarized in Table 11-11. Only gold was used for the optimization. All costs were based on the 2021 mining study and escalated to 2025 pricing.

Gold recovery values are based on work completed for the Project. Metallurgical recoveries for unoxidized ores are quoted as a constant for each intrusive rock type, whereas recoveries for sediments used a weighted average of mixed sediments recovery for greywacke (88.22%) and shale (86.66%). Oxide ore recoveries vary with sulfur grade. The recoveries applied in pit optimization are listed in Table 15–4.

**Table 11**-**11: Mineral Resource Pit Optimization Parameters**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Economic Parameters** | **Unit** | **Value** |
| Gold price forecast | $/oz | 2400 |
| Reference mining elevation | masl | 220.0 |
| Base mining operating cost | $/t mined | 2.68 |
| Uphill incremental mining cost | $/t mined/m | 0.0041 |
| Mining sustaining cost | $/t mined | 0.41 |
| Range of process recoveries | % | 29.4-94.2(see Table 15–4) |
| Process operating cost | $/t processed | 20.01 |
| Process sustaining cost | $/t processed | 2.14 |
| G&A cost | $/t processed | 4.57 |
| Stockpile reclaim cost | $/t processed | 0.30 |
| Reclaim percentage | % | 45.0 |
| Refining recovery | % | 99.9 |
| Selling costs<sup>1</sup> | $/oz recovered | 1.71 |
| NSR royalty | %NSR | 4.5 |
| Production royalty | $/t processed | 0.50 |
| Pit slope angle | degrees | 22–47 (see Table 15–5 to Table 15–7) |

---

Note: (1) Selling costs include refining, freight and marketing costs

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|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

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The long-term gold price forecast was applied to the 24-year expected mine life over which those Mineral Resources would be produced. This long-term forecast price is based on a combination of gold price information derived from financial institution reports, from pricing used in technical reports filed on SEDAR+ with Canadian regulatory authorities over the previous 12-month period, from pricing reported by major mining companies in public filings such as their annual reports in the previous 12-month period, spot pricing, and three-year trailing average pricing. From this assessment the Wood QP considers industry consensus on a long-term price forecast on Mineral Reserves and cash flow of $2,100/oz gold is reasonable. In accordance with industry-accepted practice, a higher gold price of $2,400/oz is used for Mineral Resources than what is used for Mineral Reserves. This gold price forecast represents a 15% increase on the gold price used for Mineral Reserves, which attempts to ensure that the Mineral Reserves are a subset of the Mineral Resources.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**11.14.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Cut-off Determination** 

The net smelter return (NSR) and block value per tonne (VPT) are calculated using the following expressions:

*NSR ($/t) = [(Au grade) x (processing recovery) x (refining recovery) x*<br> *(Au price* – *selling costs) x (100%* – *NSR royalty)]* – *(production royalty)*

*VPT ($/t) = NSR* – *(mining costs<sup>1</sup> + processing costs<sup>2</sup> + G&A cost + stockpile reclaim cost<sup>3</sup>)*

Note: (1) Mining costs include base, incremental, and sustaining costs<br> (2) Processing costs include operating and sustaining costs<br> (3) Stockpile reclaim cost is affected by the reclaim percentage assumed

Blocks contained inside the Mineral Resource pit shell with a marginal block value (NSR > processing costs + G&A cost + stockpile reclaim cost) were considered as having reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction assuming open pit mining methods. The marginal NSR cut-off value of $26.86/t is applied at the pit rim to determine whether the material is sent to the process plant or the WRF. The mining costs have already been considered in the pit optimization process.

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|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**11.15** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Mineral Resource Statement** 

Mineral Resources exclusive of Mineral Reserves are summarized in Table 11-12 and Mineral Resources inclusive of Mineral Reserves are summarized in Table 11-13. Mineral Resources are defined using a marginal NSR cut-off value of $26.86/t assuming open pit mining methods and are classified in accordance with the definitions in S-K 1300. NOVAGOLD's attributable interest in the Mineral Resources is 60% of the tonnage and contained gold stated in the tables. The point of reference for the Mineral Resource estimate is in situ.

The Wood QP has a reasonable expectation that the majority of Inferred Mineral Resources could be updated to Indicated or Measured Mineral Resources with continued exploration.

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| ![logohdr.jpg](logohdr.jpg) | Donlin Gold Project<br> Alaska, USA |
|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

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**Table 11**-**12: Mineral Resources Statement Exclusive of Mineral Reserves**

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Category** | **Tonnage**<br> **(kt)** | **Au Grade**<br> **(g/t)** | **Contained Au**<br> **(koz)** | **S Grade**<br> **(%)** |
| Measured | 1432 | 1.18 | 54 | 1.05 |
| Indicated | 175224 | 1.32 | 7439 | 1.00 |
| **Total Measured and Indicated** | **176656** | **1.32** | **7493** | **1.00** |
| Inferred | 74426 | 1.87 | 4483 | 1.06 |

---

Note: (1) The Mineral Resource estimate is current as of 30 November 2025. A Wood QP is responsible for the Mineral Resource estimate.

(2) Mineral Resources are prepared in accordance with the definitions of S-K 1300.

(3) Mineral Resources are exclusive of Mineral Reserves.

(4) The cut-off date for the sample database used in the Mineral Resource estimate is 31 December 2024. However, more recent drilling data up to 30 November 2025 was used to validate the Mineral Resource model as remaining current.

(5) Mineral Resources are constrained within a pit shell using the following assumptions: gold price of $2,400/oz; reference mining cost of $2.68/t mined incremented $0.0041/t mined/m with depth from the 220 m elevation (equates to an average mining cost of $3.23/t mined); mining sustaining cost of $0.41/t mined; variable metallurgical recoveries by rock type and geological domain, ranging from 29.4% in oxide to 94.17% in intrusive rocks in the Akivik domain; process operating cost of $20.01/t processed; process sustaining cost of $2.14/t processed; G&A cost of $4.57/t processed; stockpile reclaim cost of $0.30/t processed assuming a reclaim percentage of 45%; refining recovery of 99.9%; selling cost of $1.71/oz gold; royalty considerations of 4.5% NSR and $0.50/t processed; and variable pit slope angles, ranging from 22 to 47º.

(6) The timeframe over which the gold price and operating costs is 24 years which is the expected timeframe over which the Mineral Resources will be mined. The long term forecast gold price for Mineral Resources is based on industry consensus and is 15% higher than the price used for the Mineral Reserves to ensure the Mineral Reserves are a subset of the Mineral Resources.

(7) The NSR value for each block is determined using the gold grade, processing and refining recoveries, gold price, selling costs, and royalties.

(8) Mineral Resources are reported using a marginal NSR cut-off value of $26.86/t based on a total process cost of $22.15/t processed, G&A operating cost of $4.57/t processed, and a stockpile reclaim cost of $0.30/t processed assuming a reclaim percentage of 45%.

(9) The average LOM process recovery for Mineral Resources is 89.8%.

(10) Sulfur is not an economic contributor to the Project; however, it does impact the POX process.

(11) Tonnage and grade measurements are in metric units. Contained gold ounces are reported as troy ounces.

(12) Rounding may result in apparent summation differences between tonnes, grade, and contained metal content.

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| ![logohdr.jpg](logohdr.jpg) | Donlin Gold Project<br> Alaska, USA |
|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

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**Table 11**-**13: Mineral Resources Statement Inclusive of Mineral Reserves**

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Category** | **Tonnage**<br> **(kt)** | **Au Grade**<br> **(g/t)** | **Contained Au**<br> **(koz)** | **S Grade**<br> **(%)** |
| Measured | 9243 | 2.67 | 793 | 1.25 |
| Indicated | 550727 | 2.21 | 39195 | 1.12 |
| **Total Measured and Indicated** | **559970** | **2.22** | **39988** | **1.12** |
| Inferred | 88886 | 2.03 | 5812 | 1.09 |

---

Note: (1) The Mineral Resource estimate is current as of 30 November 2025. A Wood QP is responsible for the preparation of the Mineral Resource.

(2) Mineral Resources are prepared in accordance with definitions in S-K 1300.

(3) Mineral Resources are inclusive of Mineral Reserves.

(4) The cut-off date for the sample database used in the Mineral Resource estimate is 31 December 2024. However, more recent drilling data up to 30 November 2025 was used to validate the Mineral Resource model as remaining current.

(5) Mineral Resources are constrained within a pit shell using the following assumptions: gold price of $2,400/oz; reference mining cost of $2.68/t mined incremented $0.0041/t mined/m with depth from the 220 m elevation (equates to an average mining cost of $3.23/t mined); mining sustaining cost of $0.41/t mined; variable metallurgical recoveries by rock type and geological domain, ranging from 29.4% in oxide to 94.2% in intrusive rocks in the Akivik domain; process operating cost of $20.01/t processed; process sustaining cost of $2.14/t processed; G&A cost of $4.57/t processed; stockpile reclaim cost of $0.30/t processed assuming a reclaim percentage of 45%; refining recovery of 99.9%; selling cost of $1.71/oz gold; royalty considerations of 4.5% NSR and $0.50/t processed; and variable pit slope angles, ranging from 22 to 47º.

(6) The timeframe over which the gold price and operating costs is 24 years which is the expected timeframe over which the Mineral Resources will be mined. The long term forecast gold price for Mineral Resources is based on industry consensus and is 15% higher than the price used for the Mineral Reserves to ensure the Mineral Reserves are a subset of the Mineral Resources.

(7) The NSR value for each block is determined using the gold grade, processing and refining recoveries, gold price, selling costs, and royalties.

(8) Mineral Resources are reported using a marginal NSR cut-off value of $26.86/t based on a total process cost of $22.15/t processed, G&A operating cost of $4.57/t processed, and a stockpile reclaim cost of $0.30/t processed assuming a reclaim percentage of 45%.

(9) The average LOM process recovery for Mineral Resources is 89.8%.

(10) Sulfur is not an economic contributor to the Project; however, it does impact the POX process.

(11) Tonnage and grade measurements are in metric units. Contained gold ounces are reported as troy ounces.

(12) Rounding may result in apparent summation differences between tonnes, grade, and contained metal content.

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|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**11.16** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Factors that May Affect the Mineral Resource Estimate** 

Factors that may affect the Mineral Resource estimates include:

● Changes to the assumed gold price

● Changes to the assumed metallurgical recoveries

● Changes to the pit slope angles and geotechnical characteristics of the rock mass

● Changes to the assumptions used to generate the resource cut-off

● Changes to the gold threshold for defining the indicator mineralized shells

● Changes in interpretations of fault geometry, in particular the Vortex and Lo faults

● Changes to the search orientations used for grade estimation

● Changes to the geological model; in general, all geological models are a simplified presentation of what occurs in nature. With more data, the geological models reflect more of the actual complexity of the deposit

● Changes to the Mineral Resource classification criteria.

In the opinion of the Wood QP, all issues relating to all relevant technical and economic factors likely to influence the prospect of economic extraction can be resolved with further work.

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|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**12.0** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **MINERAL RESERVE ESTIMATES** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**12.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Modifying Factors** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**12.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Summary** 

Mineral Reserves are optimized for all Measured and Indicated blocks assuming a gold price forecast of $2,100/oz. Mineral Reserves include dilution based on the block model, which identified blocks amenable to bulk mining (12 m high benches) and selective mining (6 m high benches). Economic parameters for Mineral Reserves are summarized in Table 12-1. All costs were based on the pre-feasibility study and escalated to 2025 pricing.

The Mineral Reserve pit shell is constrained in the northwestern part of the ACMA mining area to prevent it from encroaching on Crooked Creek, which is a salmon-bearing stream.

**Table 12**-**1: Mineral Reserve Pit Optimization Parameters**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Economic Parameters** | **Unit** | **Value** |
| Gold price forecast | $/oz | 2100 |
| Reference mining elevation | masl | 220.0 |
| Base mining operating cost | $/t mined | 2.68 |
| Uphill incremental mining cost | $/t mined/m | 0.0041 |
| Mining sustaining cost | $/t mined | 0.41 |
| Range of process recoveries | % | 29.4-94.2 (see Table 12-4) |
| Process operating cost | $/t processed | 20.01 |
| Process sustaining cost | $/t processed | 2.14 |
| G&A cost | $/t processed | 4.57 |
| Stockpile reclaim cost | $/t processed | 0.30 |
| Reclaim percentage | % | 45.0 |
| Refining recovery | % | 99.9 |
| Selling costs<sup>1</sup> | $/oz recovered | 1.71 |
| NSR royalty | %NSR | 4.5 |
| Production royalty | $/t processed | 0.50 |
| Pit slope angle | degrees | 22–47 (see Table 12-5 to Table 12-7) |

---

Note: (1) Selling costs include refining, freight and marketing costs.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**12.1.2** **Dilution and Mine Loss** 

The Mineral Resources for the Project were reported on an undiluted basis. To determine Mineral Reserves, dilution was applied to the Mineral Resource model through re-blocking. The original 6 m x 6 m x 6 m Mineral Resource model was re-blocked to a 12 m x 12 m x 6 m model on a regular grid, blending all material. Measured and Indicated material retained its grade, while Inferred material was assigned a gold grade of 0 g/t.

An elevated cut-off grade was applied to limit the impacts of dilution and prevent exceeding the capacity of the TSF.

Further re-blocking was completed on the 12 m x 12 m x 6 m model to a hybrid 6 m/12 m bench height model following an evaluation on bulk mining (12 m bench) versus selective mining (6 m bench). Table 12-2 shows the distribution of mined material of the two mining methods.

**Table 12**-**2: Bulk vs. Selective Mining**

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Mining Method** | **Bench Height**<br> **(m)** | **Ore Tonnes**<br> **(kt)** | **Waste Tonnes**<br> **(kt)** |
| Bulk | 12 | 446,766 | 3,192,442 |
| Selective | 6 | 58,942 | 105,340 |

---

Bulk mining reduces average operating costs throughout the LOM; however, it also adds further dilution and mine losses.

A summary of dilution and mine losses is shown in Table 12-3. Mine losses include:

● isolated blocks that are above cut-off undiluted but below cut-off when diluted

● material remaining in the stockpile (due to TSF capacity constraints).

Mine dilution includes:

● Measured and Indicated material below cut-off that is mined with the blocks above cut-off. This diluting material retains its grade

● Inferred material that is mined with blocks above cut-off. This diluting material is taken at zero grade

This total mine loss accounts for 18.5% of potential mill feed tonnes, or 10.5% of potential mill feed ounces. Total dilution is 29% at 0.15 g/t gold of total mill feed tonnes. Figure 12-1 and Figure 12-2 shows the same information graphically. Estimating dilution and mine loss through re-blocking is a conservative approach. Alternative approaches may result in reduced dilution.

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|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

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**Table 12**-**3: Summary of Dilution and Mine Losses**

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Item** | **Material**<br> **(kt)** | **Au**<br> **(g/t)** | **Au**<br> **(koz)** | **S**<br> **(%)** |
| Undiluted M&I above cut-off | 439434 | 2.54 | 35820 | 1.16 |
| Isolated M&I blocks (loss) | (82217) | 1.41 | (3735) | 1.03 |
| M&I below cut-off dilution | 90600 | 0.25 | 737 | 0.82 |
| Inferred dilution | 57891 | 0.00 | 0 | 0.88 |
| Total dilution | 148492 | 0.15 | 737 | 0.84 |
| Mined for mill feed | 505708 | 2.02 | 32822 | 1.09 |
| Remaining in stockpile (loss) | (897) | 0.85 | (25) | 0.88 |
| **Mineral Reserves** | **504811** | **2.02** | **32797** | **1.09** |

---

Note: M&I = Measured and Indicated blocks. Figures may not sum due to rounding.

**Figure 12**-**1: Dilution and Mine Loss (Material Tonnage)**

![figure121.jpg](figure121.jpg)

Source: Wood, 2025

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|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

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**Figure 12**-**2: Dilution and Mine Loss (Metal Content)**

![figure122.jpg](figure122.jpg)

Source: Wood, 2025

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**12.1.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Metallurgical Recovery** 

Gold recovery values are based on metallurgical testwork completed for the Project. Metallurgical recoveries for unoxidized ores are quoted as a constant for each intrusive rock type, whereas recoveries for sediments used a weighted average of mixed sediments recovery for greywacke (88.22%) and shale (86.66%). Oxide ore recoveries vary with sulfur grade. The recoveries applied in pit optimization are listed in Table 12-4.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**12.1.4** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Gold Price Forecast** 

The long-term gold price forecast was applied to the 27-year expected mine life over which those Mineral Reserves would be produced. This long-term forecast price is based on a combination of gold price information derived from financial institution reports, from pricing used in technical reports filed in the public domain over the previous 12-month period, from pricing reported by major mining companies in public filings such as their annual reports in the previous 12-month period, spot pricing, and three-year trailing average pricing. From this assessment the Wood QP considers industry consensus on a long-term price forecast on Mineral Reserves and cash flow of $2,100/oz gold is reasonable.

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|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

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**Table 12**-**4: Pit Optimization Process Recoveries**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Rock Type** | **Geological**<br> **Domain** | **Au Recovery**<br> **(%)** |
| ***Unoxidized Ores*** |  |  |
| Intrusive | Akivik | 94.17 |
| Intrusive | 400 | 93.55 |
| Intrusive | ACMA | 93.05 |
| Intrusive | Aurora | 93.61 |
| Intrusive | Vortex | 91.82 |
| Intrusive | Lewis | 91.52 |
| Intrusive | Tortured<sup>1</sup> | 93.05 |
| Intrusive | Wedge<sup>1</sup> | 93.05 |
| Mixed sediments<sup>2</sup> | All | (0.80 x 88.22) + (0.20 x 86.66) |
| ***Oxide/Weathered Ores*** |  |  |
| Oxide/weathered rocks - S >1.8% |  | 87.90 |
| Oxide/weathered rocks - S ≤1.8% |  | [(8.7361 x S<sup>3</sup>) – (49.806 x S<sup>2</sup>) + (95.233 x S + 30.004)] x 0.966 |

---

Note: (1) Recoveries for Tortured and Wedge intrusives adopt the ACMA recovery

(2) Mixed sediments recovery estimated assuming 80% greywacke and 20% shale

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**12.1.5** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Pit Slopes** 

Geotechnical domains, design sectors, slope angles, and associated assumptions were provided by BGC Engineering Inc. (BGC) (2023c). BGC's inter-ramp slope angles were reduced for each design sector in each of the geotechnical domains to flatten the pit shell allowing for haulage ramps to be included in the mine design. Slope angle reductions were based on the haulage ramp width, the number of times a haulage ramp traversed a design sector, geotechnical berms, and the overall slope height of the sector.

Certain slope angles were further adjusted to smooth the transition to an adjacent design sector. This enabled the LG software to generate structural arcs in cases where the slope angles contrasted sharply in "narrow" design sectors. The slope angles were either increased or decreased to enable the generation of arcs while attempting to preserve slope steepness. The slope angles used in the pit optimizations are shown in Table 12-5 to Table 12-7.

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|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

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**Table 12**-**5: Pit Optimization Slopes** – **Weathered/Oxidized**

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Domain** | **BGC Design**<br> **Sector Start** | **BGC Design**<br> **Sector End** | **Whittle**™<br> **Bearing** | **BGC**<br> **Slope Angle** | **Reduced**<br> **Slope Angle** | **Whittle**™<br> **Transition Adjusted** |
| Lewis | 348 | 57 | 22.5 | 27 | 27 | 27 |
|  | 57 | 110 | 83.5 | 33 | 33 | 33 |
|  | 110 | 171 | 140.5 | 39 | 39 | 39 |
|  | 171 | 244 | 207.5 | 35 | 35 | 35 |
|  | 244 | 305 | 274.5 | 41 | 41 | 41 |
|  | 305 | 348 | 326.5 | 35 | 35 | 35 |
| Lewis Steep | 333 | 68 | 20.5 | 34 | 34 | 34 |
|  | 68 | 180 | 124.0 | 37 | 37 | 37 |
|  | 180 | 241 | 210.5 | 40 | 40 | 40 |
|  | 241 | 285 | 263.0 | 40 | 40 | 40 |
|  | 285 | 333 | 309.0 | 37 | 37 | 37 |
| North Limb | 337 | 42 | 9.5 | 33 | 33 | 33 |
|  | 42 | 98 | 70.0 | 35 | 35 | 35 |
|  | 98 | 150 | 124.0 | 36 | 28 | 28 |
|  | 150 | 184 | 167.0 | 38 | 38 | 35 |
|  | 184 | 242 | 213.0 | 40 | 40 | 40 |
|  | 242 | 302 | 272.0 | 38 | 38 | 38 |
|  | 302 | 337 | 319.5 | 37 | 37 | 37 |
| North | 0 | 60 | 30.0 | 40 | 40 | 40 |
| Dipping | 60 | 107 | 83.5 | 39 | 39 | 30 |
| Syncline | 107 | 154 | 130.5 | 27 | 21 | 22 |
|  | 154 | 187 | 170.5 | 27 | 27 | 27 |
|  | 187 | 247 | 217.0 | 26 | 26 | 26 |
|  | 247 | 305 | 276.0 | 35 | 35 | 35 |
|  | 305 | 0 | 332.5 | 40 | 40 | 40 |
| South | 359 | 29 | 14.0 | 33 | 33 | 31 |
| Dipping | 29 | 77 | 53.0 | 28 | 28 | 28 |
|  | 77 | 153 | 115.0 | 37 | 34 | 34 |
|  | 153 | 214 | 183.5 | 27 | 27 | 27 |
|  | 214 | 317 | 265.5 | 40 | 31 | 31 |
|  | 317 | 359 | 338.0 | 28 | 26 | 26 |
| Steep Limb | 10 | 71 | 40.5 | 34 | 34 | 34 |
|  | 71 | 185 | 128.0 | 35 | 35 | 35 |
|  | 185 | 251 | 218.0 | 37 | 37 | 37 |
|  | 251 | 310 | 280.5 | 37 | 37 | 37 |
|  | 310 | 10 | 340.0 | 39 | 39 | 39 |
| Runway | 3 | 83 | 43.0 | 32 | 32 | 32 |
|  | 83 | 150 | 116.5 | 36 | 36 | 36 |
|  | 150 | 274 | 212.0 | 39 | 39 | 39 |
|  | 274 | 319 | 296.5 | 40 | 40 | 40 |
|  | 319 | 3 | 341.0 | 35 | 35 | 35 |

---

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|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

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**Table 12**-**6: Pit Optimization Slopes** – **Fresh/Unoxidized**

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Domain** | **BGC Design**<br> **Sector Start** | **BGC Design**<br> **Sector End** | **Whittle**™<br> **Bearing** | **BGC**<br> **Slope Angle** | **Reduced**<br> **Slope Angle** | **Whittle**™<br> **Transition Adjusted** |
| Lewis | 348 | 57 | 22.5 | 27 | 25 | 25 |
|  | 57 | 110 | 83.5 | 42 | 40 | 40 |
|  | 110 | 171 | 140.5 | 46 | 42 | 42 |
|  | 171 | 244 | 207.5 | 35 | 28 | 28 |
|  | 244 | 305 | 274.5 | 48 | 40 | 40 |
|  | 305 | 348 | 326.5 | 43 | 36 | 36 |
| Lewis Steep | 333 | 68 | 20.5 | 34 | 24 | 24 |
|  | 68 | 180 | 124.0 | 45 | 40 | 40 |
|  | 180 | 241 | 210.5 | 40 | 29 | 29 |
|  | 241 | 285 | 263.0 | 47 | 35 | 35 |
|  | 285 | 333 | 309.0 | 45 | 39 | 39 |
| North Limb | 337 | 42 | 9.5 | 33 | 32 | 32 |
|  | 42 | 98 | 70.0 | 35 | 31 | 31 |
|  | 98 | 150 | 124.0 | 36 | 34 | 34 |
|  | 150 | 184 | 167.0 | 44 | 41 | 40 |
|  | 184 | 242 | 213.0 | 40 | 31 | 31 |
|  | 242 | 302 | 272.0 | 46 | 35 | 35 |
|  | 302 | 337 | 319.5 | 44 | 36 | 36 |
| North | 0 | 60 | 30.0 | 42 | 42 | 42 |
| Dipping | 60 | 107 | 83.5 | 46 | 46 | 36 |
| Syncline | 107 | 154 | 130.5 | 27 | 28 | 27 |
|  | 154 | 187 | 170.5 | 27 | 27 | 27 |
|  | 187 | 247 | 217.0 | 26 | 26 | 26 |
|  | 247 | 305 | 276.0 | 43 | 43 | 43 |
|  | 305 | 0 | 332.5 | 47 | 40 | 40 |
| South | 359 | 29 | 14.0 | 33 | 30 | 32 |
| Dipping | 29 | 77 | 53.0 | 28 | 28 | 28 |
|  | 77 | 153 | 115.0 | 45 | 39 | 39 |
|  | 153 | 214 | 183.5 | 27 | 27 | 27 |
|  | 214 | 317 | 265.5 | 47 | 40 | 40 |
|  | 317 | 359 | 338.0 | 28 | 27 | 27 |
| Steep Limb | 10 | 71 | 40.5 | 34 | 32 | 32 |
|  | 71 | 185 | 128.0 | 43 | 37 | 37 |
|  | 185 | 251 | 218.0 | 37 | 31 | 31 |
|  | 251 | 310 | 280.5 | 45 | 36 | 36 |
|  | 310 | 10 | 340.0 | 46 | 37 | 37 |
| Runway | 3 | 83 | 43.0 | 32 | 32 | 32 |
|  | 83 | 150 | 116.5 | 44 | 44 | 44 |
|  | 150 | 274 | 212.0 | 47 | 36 | 36 |
|  | 274 | 319 | 296.5 | 47 | 39 | 39 |
|  | 319 | 3 | 341.0 | 40 | 36 | 36 |

---

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|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

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**Table 12**-**7: Pit Optimization Slopes** – **Fresh Divide Fault**

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Domain** | **BGC Design**<br> **Sector Start** | **BGC Design**<br> **Sector End** | **Whittle**™<br> **Bearing** | **BGC**<br> **Slope Angle** | **Reduced**<br> **Slope Angle** | **Whittle**™<br> **Transition Adjusted** |
| Lewis Steep | 333 | 68 | 20.5 | 34 | 34 | 34 |
|  | 68 | 180 | 124.0 | 29 | 29 | 29 |
|  | 180 | 241 | 210.5 | 27 | 27 | 27 |
|  | 241 | 285 | 263.0 | 47 | 37 | 37 |
|  | 285 | 333 | 309.0 | 45 | 45 | 45 |
| North Limb | 337 | 42 | 9.5 | 33 | 33 | 33 |
|  | 42 | 98 | 70.0 | 35 | 35 | 35 |
|  | 98 | 150 | 124.0 | 36 | 36 | 34 |
|  | 150 | 184 | 167.0 | 27 | 27 | 27 |
|  | 184 | 242 | 213.0 | 40 | 40 | 36 |
|  | 242 | 302 | 272.0 | 46 | 46 | 46 |
|  | 302 | 337 | 319.5 | 44 | 44 | 44 |
| North | 0 | 60 | 30.0 | 29 | 29 | 29 |
| Dipping | 60 | 107 | 83.5 | 46 | 46 | 36 |
| Syncline | 107 | 154 | 130.5 | 27 | 27 | 27 |
|  | 154 | 187 | 170.5 | 27 | 27 | 27 |
|  | 187 | 247 | 217.0 | 26 | 26 | 26 |
|  | 247 | 305 | 276.0 | 43 | 43 | 43 |
|  | 305 | 0 | 332.5 | 47 | 45 | 45 |
| South | 359 | 29 | 14.0 | 27 | 27 | 27 |
| Dipping | 29 | 77 | 53.0 | 28 | 28 | 28 |
|  | 77 | 153 | 115.0 | 45 | 45 | 45 |
|  | 153 | 214 | 183.5 | 27 | 27 | 27 |
|  | 214 | 317 | 265.5 | 47 | 47 | 47 |
|  | 317 | 359 | 338.0 | 28 | 29 | 29 |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**12.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Cut-off Determination** 

Due to the capacity constraints of the TSF, which was designed to allow processing a maximum of 504.8 Mt of ore, a gold cut-off grade sensitivity analysis was conducted during pit optimization to determine an elevated cut-off grade that will limit ore sent to the process plant.

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An elevated gold cut-off grade of 0.74 g/t was initially used to determine the Mineral Reserve blocks within the Mineral Reserve pit. However, for the definition of the ore within the pit design and for the mine plan, a slightly increased elevated gold cut-off grade of 0.75 g/t was used.

The net smelter return (NSR) and block value per tonne (VPT) are calculated using the following expressions:

*NSR ($/t) = [(Au grade) x (processing recovery) x (refining recovery)*<br> *x (Au price* – *selling costs) x (100%* – *NSR royalty)]* – *(production royalty)*

*VPT ($/t) = NSR* – *(mining costs<sup>1</sup> + processing costs<sup>2</sup> + G&A cost + stockpile reclaim cost<sup>3</sup>)*

Note: (1) Mining costs include base, incremental, and sustaining costs

(2) Processing costs include operating and sustaining costs

(30 Stockpile reclaim cost is affected by the reclaim percentage assumed

When determining Mineral Reserves, a two-pass approach was taken:

● Blocks contained inside the pit design with an economic value greater than the operating costs which range between $29.95 and 32.36/t

● Blocks above 0.75 g/t gold.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**12.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Mineral Reserve Statement** 

Mineral Reserves are summarized in Table 12-8. Using the proposed open pit mining method, modifying factors identified and discussed in Section 12.1 have been applied to the Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources to determine Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves, in accordance with the definitions of S-K 1300. Inferred Mineral Resources contained within the pit design are classified as waste. NOVAGOLD's attributable interest in the Mineral Reserves is 60% of the tonnage and contained gold stated in the tables. The point of reference for the Mineral Reserve estimate is at the point of delivery to the mill.

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|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

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**Table 12**-**8: Mineral Reserve Statement**

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Category** | **Tonnage**<br> **(kt)** | **Au Grade**<br> **(g/t)** | **Contained Au**<br> **(koz)** | **S Grade**<br> **(%)** |
| Proven | 9487 | 2.29 | 698 | 1.15 |
| Probable | 495324 | 2.02 | 32099 | 1.09 |
| **Total Proven and Probable** | **504811** | **2.02** | **32797** | **1.09** |

---

Note: (1) The Mineral Reserve estimate is current as of 30 November 2025. A Wood QP is responsible for the preparation of the Mineral Reserve estimate.

(2) Mineral Reserves are prepared in accordance with the definitions in S-K 1300.

(3) Mineral Reserves are constrained within an engineered pit design using the following assumptions: gold price of $2,100/oz; reference mining cost of $2.68/t mined incremented $0.0041/t mined/m with depth from the 220 m elevation (equates to an average mining cost of $3.23/t mined); mining sustaining cost of $0.41/t mined; variable metallurgical recoveries by rock type and geological domain, ranging from 29.4% in oxide to 94.2% in intrusive rocks in the Akivik domain; process operating cost of $20.01/t processed; process sustaining cost of $2.14/t processed; G&A cost of $4.57/t processed; stockpile reclaim cost of $0.30/t processed assuming a reclaim percentage of 45%; refining recovery of 99.9%; selling cost of $1.71/oz gold; royalty considerations of 4.5% NSR and $0.50/t processed; and variable pit slope angles, ranging from 22 to 47°.

(4) The timeframe over which the gold price and operating costs is 27 years which is the expected timeframe over which the Mineral Reserves will be mined and processed. The long term forecast gold price for Mineral Reserves is based on industry consensus.

(5) Mineral Reserves are reported using an economic NSR cut-off value of $29.95–32.36/t followed by an elevated gold cut-off grade of 0.75 g/t. The NSR value for each block is determined using the gold grade, processing and refining recoveries, gold price, selling costs, and royalties.

(6) The average LOM processing recovery for the Mineral Reserves is 90.0%.

(7) Sulfur is not an economic contributor to the Project; however, it does impact the POX process.

(8) Tonnage and grade measurements are in metric units. Contained gold ounces are reported as troy ounces.

(9) Rounding may result in apparent summation differences between tonnes, grade, and contained metal content.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**12.4** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Factors that May Affect the Mineral Reserve Estimate** 

Risk factors which may affect the Mineral Reserve estimates include:

● Changes to the Mineral Resource estimate

● Gold price assumptions

● Metallurgical recovery assumptions

● Pit slope angles and geotechnical characteristics of the rock mass

● Assumptions used to determine costs

● Assumed mining dilution and mine loss

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● Ability of the mining operation to meet the planned annual mining and processing throughput rates

● Effectiveness of surface and ground water management, and timing and ability to obtain required permits.

In the opinion of the Wood QP, Mineral Reserves could be materially affected by the changes to these risk factors or to the modifying factors used to convert Mineral Resources to Mineral Reserves and their impacts are described below:

● Changes to the Mineral Resource estimate tonnage, grade or classification may require modifications to pit limits, mine design, infrastructure, or production schedules that could result in increases or decreases in Mineral Reserve tonnage and grade

● Changes in the gold price assumptions could change the cut-off applied to portions of the Mineral Reserves, resulting in a change to the Mineral Reserves

● Changes to metallurgical recoveries or changes to the sulfur content or deleterious elements could change the Mineral Reserves

● Differences in the geotechnical conditions from what was assumed could allow steeper or require flatter pit slopes or other pit design modifications, which could the change the strip ratio and potentially change the Mineral Reserves

● Changes in operating or capital costs relative to those assumed could impact Project economics and change the Mineral Reserves

● Changes to the assumed mining dilution or mine loss could change the delivered grade and recoverable metal, potentially changing the processing costs the economic margins that could change the Mineral Reserves

● Changes to the planned mining and processing throughput rates from what has been assumed could change the production schedules and economic outcomes, potentially changing the Mineral Reserves

● Changes to the water management plan or ability to obtain or maintain required permits could change the mine plans, resulting in a change to the Mineral Reserves.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**13.0** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **MINING METHODS** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**13.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Throughput Considerations** 

Based on previous throughput rationalization studies, the mining rate and production schedule must be able to consistently deliver the process rate of 53,500 t/d and meet the feed requirements and constraints for the concentrator and the POX circuit.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**13.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Geotechnical Considerations** 

BGC (2023c) provided pre-feasibility-level slope criteria for the proposed open pit. The design incorporates a database of subsurface investigation. The state of Alaska does not have specific regulatory requirements for pit slope design. This review is based on accepted industry practice described in Read and Stacey (2009). The pit slope criteria integrates models for geology, structure, rock mass, alteration, hydrogeology, and geotechnical data into a design framework to establish slope configurations that meet acceptance criteria for safety and operational requirements.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**13.2.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Site Investigations** 

Site investigations have been conducted from 2004 to present and are summarized on Table 13-1. The database used by BGC (2023c) consists of 52 geotechnical drill holes and 233 exploration drill holes completed for Mineral Resource definition.

**Table 13**-**1: Summary of Site Investigations**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Type** | **Description** |
| Drilling Programs | Diamond core drilling and geotechnical logging |
| Geologic Mapping | Lithologies, faults, joints, bedding planes |
| Laboratory Testing | Shear strength, deformability, index properties |
| Hydrogeological Data | Pumping tests, piezometric monitoring |
| Seismic Hazard | Regional seismicity incorporated into stability |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**13.2.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Model Development** 

BGC used or developed five integrated models that underpin the design:

● *Geologic Model*: Defines lithology and alteration zones (developed by Donlin Gold)

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● *Structural Model*: Captures fault systems and bedding orientations

● *Rock Mass Model*: Classifies material using rock mass rating (RMR), Q-system, and Hoek-Brown parameters

● *Hydrogeologic Model*: Simulates groundwater flow and pore pressure

● *Geotechnical Model*: Provides engineering properties for slope stability analysis.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**13.2.2.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Geologic Model** 

A geological model was developed for pit slope design that is consistent with the geology described in Section 6.

The geologic units used in the geological model for pit slope designs are:

● Greywacke

● Siltstone

● Shale

● Mixed Sediments

● Intrusives

● Ash Beds

● Fault Zones.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**13.2.2.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Structural Model** 

Seven structural domains summarized in Table 13-2 are defined by major faults and bedding orientation, informing geotechnical unit assignment. Variations in bedding orientation and joint density informed sub-domain delineation. Bedding (the primary sedimentary layering of greywacke, siltstone, and shale) is the dominant structural fabric in the pit area. Bedding surfaces are laterally more continuous than other discontinuities, with an estimated mean persistence of approximately 26 m (versus approximately 5 m for joints and minor faults).

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**Table 13**-**2: Structural Domains** – **Donlin Gold Pit Slope Design**

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Domain** | **Location** | **Bedding Orientation** | **Boundaries** | **Data Sources** |
| Lewis (LWS) | Northeast pit | Moderately dips SW | South: Lewis Steep, Divide Fault | Televiewer, oriented core |
| Lewis Steep (LST) | Between LWS & Divide Fault | Steep to moderate dip SW | North: LWS, South: Divide Fault | Televiewer, oriented core, surface mapping (2 loc.) |
| North Limb (NL) | Between Divide Fault & North Dipping Syncline | Moderately dips SW | South: Synclinal fold hinge | Televiewer, limited surface mapping |
| North Dipping Syncline (ND) | Between NL & South Dipping | Shallow dip NE | South: Transition to south dipping bedding | Televiewer, limited oriented core |
| South Dipping (SD) | Between ND & Steep Limb | Moderately dips SW | South: Transition to steep/overturned bedding | Televiewer, oriented core |
| Steep Limb (STP) | Between SD & Runway Fault | Steeply dips, may be overturned | North: SD, South: Runway Fault | Televiewer, oriented core |
| Runway (RWY) | Southwest end of ACMA pit | Shallow to moderate dip SW, rotated east | NE boundary: Runway Fault | Oriented core, limited televiewer & surface mapping |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**13.2.2.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Rock Mass and Geotechnical Properties** 

Strength parameters are derived from laboratory testing and field data. Laboratory testing included unconfined compressive strength tests, triaxial compressive tests, Brazilian tensile strength tests, direct shear tests and point load tests. Rock mass quality is classified using RMR76, Q-system, and Hoek–Marinos flysch criteria, with friction angles differentiated by lithology and discontinuity type. Fault zones and ash beds are assigned lower friction angles based on direct shear testing.

The rock mass model has been developed to a level consistent with pre-feasibility study standards and associated cost estimates include reasonable contingency allowances.

One ash sample has been tested. Shale discontinuities with slickensides have been tested using triaxial compression.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**13.2.2.4** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Slope Stability Analysis** 

Slope stability analysis are as follows:

● *Kinematic Analysis*: Sectors are grouped by instability mechanisms (planar, wedge, toppling). Bedding dips into the pit are most susceptible to planar sliding.

● *Bench Scale Analysis*: Bench face angles and catch bench widths are recommended based on discontinuity characteristics and sector orientation.

● *Limit Equilibrium Analysis*: Inter-ramp and overall slope stability are evaluated using deterministic models, incorporating isotropic and anisotropic properties, fault structures, and pore pressure scenarios. Depressurization is required for bedding-parallel and fault-adjacent sectors.

Design Acceptance Criteria (DAC) define the minimum safety and reliability standards that pit slope designs must meet to be considered acceptable for mine planning and operation. These criteria are aligned with industry standards. They are applied at different scales and depend on the consequence of failure for each pit wall.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**13.2.2.5** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Pit Slope Design Criteria** 

Based on the results of the pit slope analyses, the following criteria were developed as input to develop the mine plan.

● Inter-ramp angles range from 47–54° (fresh bedrock), 43–47° (weathered), and 27–39° (fault-adjacent).

● Bench height: 6 and 12 m

● Height between catch benches: 12 or 24 m

● Berm width: 8–38 m

● Road width allowance: 40–45 m

● Maximum inter-ramp height: 120 m

● Minimum geotechnical berm width: 20 m (wider if equipment access is needed)

● Controlled blasting and in some cases depressurization systems are required to maintain slope stability.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**13.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Pit Phases** 

The ACMA ultimate pit has been divided into seven phases based on optimized nested pit shell guidance, gold grade, strip ratio, the ability to access the pit, and locations for waste backfill. The planned ACMA pit has a top elevation of 232 masl and a bottom elevation of 368 m below sea level (bsl). The seven phases are delineated in Figure 13-1.

The Lewis pit will be on a hill directly above and to the northeast of the ACMA pit, at an elevation ranging from 424 masl to 80 mbsl. The Lewis ultimate pit has been divided into four phases based on optimized pit shell guidance, gold grade, and ramp access. The four phases are delineated in Figure 13-2.

**Figure 13**-**1: ACMA Phases in Plan at 100 m Elevation**

![fig13_1.jpg](fig13_1.jpg)

Source: Wood, 2025

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**Figure 13**-**2: Lewis Phases in Plan at 196 m Elevation**

![fig13_2.jpg](fig13_2.jpg)

Source: Wood, 2025

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**13.4** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Pit Design Parameters** 

The general design parameters used in the detailed pit design are summarized in Table 13-3.

Haul roads are required between the pit phases and the ore crusher, WRFs, overburden stockpiles, construction areas, and truckshop. The ex-pit roads have generally been laid out with a cut-and-fill balance. Roads within the ultimate WRF are all fill construction.

The initial phases of the two pits are independent, but they partially merge later in the mine life. The final mine outline is included in Figure 13-3.

**Table 13**-**3: Pit Design Parameters**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Design Parameter** | **Unit** | **Value** |
| Bench height, single-bench mining | m | 6 and 12 |
| Height between catch benches | m | 12 or 24 |
| Bench face angle (variable) | degrees | 43–65 |
| Berm width (variable) | m | 8–38 |
| Total width allowance, final roads | m | 40 |
| Running surface on final two-way roads | m | 29 |
| Minimum road inside radius on corners | m | 20 |
| Berms and ditches | m | 9–11 |
| Maximum elevation between geotech berms | m | 120 |
| Maximum grade uphill loaded | % | 10 |
| Maximum grade downhill loaded | % | 8 |

---

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**Figure 13**-**3: End-of-Mine Plan Layout of Open Pit**

![fig13_3.jpg](fig13_3.jpg)

Source: Wood, 2025

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**13.5** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Production Schedule** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**13.5.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Planned Production Schedule** 

Pre-production mining has been defined as starting in July of Year -1 and finishing in June of Year 1, when the plant is commissioned. Process production starts in July of Year 1. The operating mine life is estimated at 24 years followed by three years of stockpile processing based on a nominal processing rate of 53,500 t/d.

Given the geometry of the orebody and the distribution of the ore, almost all of the waste material, and those ore zones that can be mined without significant loss or dilution, will be mined on 12 m benches. There are select ore zones that are planned for mining on 6 m benches.

The long-term stockpile will hold all ore produced at the mine in excess of process feed, separated into three sections according to sulfur grade for blending purposes, as follows:

● High S grade (HS) S ≥1.4%

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● Medium S grade (MS) S ≥0.9% and S <1.4%

● Low S grade (LS) S <0.9%

The short-term stockpile was established to accommodate fluctuations in the average daily process feed.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**13.5.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Pit-Phase Mining Rates** 

The key features of the planned mine schedule are as follows:

● The mine will operate 355 d/a, with 10 days allowed for delays due to winter conditions.

● The plant is scheduled to operate 365 d/a.

● The average productivity of the main loading units (hydraulic shovel) is 4,500 t/h.

● Pre-stripping in Year-1 to Q2 Year 1 from inside the pits totals 64.7 Mt.

● The mine can sustain maximum material movement of 550,000 t/d based on 355 d/a.

● ACMA phase 7 is mined out in Year 18 providing most of the space for the in-pit WRF.

● Pit floor elevations (and therefore vertical advance rates) show the rate at which the mine must be dewatered to allow pit development. Vertical advance rates were limited to 10 benches per year.

● The initial phases are generally mined at a lower rate with the intent of keeping as many alternative areas open as possible in each phase.

● In the production years, three to four phases will be active in any given period, with three to four active phases per year from Years 2 to 16. This is driven by the requirements for ore blending and to make ACMA available for the in-pit WRF.

● The maximum mining rate of 545,000 t/d is achieved in Years 18 and 19 when in-pit dumping becomes available. The average mining rate increases progressively 296,000 t/d in Year 1, 370,000 t/d in Year 2, to an average of 450,000 t/d from Years 3-17. The mining rate decreases gradually from Year 20 to end of Year 24 when it completes mining at 320,000 t/d.

● The phase mining rate peaks at approximately 530,000 t/d in Lewis phase 3 in Year 19 with the use of in-pit dumping in the mined out ACMA pit, and at 310,000 t/d in ACMA phase 6 in Year 11. The permanent double-access strategy and wider phases allow for high mining rates. During initial production, the peak phase mining rate peaks at 232,000 t/d in ACMA Phase 2 in Year 2.

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Table 13-4 summarizes the proposed LOM production schedule. Figure 13-4 graphically summarizes the planned mining rate per pit phase and Figure 13-5 provides the breakdown between ore and waste on an annual basis.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**13.5.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Mine Production Plan** 

To define areas to be mined as selective 6 m benches, an evaluation was conducted on polygons within ACMA pit phases. The polygons were created to compare the economics of bulk versus selective mining, and the mining cost of 6 m benches was compared against the increased dilution cost in processing. Where the benefit of 6 m benches was >5% compared to bulk mining, selective mining was utilized.

The mine plan, in addition to ensuring sustainable ore production, also considers consistent use of the selected material movement fleet, minimizing peaks in equipment acquisition requirements throughout the LOM.

Ore is scheduled for stockpiling or direct feed and the combined mill feed is outlined in Table 13-5.

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**Table 13**-**4: Mine Production Summary by Year**

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| | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Mined for Mill Feed** | **Mined for Mill Feed** | **Mined for Mill Feed** |  |  |  | | | |
|  | **Tonnes** | **Au** | **S** | **Waste NAG** | **Waste PAG 5** | **Waste PAG 6** | **Waste PAG 7** | **Waste OVB** | **Total Rock** |
| **Period** | **(kt)** | **(g/t)** | **(%)** | **(kt)** | **(kt)** | **(kt)** | **(kt)** | **(kt)** | **(kt)** |
| Y-1 | 1215 | 1.89 | 0.81 | 12691 | 775 | 1732 | 103 | 3484 | **20000** |
| Y1 | 15474 | 2.17 | 0.94 | 72969 | 2832 | 4655 | 41 | 11904 | **107874** |
| Y2 | 23654 | 2.20 | 1.03 | 102003 | 4117 | 4547 | 5 | 121 | **134446** |
| Y3 | 27767 | 2.09 | 1.05 | 102915 | 5017 | 4916 | 20 | 1534 | **142169** |
| Y4 | 35136 | 2.01 | 1.06 | 124428 | 4912 | 5151 | 7 | 367 | **170000** |
| Y5 | 30999 | 1.92 | 0.97 | 113807 | 4847 | 5287 | 18 | 4661 | **159619** |
| Y6 | 37249 | 2.19 | 1.04 | 105476 | 3640 | 3384 | - | 251 | **150000** |
| Y7 | 27150 | 2.10 | 1.07 | 132740 | 3834 | 3731 | 7 | 694 | **168155** |
| Y8 | 34050 | 1.95 | 1.13 | 138717 | 5267 | 6206 | 2 | 1728 | **185969** |
| Y9 | 21665 | 2.30 | 1.15 | 143116 | 2897 | 2563 | 9 | 4749 | **175000** |
| Y10 | 11152 | 1.79 | 0.92 | 164034 | 2504 | 3808 | 0 | 3059 | **184558** |
| Y11 | 16503 | 1.77 | 1.00 | 141704 | 3014 | 3339 | - | 440 | **165000** |
| Y12 | 14247 | 1.86 | 0.95 | 127659 | 2626 | 2506 | 18 | 129 | **147185** |
| Y13 | 13387 | 2.20 | 1.00 | 119926 | 1839 | 2004 | 73 | - | **137230** |
| Y14 | 10632 | 1.91 | 1.01 | 137628 | 3139 | 2547 | 8 | - | **153953** |
| Y15 | 13669 | 2.13 | 0.96 | 107902 | 1762 | 1751 | - | 468 | **125552** |
| Y16 | 10939 | 2.17 | 0.98 | 170352 | 2090 | 1974 | - | 798 | **186153** |
| Y17 | 15197 | 2.14 | 1.11 | 149841 | 2203 | 2325 | - | 434 | **170000** |
| Y18 | 20902 | 2.08 | 1.17 | 166274 | 3264 | 3532 | 3 | 1025 | **195000** |
| Y19 | 39479 | 1.86 | 1.24 | 145866 | 3731 | 3094 | 6 | 3 | **192178** |
| Y20 | 20573 | 2.05 | 1.39 | 105740 | 1535 | 1390 | - | 165 | **129404** |
| Y21 | 8394 | 1.65 | 1.15 | 173954 | 2566 | 4328 | 578 | 180 | **190000** |
| Y22 | 16744 | 1.95 | 1.16 | 148548 | 3382 | 3446 | 162 | - | **172282** |
| Y23 | 19324 | 1.94 | 1.16 | 102601 | 3342 | 2322 | - | - | **127590** |
| Y24 | 20208 | 1.81 | 1.20 | 90292 | 2432 | 1239 | - | - | **114171** |
| **Total/Average** | **505708<sup>1</sup>** | **2.02** | **1.09** | **3101183** | **77567** | **81777** | **1062** | **36194** | **3803490** |

---

Note: (1) Includes 897 kt material that remains in the stockpile (not processed)

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**Figure 13**-**4: Mining Rate per Pit Phase**

![fig13_4.jpg](fig13_4.jpg)

Source: Wood, 2025

**Figure 13**-**5: Mine Production Schedule**

![fig13_5.jpg](fig13_5.jpg)

Source: Wood, 2025

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**Table 13**-**5: Mill Feed Schedule**

---

| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Direct Feed** | **Direct Feed** | **Direct Feed** | **Direct Feed** | **Stockpile Reclaim Feed** | **Stockpile Reclaim Feed** | **Stockpile Reclaim Feed** | **Stockpile Reclaim Feed** | **Total Feed** | **Total Feed** | **Total Feed** | **Total Feed** |
|  | **Tonnes** | **Au** | **S** | **Au Recovery** | **Tonnes** | **Au** | **S** | **Au Recovery** | **Tonnes** | **Au** | **S** | **Au Recovery** |
| **Period** | **(kt)** | **(g/t)** | **(%)** | **(%)** | **(kt)** | **(g/t)** | **(%)** | **(%)** | **(kt)** | **(g/t)** | **(%)** | **(%)** |
| Y-1 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Y1 | 3977 | 2.32 | 0.96 | 89.43 | 3562 | 2.68 | 1.06 | 86.97 | 7539 | 2.49 | 1.01 | 88.18 |
| Y2 | 15452 | 2.51 | 1.09 | 91.89 | 4075 | 2.36 | 1.06 | 90.18 | 19528 | 2.48 | 1.09 | 91.55 |
| Y3 | 10557 | 2.60 | 1.13 | 87.85 | 8972 | 2.25 | 0.95 | 89.07 | 19529 | 2.44 | 1.05 | 88.37 |
| Y4 | 11225 | 2.72 | 1.18 | 88.59 | 8356 | 1.85 | 0.96 | 88.36 | 19581 | 2.35 | 1.08 | 88.51 |
| Y5 | 16576 | 2.30 | 1.01 | 88.37 | 2951 | 2.38 | 1.11 | 89.37 | 19528 | 2.31 | 1.03 | 88.52 |
| Y6 | 11787 | 3.08 | 1.25 | 91.28 | 7741 | 2.12 | 1.06 | 88.84 | 19527 | 2.70 | 1.18 | 90.52 |
| Y7 | 13443 | 2.61 | 1.16 | 89.70 | 6085 | 1.94 | 1.05 | 89.94 | 19528 | 2.40 | 1.12 | 89.76 |
| Y8 | 11081 | 2.64 | 1.33 | 90.38 | 8500 | 2.09 | 1.03 | 90.66 | 19581 | 2.40 | 1.20 | 90.49 |
| Y9 | 11500 | 2.98 | 1.24 | 90.32 | 8027 | 2.18 | 1.17 | 91.03 | 19528 | 2.65 | 1.21 | 90.56 |
| Y10 | 11028 | 1.80 | 0.92 | 89.68 | 8500 | 2.27 | 1.08 | 89.78 | 19528 | 2.00 | 0.99 | 89.73 |
| Y11 | 11028 | 2.12 | 1.06 | 91.66 | 8500 | 2.08 | 0.93 | 89.46 | 19528 | 2.10 | 1.01 | 90.71 |
| Y12 | 11081 | 2.12 | 0.98 | 92.37 | 8500 | 1.89 | 0.99 | 90.36 | 19581 | 2.02 | 0.99 | 91.55 |
| Y13 | 11028 | 2.45 | 1.04 | 91.69 | 8500 | 1.65 | 0.92 | 90.31 | 19528 | 2.10 | 0.99 | 91.22 |
| Y14 | 10528 | 1.92 | 1.01 | 91.15 | 9000 | 1.66 | 0.89 | 88.87 | 19528 | 1.80 | 0.96 | 90.18 |
| Y15 | 12363 | 2.27 | 0.98 | 91.59 | 7164 | 1.27 | 0.91 | 88.85 | 19528 | 1.90 | 0.95 | 90.92 |
| Y16 | 9581 | 2.35 | 0.99 | 89.36 | 10000 | 1.02 | 0.94 | 89.40 | 19581 | 1.67 | 0.97 | 89.37 |
| Y17 | 12745 | 2.38 | 1.13 | 89.85 | 6782 | 0.99 | 0.88 | 89.14 | 19528 | 1.90 | 1.04 | 89.72 |
| Y18 | 16696 | 2.38 | 1.20 | 90.38 | 2831 | 0.99 | 0.87 | 88.92 | 19528 | 2.18 | 1.15 | 90.28 |
| Y19 | 19528 | 2.45 | 1.44 | 89.69 | - | - | - | - | 19528 | 2.45 | 1.44 | 89.69 |
| Y20 | 17032 | 2.27 | 1.41 | 89.89 | 2549 | 1.74 | 0.98 | 90.93 | 19581 | 2.20 | 1.35 | 90.00 |
| Y21 | 7528 | 1.68 | 1.15 | 88.03 | 12000 | 1.00 | 0.95 | 90.38 | 19528 | 1.26 | 1.03 | 89.17 |
| Y22 | 15362 | 2.04 | 1.19 | 90.31 | 4165 | 1.40 | 1.13 | 89.31 | 19528 | 1.90 | 1.17 | 90.15 |
| Y23 | 16742 | 2.08 | 1.19 | 90.24 | 2785 | 1.54 | 1.00 | 90.55 | 19527 | 2.00 | 1.16 | 90.27 |
| Y24 | 17891 | 1.92 | 1.22 | 90.57 | 1690 | 1.64 | 0.90 | 91.38 | 19581 | 1.90 | 1.19 | 90.63 |
| Y25 | - | - | - | - | 19527 | 0.90 | 1.00 | 89.76 | 19527 | 0.90 | 1.00 | 89.76 |
| Y26 | - | - | - | - | 19527 | 0.86 | 0.97 | 90.07 | 19527 | 0.86 | 0.97 | 90.07 |
| Y27 | - | - | - | - | 8763 | 0.84 | 0.96 | 88.76 | 8763 | 0.84 | 0.96 | 88.76 |
| **Total/Average** | **305758** | **2.33** | **1.16** | **90.21** | **199053** | **1.54** | **0.99** | **89.63** | **504811** | **2.02** | **1.09** | **90.04** |

---

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**13.5.4** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Process Feed Plan** 

The process feed is based on meeting the minimum sulfur in the concentrate feed to the POX plant through a blending strategy that combines ore feed directly from the mine with ore from stockpiles. The variable metallurgical recovery by domain was considered in creating the feed plan.

After plant ramp-up, process feed averages 53,500 t/d. Contained gold in the process feed averages approximately 1.21 Moz/a over the LOM, while contained gold in the process feed averages 1.55 Moz/a from Year 2 to Year 9, with a maximum of 1.70 Moz in Year 6.

Mill recovered gold averages approximately 1.09Moz/a, while the recovered gold averages 1.39Moz/a from Year 2 to Year 9, with a maximum of 1.53Moz in Year 6.

A small portion of the mine stockpile (897 kt) will not be processed due to capacity limitations of the TSF facility.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**13.6** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Ore Stockpiles** 

The maximum long-term stockpile capacity is 90.5 Mt at the end of Year 9. This includes 9.3 Mt of high sulfur grade material, 35.9 Mt of medium sulfur grade material, and 45.3 Mt of low sulfur grade material.

Planned relative sulfur grades in the ore stockpile are shown in Figure 13-6.

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**Figure 13**-**6: Relative Sulfur Grades in Ore Stockpile**![fig13_6.jpg](fig13_6.jpg)

Source: Wood, 2025

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**13.7** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Waste Rock Facilities** 

Waste material will consist of overburden, NAG rock, and PAG rock. The waste will be stored in several WRFs (Figure 13-7). The initial stripped materials will be stockpiled for construction and reclamation purposes or placed into the WRF. NAG and most PAG rock from the ACMA and Lewis pits will be routed to the ex-pit WRF during the first part of the mine life and to the in-pit WRF once mining the ACMA pit is completed. In certain periods, suitable material will be sent to the tailings dam location where it will be used for dam lift construction. Table 13-6 summarizes the capacities of the various WRFs.

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**Figure 13**-**7: Waste Rock Storage Locations**

![fig13_7.jpg](fig13_7.jpg)

Source: Wood, 2025

**Table 13**-**6: Waste Stockpiling Capacity and Requirements**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item** | **Waste<br> (Mt)** |
| Ex-Pit WRF Capacity | 2458 |
| In-Pit WRF Capacity | 940 |
| Overburden Stockpiles | 17 |
| Construction Material Requirement | 91 |
| **Maximum Waste Disposal Capacity** | **3506** |
| **Total Waste Mined** | **3298** |

---

Rock type influences ARD and metal leaching (ML), but sulfide mineralization introduces variability, making segregation based on geochemical characteristics feasible. SRK (2016) developed a site-specific classification system for waste rock based on NPCO₃/AP ratios, which correlate strongly with acid generation potential and metal leaching behavior. For operational simplicity, NPCO₃/AP and the ratio of arsenic/sulfur (As/S) were selected as the primary criteria for classification, resulting in four categories (see Section 11): NAG (1–4), PAG 5, PAG 6, and PAG 7, corresponding to increasing ARD risk and shorter onset times.

The mine plan anticipates generating approximately 3.3 billion tonnes of waste rock over the life of the Project. Most of this material (~ 95%) will consist of NAG waste rock and overburden (NAG 1–4 and OVB). PAG waste rock represents a small fraction of the total. PAG 5 extraction is relatively consistent throughout the mine life and never exceeds 5% of annual waste rock production, making blending or encapsulation with NAG material a viable strategy to prevent ARD.

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PAG 6, which can become acid-generating within a decade, will be segregated in isolated cells at Rob's Gulch and Unnamed Gulch. A NAG foundation will be placed beneath PAG 6 to limit water contact and act as a drainage layer. PAG 6 will be placed in lifts up to 30 m high and capped with low-permeability material (e.g., terrace gravel) to minimize infiltration. NAG 1–4 will surround and cover PAG 6 cells for further isolation. Initially, PAG 6 will go into these cells; later, it will be placed in the ACMA pit backfill once available.

PAG 7, highly mineralized and most reactive, will be temporarily stored in a low-grade stockpile near the WRF toe. After ACMA pit limits are reached, PAG 7 will be relocated to the pit bottom.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**13.8** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Water Management** 

Water management will play an important role in mine development. The ACMA pit area is bisected by American Creek, and the west wall of the ultimate pit will be close to Crooked Creek. Surface ditches, a contact water pond immediately upstream of the pit and downstream of the WRF, plus diversion systems further upstream, will control surface waters in the pit and WRF areas.

Mine pit dewatering system will consist a combination of depressurization techniques, including vertical perimeter wells, vertical in-pit wells, and horizontal drains drilled into bench faces, to manage groundwater inflows. Tests indicate vertical wells are effective for dewatering most of the bedrock, but horizontal drains will be necessary to handle localized groundwater and deeper pit sections where bedrock hydraulic conductivity is lower, making vertical wells less effective.

Pre-stripping begins in ACMA 12 months prior to commencement of processing plant operation. Pre-stripping at Lewis begins in fourth quarter of Year 2. The perimeter dewatering wells will begin pumping approximately six months before the start of pre-stripping so that pit depressurization targets can be achieved. The dewatering system includes up to 115 wells (35 perimeter and 80 in-pit), with depths averaging 215 m for perimeter wells and 188 m for in-pit wells. Horizontal drains totaling 268 km will assist in depressurizing pit slopes, lowering the water table to -335 masl by Year 20.

Mining operations are expected to lower groundwater levels near the open pit, resulting in the formation of a cone of depression extending outward from the pit and dewatering wells. This drawdown is anticipated to reduce groundwater discharge to Crooked Creek and its tributaries, potentially decreasing stream flow as the hydraulic gradient reverses and surface water from the creek begins to recharge the aquifer. Specifically, the segment of Crooked Creek adjacent to the pit is projected to transition from a gaining reach (where groundwater contributes to stream flow) to a losing reach (where stream water infiltrates into the aquifer) during active mining. However, operational water balance modeling indicates that, despite these changes, the overall flow in Crooked Creek will generally be maintained, as water management systems, including collection, treatment, and controlled discharge of mine water, are designed to offset potential reductions in natural base flow.

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Once the mining activities are done, pit dewatering activities will end, which will allow groundwater levels to gradually recover. Over time, the open pit will refill with water, forming a pit lake, and groundwater and surface water interactions are expected to re-establish more natural flow conditions as the system equilibrates. The pit design assumes general depressurization zones to extend 60–100 m into pit slopes and targeted fault depressurization ranging from 100–300 m behind select pit faces (BGC, 2023c). Critical areas include bedding parallel sectors on the north wall of the Lewis pit and north/northeast walls of the ACMA pit, as well as major faults like Lo1 and Divide. Field verification with pore pressure monitoring and systematic flow monitoring for wells and drains will be required to confirm effectiveness of the dewatering system.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**13.9** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Blasting and Explosives** 

A blend of 70% emulsion phase and 30% ammonium nitrate/fuel oil (ANFO) will be used for blasting, based on anticipated groundwater conditions.

An explosives supplier will be contracted to provide a "down-the-hole" blasting service. The supplier will provide the ammonium nitrate, emulsion phase components, and blasting accessories. The supplier will also supply the emulsion plant, explosives magazines, mixing equipment, and delivery trucks. The Donlin operator will provide fuel oil and accommodation. Supplier personnel will charge the holes, place the detonators and boosters, and tie in the patterns.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**13.10** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Mining Equipment** 

To determine the number of equipment units required for each major fleet, productivities were calculated based on estimated annual operating hours, mechanical availability, and utilization of availability. Annual operating hours varied by fleet due to associated availabilities. A value of 50 net operating minutes per gross operating hour (GOH) was applied to all equipment to account for time spent on non-primary production tasks. The vendor-estimated mechanical availability of the equipment decreases with hours worked. An average mechanical availability based on the life of the fleet was assigned to replicate the availability for a fleet containing units of mixed ages. Table 13-7 provides equipment selection for maximum mining equipment fleet for pre-production and peak production years.

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The mining department will use GPS machine guidance and a fleet management system to guide and control the mining operation on a near real-time basis. Fleet management is the assignment of equipment to mining tasks, while GPS machine guidance assists the operator with respect to spatial positioning of the ground-engaging tools (GETs).

**Table 13**-**7: Mine Equipment Requirements**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Equipment Unit** | **Pre-Production**<br> **(#)** | **Production**<br> **(#)** |
| Shovel Electric (38 m<sup>3</sup>) | 1 | 5 |
| Shovel Diesel (38 m<sup>3</sup>) | 1 | 1 |
| Front-End Loader (40 m<sup>3</sup>) | 0 | 2 |
| Front-End Loader (19 m<sup>3</sup>) | 1 | 3 |
| Haul Truck (360t) | 7 | 90 |
| Haul Truck (135t) | 2 | 13 |
| Rotary Drill (250 mm) | 2 | 7 |
| Rotary Drill (200 mm) | 2 | 9 |
| Top Hammer Drill (140 mm) | 3 | 4 |
| Track Dozer (850 hp) | 4 | 7 |
| Track Dozer (580 hp) | 3 | 4 |
| Wheel Dozer (800 hp) | 4 | 7 |
| Grader (533 hp) | 1 | 2 |
| Grader (297 hp) | 3 | 7 |
| Water Truck | 1 | 3 |
| Excavator (5 m<sup>3</sup>) | 1 | 2 |
| Excavator (12 m<sup>3</sup>) | 1 | 2 |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**13.10.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Drilling** 

Donlin will undertake five different types of drilling:

● RC drilling to provide samples for ore control and geological modeling

● Blast pattern drilling to fragment the rock for mining

● Frost drilling to deal with previously blasted material that has become frozen

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● Horizontal drain hole drilling to prevent water pressure from building up behind the pit walls. The horizontal drain hole drilling is a specialized activity and will be performed by a contractor.

● Vertical dewatering wells. The vertical dewatering well development is a specialized activity and will be performed by a contractor.

Three different types of drill will be used: a rotary drill for bulk waste with 251 mm diameter holes for 12 m benches; a rotary drill with 200 mm diameter holes for ore and waste in 12 m benches; and a hammer drill with 140 mm diameter holes for ore and waste in the 6 m benches and for pre-split and RC drilling.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**13.10.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Loading** 

Primary loading for bulk mining areas will be performed by electric-hydraulic shovels with a 37 m<sup>3</sup> bucket. One 40 m<sup>3</sup> front-end loader (FEL) will be used for secondary production, and another for backup production, cleanup, and stockpile rehandling.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**13.10.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Hauling** 

Large 363 t payload haul trucks will be used for primary mine production. A maximum of ninety 363 t payload trucks is required.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**13.10.4** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Secondary Fleet** 

A second fleet of mining equipment will be required mainly for selective mining and stockpile rehandling. The fleet may be used for overburden management, concurrent reclamation, snow removal, road maintenance, and special projects. This fleet will consist of smaller, more agile 18.1 m<sup>3</sup> FELs and 135 t trucks and will allow the primary fleet to focus on production ore and waste mining.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**13.10.5** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Support Equipment** 

The major tasks to be completed by the support equipment include the following:

● Bench and road maintenance

● Reclamation support

● Stockpile construction

● General maintenance

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● Ditch preparation and maintenance

● Tailings dam support

● Shovel support/cleanup.

Additional auxiliary equipment will serve and support the mine operations and maintenance groups. Equipment selection for auxiliary equipment is shown by function and is included in Table 13-8.

**Table 13**-**8: Mine Auxiliary Equipment**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Equipment Unit** | **Number**<br> **(#)** |
| Horizontal Drain Hole Drill | 1 |
| Excavator with Hydraulic Hammer | 1 |
| 200 t Class Crane | 1 |
| 150 t Class Crane | 1 |
| 60 t Class Crane | 1 |
| 23.5 t Forklift | 1 |
| 16.3 t Forklift | 1 |
| 4.5 t Telehandler | 1 |
| 4.5 t Forklift | 1 |
| Fuel/Lube Truck | 3 |
| Medium Mech Truck | 4 |
| Large Mech Truck | 1 |
| Tire Handler | 2 |
| Lift Truck | 1 |
| Loader | 1 |
| Lowboy / Tow | 1 |
| Operations Field Truck | 1 |
| Soil Compactor | 1 |
| Backhoe Loader | 1 |
| Light Plant | 20 |
| Skid Steer Trailer | 3 |
| Light Vehicle | 35 |
| Crew Bus | 5 |
| Cable Reeler | 1 |
| Shovel Motivator | 1 |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**13.11** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Work Schedule** 

The work schedule assumes mine production will operate 24 h/d, 7 d/wk, 365 d/a. Operations personnel will work on two 12 h/d shifts.

Delays are included in operator time to account for blasting, fueling, pre-shift meetings, shift change, and an additional 10 d/a of delays related to weather.

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Hourly (non-exempt) personnel assigned to the mine will work a 2-weeks-in/1-week-out rotation.

Salaried (exempt) personnel will work a 12 h/d shift on either an 8-days-in/ 6-days-out rotation, a 2-weeks-in/ 1-week-out rotation, or a 2-weeks-in/2-weeks-out rotation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**13.11.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Personnel Requirements** 

Workforce estimates are based on mine schedules with the equipment fleets selected for this project. Personnel categories include salaried staff (management and technical roles), hourly operators for drilling, loading and hauling, support services, and maintenance employees. For the first two years, all mobile fleets will be maintained by contractors under Maintenance and Repair Contract (MARC) agreements. After two years, the operation will assume more risk but will reduce costs by phasing out the MARC contracts and taking responsibility for all mobile equipment maintenance.

Peak workforce requirements are summarized in Table 13-9.

**Table 13**-**9: Personnel Requirement Summary**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Role** | **Pre-Production**<br> **(#)** | **Production**<br> **(#)** |
| Salaried Employees | 57 | 105 |
| Drill Operators | 24 | 39 |
| Loading Operators | 12 | 33 |
| Hauling Operators | 32 | 339 |
| Support Services | 46 | 87 |
| Maintenance | 0 | 244 |
| Total Hourly Personnel | 105 | 742 |
| Total Mine Employees | 162 | 847 |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**14.0** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **PROCESSING AND RECOVERY METHODS** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**14.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Plant Design** 

The process design is supported by the testwork and results presented in Section 10. The plant description and design basis summarized in Table 14-1 indicate conditions of a plant operating at full capacity. They are appropriate for plant design, but they do not consider variation introduced during facility start-up or tapering-off of production near the end of mine life.

The process design summarized in this Report is unchanged from the Donlin 2021 Technical Report.

**Table 14**-**1: Process Design Basis**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Parameter** | **Unit** | **Value** |
| Annual Throughput | t/a | 19527500 |
| Average Daily Throughput<sup>1</sup> | t/d | 53500 |
| Overall Plant Availability | % | 93 |
| ***Average Nominal Feed Grade*** |  |  |
| Au | g/t | 2.02 |
| As | ppm | 2.3 |
| S (total) | % | 1.03 |
| ***Gold Recovery*** |  |  |
| Over LOM | % | 90.0 |
| Average Gold per Year<sup>2</sup> | oz | 1141400 |

---

Note: (1) 93% plant availability has been applied to the average daily throughput. (2) Based on Annual throughput, average grade and recovery.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**14.1.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **General** 

The process is based on conventional and proven technology for the concentrator, flotation, POX, and cyanidation facilities for large, modern gold processing plants. A simplified flow diagram of the overall process is shown in Figure 17-1.

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**Figure 14**-**1: Donlin Gold Simplified Flow Diagram**

![figure141.jpg](figure141.jpg)

Source: Wood, 2025

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All process equipment, except for thickening, neutralization tanks, and concentrate storage tanks, will be enclosed in buildings. Installed standby pump spares are provided for all critical process streams.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**14.1.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Crushing and Coarse Ore Stockpile** 

Mine haul trucks (with capacities to 363 t) will dump ROM open-pit ore directly into a dump hopper ahead of a 60" x 89" gyratory crusher. The maximum design crushing capacity of the crusher is 4,630 t/h producing a crusher product at P<sub>80</sub> 125 mm. The crusher will discharge to a covered coarse ore stockpile with a live capacity of 38,000 t, representing 16 hours of process plant operation, and a total capacity of approximately 174,000 t.

The reclaim tunnel with feeders will be used to reclaim material from the stockpile, discharging onto the SAG mill feed conveyor. The steady-state SAG mill feed rate will be 2,397 t/h. SAG mill critical size material will report to the pebble crusher. The discharge from the pebble crusher will join the new feed from the coarse ore stockpile.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**14.1.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Grinding and Pebble Crushing** 

The overall grinding configuration will consist of an open-circuit SAG mill followed by the MCF2 circuit. The MCF2 circuit will entail a primary ball mill followed by primary rougher flotation; the tailings produced from primary flotation will be sent to a secondary ball mill, followed by a secondary rougher flotation. The two individual ball mills will operate in a closed circuit with their respective classification cyclones.

SAG mill discharge will be screened and oversized pebbles will be conveyed to two large pebble cone crushers. Crushed pebbles will normally be returned to the SAG mill. Typical SAG mill discharge will have a P80 of 1,700 µm. After primary ball mill grinding, the P80 is anticipated to be 121 µm; after secondary grinding, the P80 is anticipated to be 50 µm. The total system throughput is expected to average 53,500 t/d at 93% availability.

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Optimum economics are expected to be achieved by using the fewest, largest equipment units available. The 7.9 m diameter x 13 m (EGL) long ball mills will be trunnion-supported units with 18 MW wrap-around drive configurations. Discharge from the primary ball mill will exit the discharge trunnion into a trommel screen attached to the ball mill. Oversize material will drop from the end of the trommel screen into a rejects hopper. Undersize material will pass through the trommel screen into the primary cyclone feed pumpbox along with the SAG mill screen underflow. The primary cyclone feed pump will be variable-speed and will transport slurry to the cyclone cluster, which will classify particles by size to return coarse particles to the ball mill for further size reduction.

The primary cyclone overflow will be designed to operate at 40% solids, with an anticipated average 80% passing particle size of 121 µm; the cyclone circulating load is estimated to be 210%. The fresh feed for the secondary ball mill will be a combination of the slurry from the rougher tailings pumpbox and the cleaner scavenger concentrate. These streams will flow into the secondary grinding cyclone feed pumpbox, where they will join the secondary ball mill discharge.

Discharge from the secondary ball mill will exit in the same manner as for the primary mill. Oversize material will be dropped from the end of the trommel screen into a rejects hopper. Undersize material will pass through the trommel screen and into the secondary cyclone feed pumpbox, together with the rougher tailings and the cleaner scavenger concentrate. The secondary cyclone feed pump (variable-speed) will transport slurry to the secondary cyclone clusters. The secondary cyclone overflow is anticipated to be 27.2% solids with an average 80% passing particle size of 50 µm; the cyclone circulating load is estimated at 210%.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**14.1.4** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Flotation** 

Donlin ore contains a mixture of intrusive and sedimentary rock hosted sulfide mineralization. The optimum gold recovery will be achieved by maximizing sulfide recovery. Producing a bulk flotation concentrate in two rougher flotation steps with relatively low selectivity and high mass pulls has been determined to provide the best results. The secondary rougher concentrate will be sent to a cleaner flotation circuit; the concentrate obtained from cleaner flotation will be combined with the primary rougher concentrate. The tails obtained from the cleaner flotation will be sent to a cleaner scavenger flotation train. The cleaner scavenger concentrate will be sent to the secondary grinding cyclone feed pumpbox, and the tails will be mixed with rougher tailings to flow by gravity to the flotation tailings thickener. The primary rougher concentrate and the concentrate produced from the cleaner flotation will report to the concentrate thickener.

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Overflow slurry from the primary grinding circuit cyclone will be discharged over a flotation safety screen before entering conditioning tank No. 1. Oversized material will be sent to a hopper.

Acidic solution from the POX counter-current decantation (CCD) washing circuit, as well as flotation process water and copper sulfate, will be added to the first conditioning tank. The slurry will then pass to conditioning tank No. 2 where potassium amyl xanthate (PAX), dispersant Cytec E-40, and methyl isobutyl carbinol (MIBC) frother will be added. The discharge from the second conditioning tank will be pumped to a distributor box, which will split the feed to two parallel trains of 300 m<sup>3</sup> primary rougher cells. The rougher flotation feed pump system will include an installed spare. Each train of cells will have 11 individual units and provide 57 minutes of residence time.

Primary rougher concentrate from the rougher flotation will be sent directly to the concentrate thickener. Primary rougher tailings will be sent to the secondary grinding cyclone feed pumpbox as part of the MCF2 circuit.

The secondary rougher flotation circuit will be fed from the secondary rougher conditioning tank where copper sulfate and MIBC will be added. The flow will be divided into two trains; each train will have 11 individual 300 m<sup>3</sup> secondary rougher cells providing a total residence time of 57 minutes. Additional MIBC, PAX, Cytec E-40, soda ash, and a second frother, F-549, will be added throughout the secondary rougher as long.

Secondary rougher concentrate will be sent to the cleaner flotation circuit. Secondary rougher tailings will be sent directly to the flotation tailings thickener. The secondary flotation concentrate will be cleaned in a bank of six 300 m<sup>3</sup> tank-type flotation cells, with a residence time of 100 minutes. The concentrate will be sent to the cleaner concentrate pumpbox, from where it will be pumped to the concentrate thickener. The cleaner tailings will flow by gravity to the cleaner scavenger flotation circuit.

The cleaner scavenger circuit will have four 300 m<sup>3</sup> cells with a combined residence time of 150 minutes. The cleaner scavenger concentrate will be sent to the secondary grinding cyclone feed pumpbox. The tailings will be sent to the flotation tails thickener by gravity. Flotation streams will be sampled automatically for metallurgical accounting and control purposes.

An on-stream x-ray fluorescent analyzer (analyzing Fe and As) will provide continuous data to enable operators and supervisory control systems to optimize flotation and to respond to upset conditions.

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A slip stream from each of the two cyclone overflow streams will pass through a particle size analyzer to provide information for grinding control.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**14.1.5** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Thickening, Concentrate Storage, Acidulation, and CCD Washing** 

Flotation concentrate will discharge into a 3.5 x 5 m concentrate thickener de-aeration tank and then to a 45 m diameter concentrate thickener. Thickener overflow will be returned to the grinding and flotation areas as process water while underflow slurry at an estimated 46% solids will be pumped to the concentrate storage tanks. A total of 36 hours of concentrate storage will be provided. In normal operation material will be withdrawn from the storage tanks and sent to the acidulation circuit. A bypass line will be provided to pump slurry directly from thickening to acidulation. Acidic solution recovered from the POX CCD wash circuit will be mixed with the concentrate with the aim of consuming 85-100% of the carbonate gangue component of the concentrate.

The acidulated material will be washed with raw water in a three-stage chloride wash CCD circuit to reduce the overall levels of chlorides and other mineral species in solution reporting to the POX circuit.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**14.1.6** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Autoclave Plant** 

Acidulated feed slurry will be stored in an agitated autoclave feed storage tank adjacent to the POX area. This tank will provide the autoclave plant with a continuous feed unaffected by short-term upstream throughput variations. When full, it will allow the autoclave circuit to continue operating for four hours when upstream equipment is not operating. Slurry will be pumped with a slurry heater feed pump from the feed tank through two parallel lines to the heater vessels that will pre-heat the incoming slurry to varying temperatures, depending on the sulfide sulfur grade of the feed material. Pre-heat temperature will be optimized based on maintaining autogenous conditions in the autoclave while minimizing cooling water addition.

Slurry pre-heating will be accomplished with the use of flash steam produced in the pressure letdown flash vessels on the autoclave discharge. Each autoclave train will discharge to two flash vessels and two vent gas cyclones via parallel slurry discharge lines. Slurry heater discharge temperature control will be achieved by bypassing a portion of the feed to each heater to the heater sump. From each heater discharge, a single feed line will feed each autoclave, each with a charge pump to create sufficient pressure for the suction side of the autoclave slurry feed pump; a slurry strainer to remove any scale or oversize particles that could damage the autoclave slurry feed pumps; and a high-pressure piston diaphragm feed pump with suction accumulator and discharge dampener.

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The autoclave will be supplied with high-pressure oxygen gas, high-pressure cooling water, and high-pressure steam. Oxygen will be produced at an on-site air separation plant. Cooling water will be distributed to the autoclave from a cooling water tank located in the POX area. High-pressure, horizontal multi-stage centrifugal pumps will supply the cooling water to all compartments of the autoclave. A common piping system (and spargers) will be utilized for both the oxygen and high-pressure steam to the autoclave.

High-pressure steam (produced from de-mineralized water) will not be required for normal operation, but is required for autoclave heat-up. De-mineralized water will also be used for the agitator seal water system and the oxygen plant boiler system. The autoclave building will be serviced by an overhead crane, allowing any of the agitators to be removed without need for disc disassembly (impeller blades require removal).

Each autoclave is approximately 5 m diameter x 33 m long and will discharge into two flash vessels in parallel. The flash vessels are approximately 5 m diameter x 5 m long. Autoclave discharge slurry will be depressurized to near-atmospheric pressure, generating flash steam in the process. Flash vessel underflows will be directed by gravity to an oxidized slurry seal tank. Slurry from this tank will be transferred by gravity to the downstream hot cure tanks. Steam generated in the hot cure tanks will be condensed using a spray tree condenser vessel. Vent-gas from the autoclave will be passed into the vent gas quench vessel. Flotation tails will be used as quenching medium, as the steam will be condensed across a baffle arrangement inside the vessel. The quench vessel will reduce the temperature of the vent-gas and the quantity of steam (through condensation) that will be fed to downstream equipment. The quench vessel will also facilitate additional removal of carryover from the autoclave and slurry heater, and pre-heat the flotation tails ahead of the downstream neutralization process, thereby improving neutralization reaction kinetics. Vent gas from the quench vessel will be piped to a secondary spray tree condenser vessel where raw water will further cool the gas and condense the steam. The gas will then pass through a venturi scrubber where the gas will be further cleaned of particulates by pressure drop and the addition of fresh water.

Gas will exit the venturi scrubber saturated with water vapor and at a temperature of 40°C. The process off-gas temperature will be reduced to a target of 4°C. The gas volume will also be reduced by water vapor condensation. The wet-gas condenser will promote the condensation of elemental mercury during periods of upset conditions with higher than normal gaseous mercury levels. The overall mercury loading on the downstream carbon adsorption process will be reduced as a result. Gas will enter a wet gas coalescer to remove any remaining entrained mercury. The gas will then be subjected to cyclonic separation and then enter a coalescer prior to the carbon pre-cleaning section.

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The combined gas will enter a pre-cleaning carbon bed. The relatively inexpensive activated carbon contained in the pre-cleaning bed will be used to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Exiting gases will immediately enter the mercury removal carbon bed, which will contain sulfur-impregnated carbon, specifically designed to adsorb vapor-phase mercury. Oxidized and particulate forms of mercury will also be collected. The carbon bed vessels are 4.5 m diameter x 2.5 m high. Cleaned gas will be discharged to atmosphere. The mercury-loaded carbon will be removed periodically in an environmentally safe manner and sent off site for disposal. A standby series of carbon beds will be available so that neither production nor mercury removal will be interrupted when a bed is taken offline for carbon change-out or maintenance.

A common mercury collection tank will receive all the condensate and scrubber water from the POX gas handling systems. The tank will be designed to settle mercury and separated solids removed from the gas, clarifying the water. The clarified water will be passed through coalescing filters to remove any remaining elemental mercury prior to being recycled to the chloride wash circuit. Coalesced elemental mercury will be returned to the mercury collection tank for settling. The resulting sludge will then be drained from the mercury collection tank as contaminated waste.

Arsenic in the processed ore is managed using the POX process. The ore has sufficient iron content to permit precipitation of arsenic with iron to form stable forms of arsenic precipitation products, suitable for long term storage in the TSF.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**14.1.7** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Counter Current Decantation Pressure Oxidization Thickening and Washing** 

Slurry flow from the POX circuit will be washed in a four-stage CCD circuit. The thickeners are 50 m in diameter. Reclaim water will be added to the last thickener in a flow direction counter to the solids in order to decrease the acidity of the pulp.

Washed slurry in the underflow from the final thickener will be pumped to the CIL solids neutralization circuit. Thickener overflow will be treated in a clarifier and used within the plant to provide acidification of the concentrate fed to the POX circuit, and to the flotation feed to assist in promotion of the sulfide mineral floatability. The balance of the clarified process water will report to neutralization. Clarifier sludge will be intermittently returned to the first thickener in the circuit.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**14.1.8** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Flotation Tailings Neutralization** 

In this circuit, flotation tailings will be pre-heated to 55°C through the autoclave quench vessel and then combined with the excess diluted acidic wash liquor from the chloride CCD wash circuit in a series of large aerated and agitated tanks. The flotation tailings will act as neutralizing material (source of natural carbonates) for reaction with the acidic liquor. All neutralization tanks will be insulated for heat conservation.

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Flotation tailings will be collected, sampled, and passed to the flotation tailings thickener. Thickener overflow will be pumped to the flotation process water tank. Thickener underflow will be pumped to the POX circuit autoclave scrubber.

Acidic solution from the POX CCD wash and spent acid from the elution circuit will be combined with autoclave quench tails in the solution neutralization circuit. The circuit will consist of five mechanically-agitated and aerated tanks in series. Enough reaction time will be provided in the front-end portion of the circuit to bring the pH of the solution up to pH 5, utilizing the quench tails. Tailings from the cyanide destruction circuit will be introduced into a lime neutralization tank where lime will be added in the presence of air to bring the pH to 7. This material will then flow by gravity to the final tailings pumpbox. Owing to their size, the flotation tailings neutralization tanks will be installed outdoors.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**14.1.9** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Solids Carbon-in-Leach Neutralization** 

Underflow from the final POX CCD wash circuit thickener will be neutralized in the solids CIL neutralization circuit. The circuit will consist of two mechanically-agitated tanks where lime will be added to the slurry in the presence of oxygen to bring the pH of the slurry to approximately pH 9. This material will then be pumped to the CIL circuit.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**14.1.10** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Carbon-in-Leach Cyanidation Circuit** 

A nominal mass flowrate of 365 t/h at 35% solids will be pumped to the first of six CIL tanks in series, each with a residence time of four hours. The slurry will flow by gravity through each of the six tanks, ultimately reporting to the cyanide destruction reactor tank.

The slurry will flow by gravity from the CIL tank No. 6 to the safety screen feed distribution box. A distribution box will direct the slurry to either one or both of two carbon safety screens. The safety screens will prevent carbon that passes through the screen in the last CIL tank from leaving the circuit to the tailings storage facility. Screen undersize will flow by gravity to the cyanide destruction reactor tank and will then be pumped to flotation tailings neutralization tank No. 5 by centrifugal slurry pumps. Sodium cyanide solution will be pumped to the CIL circuit for cyanide leaching of gold. A lime loop will allow for lime addition to each of the six CIL tanks. The pH will be monitored, and lime added as needed to maintain a pH set point of approximately pH 11.

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Oxygen required for cyanide leaching will be supplied as pure oxygen from the oxygen plant. The CIL tanks and cyanide destruction reactor tank will be covered to contain any hydrogen cyanide (HCN) gas that evolves during cyanide leaching. The tanks will be ventilated, and the gas is passed to an HCN scrubber caustic solution to recycle HCN.

A carbon concentration of 15 g/L will be maintained in each of the CIL tanks. Each tank will be equipped with a carbon retention screen. A vertical spindle pump with a recessed impeller will be installed in each tank to transfer the carbon upstream, counter-current to the flow of slurry, at a rate of 23 t/d. Regenerated carbon from the carbon transfer tank in the carbon stripping and regeneration circuit, will be transferred to CIL tank No. 6 to replace the carbon pumped upstream. Loaded carbon will be pumped from CIL tank No. 1 over the loaded carbon screen to retain and wash the carbon. The washed carbon will report to one of the two carbon acid-wash vessels.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**14.1.11** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Cyanide Destruction System** 

Slurry from CIL tank No. 6 will flow by gravity through the carbon safety screens, and the screen undersize will report to the cyanide destruction reactor tank. This will be a covered, agitated tank where the residual weakly acid-dissociable (WAD) cyanide concentration will be reduced from nominally 100 ppm to the cyanide levels required by permit. Air and SO2 will combine to oxidize the cyanide to carbon dioxide and ammonia. Copper sulfate solution will be added to top of the tank and will serve as a reaction catalyst to maintain the reaction kinetics. Lime will be added as necessary to maintain an appropriate pH level to ensure adequate reaction kinetics. The destruction reactor tank will be sized for one hour of retention time.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**14.1.12** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Carbon Elution, Electrowinning, Reactivation, and Gold Refining** 

Loaded carbon, at a nominal gold loading of 4,800 g/t, will report to one of two 12 t capacity carbon acid-wash columns by gravity from the loaded carbon screen. The two acid wash columns will process 36 t/d of carbon. After the acid wash and neutralization processes are complete, the carbon will be transferred from the acid wash vessel to one of two elution columns. A carbon elution will begin as soon as the carbon is transferred to the elution column and the transport water has completely drained out of the vessel. For ease of operation, the two elution columns will be the same size as the two acid wash columns. Barren solution with NaOH and NaCN added to a concentration of 1% NaOH and 0.1% NaCN, respectively, will be pumped upflow through the bottom of the elution column. The pregnant solution will exit the elution column and flow through the heat exchanger before reporting to the pregnant solution tank. The barren solution will be circulated through the elution column for a nominal eight hours to complete each elution. When the strip is complete, one bed volume of raw water will be pumped through the elution column. This solution will rinse the residual solution from the carbon and cool the carbon in preparation for transfer.

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After the carbon is rinsed, it will be transferred to the carbon dewatering screen before the kiln. Carbon will be processed through the kiln at the rate of 1.5 t/h for reactivation. The kiln will be sized to process 100% of the eluted carbon to maintain high carbon activity levels throughout the carbon circuit.

The pregnant solution will be pumped through two parallel banks of two electrowinning cells at a nominal flow rate of 48 m<sup>3</sup>/h. On exiting the cells, the solution will report to the barren solution discharge tank and is pumped to the barren tank.

The electrowinning cells will be taken out of service for cleaning three times each week. One cell will be shut down and cleaned at a time, allowing the electrowinning circuit to function normally while the cell is cleaned. The precious-metal-bearing sludge will be washed from the bottom of the cell. The cathodes will either be washed in place or removed to a wash tank and power-washed to release the sludge. The sludge from the electrowinning cell and the cathode wash tank will report to the electrowinning sludge tank by gravity and be pumped through one of two sludge filter presses. The solution discharged from the sludge press reports to the barren solution discharge tank for return to the barren tank.

The sludge filter presses will be taken down and cleaned after the electrowinning cells are cleaned. The sludge will be placed in pans, loaded into a mercury retort, and heated to remove mercury. Most of the mercury will report as elemental mercury and be condensed and collected in 34.5 kg flasks, which will be shipped off site. The residual mercury vapor in the retort off-gas will adsorb onto activated carbon within the retort. Over time, the activated carbon will become saturated with mercury and will be replaced periodically with new carbon. The mercury loaded carbon will be shipped off site.

Smelting fluxes will be mixed with the sludge after the retort, and the mixture will be charged into the induction smelting furnace. Doré bars will be poured from the smelting furnace and shipped off site for further refining.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**14.1.13** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Mercury Abatement Systems** 

The mercury abatement circuits in gas handling have been improved and designed in more detail. Mercury abatement systems will be required at the following locations:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Carbon reactivation – kiln feed and discharge

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Electrowinning cell fume hoods

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Gold refinery area

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● POX vent gas (as described in Section 14.1.6).

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In each area, mercury will be expected to volatilize into the gas stream exiting the circuit because of the elevated temperatures. Fume hoods and ducting will be used to transport the gas to mercury scrubbing systems and other mercury removal equipment. Mercury will be collected and disposed of in two forms: condensed liquid, which will be collected in specialized flasks, and mercury-loaded carbon. Both will be shipped off site.

The mercury recovery system for the regeneration kiln will consist of a spray wet scrubber, a venturi scrubber, a wet gas condenser, a coalescer, and carbon columns. The resulting clean gas will be exhausted through a stack to atmosphere. The spent carbon from the carbon filters will be periodically replenished with fresh carbon. Spent carbon transferred out of the columns will be securely packaged and is transported off site to a certified hazardous waste facility.

Raw water will be used as the quenching and scrubbing solution. In the process, various condensate streams will be collected from the scrubbing circuit. In the regeneration abatement system, the excess condensates can be sent directly to the POX blowdown area or via a coalescer to recover remaining amounts of mercury down to regulatory limits before being pumped to the POX area for reuse in the process.

In the electrowinning area, vapor and air from the electrowinning cells and other equipment in the gold recovery area will be discharged at a rate of approximately 227 m<sup>3</sup>/min and at temperatures up to 80°C. The mercury in this stream will be recovered using two wet spray scrubbers, a venturi scrubber, a wet gas condenser, and a coalescer. Carbon columns set up in a lead-lag arrangement will serve as the final capture for mercury, to reduce emissions to regulatory limits in this area.

A booster fan will funnel the final air stream out through an exhaust stack to the atmosphere. The carbon from the carbon filters will be periodically disposed of to a certified hazardous waste facility, offsite.

Raw water will be used throughout the scrubber system. Overflow water will be sent to a coalescer and settling tank combination to capture elemental mercury before proceeding to cyanide destruction. The underflow discharge of these systems will be sent to a solution collection tank in the cyanide area mercury treatment facilities. The heavier mercury that settles to the bottom of the tank will be withdrawn for disposal. The discharge water closer to the top of the tank will be pumped to a recirculating coalescer, from which treated scrubber solution will be pumped to the cyanide destruction circuit.

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In the refinery, gas discharge from the induction furnace will leave the unit at an elevated temperature of 80°C and low mercury content, but with potential for dusting. Therefore, the mercury entrainment system in this area will consist of a dust capture cyclone and carbon columns. The cyclone underflow will capture gold particulate matter that has drifted out in the gas stream. The cyclone overflow will pass through two sets of carbon columns, both filled with sulfur-impregnated carbon. These will adsorb any remaining mercury before a booster fan releases the gas to atmosphere through an exhaust stack.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**14.2** **Reagents** 

All reagent mixing will take place in a designated area within the mill building. The design of this area will incorporate such features as section bunding with dedicated sump pumps for individual reagent types, and segregated ventilation and dust control for areas with potential for dust or fume release. The design of the reagent preparation area aims to be consistent with the general intent of the International Cyanide Management Code.

Reagents will be received in the following forms:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● *Xanthate* – will be received as pellets in 850 kg bulk bag.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● *Frother 1 (MIBC)* – will be received in 20 t bulk isotainers as a high-strength solution.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● *Frother 2 (F549)* – will be received in 1 t reagent totes as a high-strength solution.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● *Dispersant* – will be received in 23 t bulk isotainers as a high-strength solution.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● *Soda Ash* – will be received as granules in bulk in 18.1 t lined sea containers.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● *Flocculant* – will be received as powder in 6 m lined containers.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● *Cyanide* – will be received as briquettes in bulk 22 t isotainers. To minimize personnel exposure to the reagent mixing process, each isotainer will be pre-piped to serve as a cyanide mix tank.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● *Carbon* – will be received in 454 kg bulk bags.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● *Nitric acid* – will be received in 25 t bulk isotainers as a high-strength solution.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● *Caustic soda* – will be received as dry beads in 1 t bulk bags.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● *Copper sulfate* – will be received in crystal form in 1.25 t bulk bags.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● *Antiscalant (Millsperse 813)* – will be received in 1 t tote tanks as a high-strength solution.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● *Mercury suppressant (UNR 829)* – will be received in 1 t tote tanks as a high-strength solution.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**14.2.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Lime** 

Lime is received as pebble lime in 6 m lined containers and will be transferred to a lime silo beside the reagent area. The pebble lime will be slaked in a grinding-mill-type slaker and will then be held in two holding tanks in the reagent area inside the building. The lime will be used for pH control at various points. Lime addition will be by means of a pressurized lime loop distribution system.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**14.2.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Sulfur Dioxide** 

Sulfur dioxide will be added to the cyanide destruction process. Bulk sulfur will be delivered to site in 1 t bulk bags. The sulfur will be transferred to the molten sulfur tank, where it will be melted by heat from the carbon elution circuit. The molten sulfur will be pumped to a furnace where it will combust with air to yield a discharge gas containing 17% SO<sub>2</sub> by volume. Discharge SO<sub>2</sub> gas will pass through the induced draft fan and blower for dilution to between 2% and 3% SO<sub>2</sub> and will be pressurized to feed the cyanide destruction tanks.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**14.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Process Services** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**14.3.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Air and Gaseous Oxygen** 

The air separation unit (ASU) will produce ~99.5% purity high-pressure oxygen. Its design production capacity is 1,750 t/d of contained oxygen gas. By design, the ASU will have a production turndown of 50%, or 875 t/d, by shutting down one of the main air compressors. With low-pressure liquid oxygen tanks completely full, the low pressure liquid oxygen (LP-LOX) facility will be able to supply another 24 hours, or 1,710 t, of stored liquid oxygen before having to shut down.

Waste nitrogen from the ASU will be pressurized with a compressor and will be used in the autoclave gas handling circuit to reduce the oxygen content of the off-gas prior to mercury scrubbing. When completely full, the low pressure liquid nitrogen (LP-LIN) tanks will be able to supply another 24 hours, or 660 t, of stored liquid nitrogen.

Plant air and instrument air will be provided by three sets of compressors and an air receiver. Plant air will be delivered directly from this receiver, while instrument air will be further filtered and dried before distribution.

Low-pressure process air compressors will be provided for solution neutralization, cyanidation and cyanide destruction service. Low-pressure air blowers will be supplied for flotation, where air will be supplied directly through manifolds to each flotation cell.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**14.3.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Plant Water Distribution** 

Water for the plant distribution system will come from the following sources: contact water from the contact water pond, raw water from peripheral pit dewatering, reclaim water from the TSF, and fresh water from interception ponds as required to make up shortfalls.

Contact water will come from the mine facilities and waste rock storage facility runoff that collects in the contact water pond. Typically, it will have low levels of suspended and dissolved solids, and would be used for:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Elution

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Electrowinning and refining

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Autoclave process water system (quench and gland)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Concentrate CCD wash, gland service and wash water

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Cyanide, caustic, and other reagent systems make-up

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Primary flocculant mixing

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Make-up water to cooling systems including the oxygen plant.

The distribution system will consist of the contact water tank and a pump distribution system.

During periods of high runoff into the contact pond, when quality degrades and quantities are excessive, contact water will substitute for reclaim water in flotation and throughout the plant. In turn, raw water and fresh water can be substituted for normal contact water uses if the quality of the contact water suffers from high suspended solids.

The highest-quality water for use in the plant will be raw water which comes from the dewatering wells. As long as contact water is of sufficient quality and quantity, the raw water will be treated in the water treatment plant and discharged to the environment. When required to replace contact water, it will be suitable for all contact water usages. Raw water will also be important as the source of water for charging mill cooling and heat transfer systems. The raw water distribution system will consist of a single raw water tank and two distribution pumps.

When the quantity of pit dewatering water is insufficient, runoff water recovered from the diversion system around the TSF will be pumped from the diversion dams to a fresh/firewater tank and from there to the raw water tank.

The reclaim water system will supply water to processes that do not need high-quality water. Water will be reclaimed from the TSF and pumped to a reclaim water head tank. The water will be passed through a double-pipe heat exchanger (the heat being recovered from plant tailings during winter) and will then flow by gravity for distribution to the following areas:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● POX CCD

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● CIL feed neutralization and CIL

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Carbon regeneration

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Cyanide destruction tails safety screens.

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Reclaim water will also be supplied as the feed to the gland water system and flotation process water system.

Reclaim water used in CIL will first be treated for magnesium removal by an ion exchange vendor package.

POX blowdown water has been adopted as the terminology for raw water used in the POX process, but is still relatively clean and, more importantly, has not been contaminated by chlorides (above levels in the original raw water). Within the POX area, raw water will be supplied to the gas handling systems—secondary condenser, venturi scrubber, mist eliminator—where it will be used to cool and clean particulates from the off-gas. Raw water will also be used as feed to the demineralized water system and in turn as feed to the boiler.

Demineralized water will be produced as a utility in both the POX and concentrator areas serving the POX plant and the combined requirements of the carbon elution circuit and power plant, respectively. Demineralized water will be produced from plant raw water using multimedia filters and reverse osmosis system (concentrator/power plant) or ion exchange (POX).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**14.3.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Power Requirements** 

The total connected electric load is estimated to be 227 MW and includes mine electric distribution The average running load is approximately 153 MW of which the process plant contributes 134 MW. Motors constitute most of the electrical load with the grinding area and pressure oxidation areas contributing more than 50% of this load.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**14.4** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Personnel Requirements** 

Peak workforce requirements total 234 full time equivalent (FTE) personnel as summarized in Table 14-2.

**Table 14**-**2: Personnel Requirements**

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| **Position** | **FTE** |
| **Process Staff** |  |
| Process Manager | 1 |

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| Executive Assistant / Administrative Clerk | 1 |
| HS/Training Coordinators | 4 |
| **Concentrator** |  |
| Mill Superintendent | 1 |
| Mill General Foreman | 2 |
| Mill Shift Foreman | 4 |
| Mill Chief Metallurgist | 1 |
| Mill Senior Metallurgist | 2 |
| Mill Metallurgist/Technician | 5 |
| Process Control Engineer | 2 |
| Chief Assayer | 1 |
| Assayers | 10 |
| Crusher/Grinder Operators | 12 |
| Control Room Operator (Mill) | 4 |
| Flotation Operators | 8 |
| Neutralization/CIL/ADR Operators | 12 |
| Refiner | 8 |
| Regent Mixer | 8 |
| Mill Laborer | 24 |
| Tailings | 4 |
| Trainers | 8 |
| Sample Buckers | 8 |
| **Pressure Oxidation and Oxygen Plant** |  |
| POX Superintendent | 1 |
| POX General Foreman | 2 |
| POX Shift Foreman | 4 |
| POX Chief Metallurgist | 1 |
| POX Senior Metallurgist | 2 |
| POX Metallurgist/Technician | 6 |
| Control Room Operator | 4 |
| Operators | 12 |
| POX Laborers | 4 |
| **Maintenance** |  |
| Maintenance Superintendent | 1 |

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| Maintenance Clerk / secretary | 2 |
| Maintenance Foreman | 4 |
| Maintenance Planner | 4 |
| Millwrights / Tradesman | 20 |
| Welder / Fabricator | 8 |
| Oiler | 4 |
| Machinist | 4 |
| Electrician  | 10 |
| Instrument Technician | 7 |
| Serviceman / Tool Crib Attendant | 4 |
| **Total** | **234** |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.0** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **INFRASTRUCTURE** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Summary** 

The planned infrastructure for the Project site includes a process plant, ancillary facilities, a power plant, TSF and water diversion and retention structures, and accommodation camp as well as extensive off-site facilities designed to support the mine, including a buried steel natural gas pipeline that originates from the Beluga gas pipeline near Cook Inlet. There is currently no road access to the Project site. Supplies will be shipped on ocean barges to a port at or near Bethel where cargo will be transferred to river barges that will transport supplies and fuel to the Jungjuk Port. An all-season access road will connect Jungjuk Port to the mine site. The site also features a gravel airstrip for personnel transport and emergency response. Water supply for processing and potable use is sourced from wells and reservoirs, with modular water treatment plants for both construction and operations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Access and Logistics** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.2.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Port-to-Mine Access Road** 

The port-to-mine access road (Jungjuk route) will traverse varied terrain from the Kuskokwim River port site near the mouth of Jungjuk Creek to the mine site (Figure 15-1).

The port site is located on the north bank of the Kuskokwim River, 13 km downriver of the village of Crooked Creek; there is currently no road connection between the two locations. To the mine site battery limits, the road will be 44 km long.

The entire road will be new construction in an untracked region, with no passage through or near any settlements or communities, and no junctions with any existing road system. The road route will traverse mostly upland terrain. A 4.8 km long spur road, beginning at route km 8.7 from the mine site, will serve the Project airstrip. The mine permanent camp facilities will be located at 3.9 km from the mine site.

There are 50 identified stream or drainage crossings along the road route, but only six of them are significant and will require bridging. Bridge lengths vary from 7.5-25 m.

The access road enables the transport of cargo, fuel, equipment, and personnel throughout both construction and operational phases. The road traverses remote upland terrain where no prior road connections or settlements exist. Short spur roads branch off to serve the airstrip, material borrow sites, and the permanent accommodation camp.

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**Figure 15**-**1: Basic Route of Mine Access Road**

![figure15_1.jpg](figure15_1.jpg)

Source: Donlin Gold LLC, 2025

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To provide operational flexibility, the road will be engineered for year-round use, the access road features a two-lane, gravel surface. The design addresses seasonal drainage and spring runoff, with about 50 stream or drainage crossings along the route. Six crossings are equipped with bridges designed for durability and load capacity, accounting for ice, snow, and flood events. The remaining crossings use culverts sized to local hydrological conditions, with erosion control and armoring measures implemented as needed. Construction materials, including gravel and fill, are sourced from roughly 20 borrow sites situated along the road and within the mine footprint that will support both initial construction and ongoing maintenance. This locally sourced gravel is compacted to form a stable running surface, suitable for heavy mine traffic and the region's seasonal weather variations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.2.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Road Construction** 

Road construction activities will be divided among three distinct areas: the site access roads to ancillary facilities (explosives storage, airstrip, haul roads); the port site permanent access road; and the Crooked Creek winter construction access road. In general, roads will be constructed using conventional cut-and-fill techniques, except for the winter construction access road, which will be developed as a winter ice road.

Simple fill-type embankments will be constructed on most of the ridge-line sections to preclude surface disturbance and reduce snow-drifting on the roadway. In general, material sites have been located at regular intervals along the alignment, precluding the need for extended haulage of construction rock.

A geotextile underlay will be provided in areas identified as having significant amounts of permafrost or wet soils. To mitigate the road deterioration due to frost heave, the roads will be built using techniques and standards used in cold regions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.2.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Airstrip** 

The airstrip will be approximately 14 km by road west of the mine site. The airstrip design is based on U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards. The specified aircraft are the DHC Dash 8 and the Hercules C-130. The design was governed by the needs of the Hercules C-130. A gravel runway is suitable for both types of aircraft. A single airstrip was considered sufficient to accommodate the predominant wind directions.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.2.4** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Cargoes** 

General cargoes sourced globally will be shipped in containers or as break-bulk to marine terminals in Seattle and Vancouver where they will be loaded onto ocean barges for transport to Bethel. Because the Kuskokwim River begins to freeze in October and the mouth of the river does not usually clear of ice until late May, the shipping season for both ocean and river barges will be limited to 1 June to 1 October each year. The first general cargo barge of each shipping season will load and leave Seattle or Vancouver in early-May to be at the mouth of the river by the beginning of June.

Because of draft restrictions on the river downriver of Bethel later in the season, fully-laden ocean barges will discharge part of their cargo direct to river barges at Oscarville Crossing about 10 km downriver from Bethel. Those cargoes unloaded at Bethel will be placed into temporary storage or transferred directly to river barges for shipment to Jungjuk, about 312 km upriver. At Jungjuk general cargo will be off-loaded and either placed in temporary storage to await transport or loaded directly onto trucks for transport to the mine site.

Empty container storage yards, local transport, marine terminals in Seattle and Vancouver, and the ocean and river general cargo barge fleets will be operated by third parties.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.2.5** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Fuel** 

Fuel sourced at refineries in the Pacific Northwest will be delivered by ocean barge to Dutch Harbor, where it will be stored in 49 ML fuel tanks to await onward transport to Bethel. The first shipments should leave the refineries in early May. Fuel will be shipped from Dutch Harbor to Bethel using an ocean barge with an 11 ML capacity. The barge will be loaded in a way to avoid the need to reduce draft before navigating the shallower sections downstream of Bethel. At Bethel, fuel will either be transferred to 38 ML storage tanks or loaded directly to a river barge for transport to Jungjuk. At Jungjuk, fuel will be offloaded into 9.5 ML storage tanks. From there, a fleet of tanker trucks with total capacity of 0.51 ML will deliver fuel to the mine site where it will be stored in fuel storage tanks with combined capacity of 142 ML. The fuel terminals at Dutch Harbor and Bethel, as well as the ocean and river barge fleets will be operated by third-party contractors.

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**Figure 15**-**2: Plant Site Layout**

![figure15_2.jpg](figure15_2.jpg)

Source: Wood, 2025

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Plant Site Facilities** 

Plant site facilities as shown in Figure 15-2. The layout of the plant site was designed to take maximum advantage of the topography and provides for efficient movement of equipment and material products around the site

For the design of plant site buildings and other structures, the seismic design provisions of the 2006 International Building Code have been adopted and will need to be verified with the current 2021 edition of International Building Code.

The crusher structure will be a concrete tower founded on a raft-type foundation with a reinforced earth wall around three sides. Crushed ore will be fed to a ~1.3 km long coarse ore conveyor running to a coarse ore stockpile at the process plant.

The truckshop will house 10 heavy vehicle repair bays, various specialty service bays, a warehouse, changerooms, and offices. The mine rescue truck, fire truck, and first aid facility will also be housed within this building. The layout has been designed to allow the building to be extended in the future by up to four bay-lines, for a total of eight additional maintenance bays.

The explosives plant will be located north of the pit, behind a ridgeline to protect the explosives plant from potential flyrock. The location and characteristics of the explosives magazine will be designed to meet federal safety standards.

Exploration, environmental, geotechnical, and engineering studies have been conducted at the plant site location. These studies have typically included geotechnical drilling and assessments of soil, permafrost, and bedrock conditions. The results of the studies inform the understanding of ground stability and requirements and constraints for construction in the Arctic environment of the Project.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.4** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Camps and Accommodation** 

The construction camp will be built on a bench near the process plant, at a safe distance from the process plant pad so that this facility is not affected by flying rock during blasting operations for the facility rough grading, foundations excavation and buried utilities construction. The camp will include 14 stand-alone, three-story dormitories designed to accommodate 2,560 people and a stand-alone, single-story core services facility.

The permanent accommodation complex will be located just off the main access road, approximately 6 km west of the plant site. The complex will house an estimated 434 people in Year 2 and be expanded in Years 1 and 6 to accommodate a maximum of 638 people during operations.

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Two modular sewage treatment plants (STPs) will be provided: one for the permanent accommodations facility, and one for the construction camp southwest of the plant site. The sewage treatment plant for the construction camp will later be reduced in size to accommodate the operational requirements of the plant site area.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.5** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Waste Rock Facilities** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.5.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Location** 

The ex-pit WRF will be located in the American Creek valley, east of the open pit. The ultimate footprint of the ex-pit WRF covers an area of approximately 9 km<sup>2</sup>. The ex-pit WRF has a maximum capacity of 2,458 Mt. Approximately 2,318 Mt of waste rock is scheduled to be placed in the ex-pit WRF. The top lift of the ex-pit WRF will be at an elevation of approximately 610 m amsl, resulting in a maximum WRF height of about 430 m. The ex-pit WRF will be constructed in 30 m lifts. The toe of each subsequent lift will be set back 47 m from the crest of the previous lift, resulting in an overall dump slope of 3H:1V.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.5.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Acid-base Accounting** 

The waste rock assessments evaluated acid generation potential and metal/metalloid leaching (ML) using mineralogical studies, bulk geochemistry, acid-base accounting (ABA), meteoric water mobility procedure (MWMP) leach tests, and kinetic experiments employing humidity cells (HCTs) and field barrels. Predictions of source water chemistry, derived from laboratory and field kinetic tests initiated in 2006 and 2008, have informed the comprehensive site water quality model.

The results indicated that most waste rock has low ARD potential (NP/AP > 2), though some samples fall into uncertain or PAG ranges. Arsenic, antimony, and mercury concentrations exceed global crustal averages due to mineralization, with arsenic showing potential for leaching under both acidic and non-acidic conditions. It was established that sulfide oxidation rates correlate strongly with sulfur content, and arsenic release aligns with arsenic content, indicating that bulk rock chemistry predicts leaching behavior. The delay to ARD onset is linked to NP/AP: rock near 1.3 may take decades to generate acidity, whereas NP/AP <1 could produce ARD within several years. Arsenic leaching remains a concern across most waste rock due to elevated concentrations and demonstrated leachability.

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In 2022, SRK implemented twelve additional field barrels (plus one duplicate) and commenced further humidity cell analyses to address data limitations for Waste Rock Management Category 2 (WRMC 2) and enhance the definition of source terms, with particular attention to selenium (SRK, 2023). Analysis of 20 weeks of HCT data for WRMC 2 composite samples indicates several key trends:

Lower detection limits for selenium in solids and leachates have provided improved insight into selenium leaching behavior. Early results show an initial flush followed by declining concentrations, with sulfate leaching stabilizing, enabling calculation of average release rates. All leachates remain non-acidic, consistent with bulk ABA results. Selenium concentrations are comparable to early data from historical Phase 1 and Phase 2 programs, with similar declining trends expected to continue as concentrations fall below previous detection limits. Observed declines suggest selenium leach rates may decrease by an order of magnitude over several years, reducing source term inputs; however, caution is warranted due to particle breakdown and exposure of new surfaces over time. Bulk selenium content in 2022 samples ranges from <1-3 mg/kg, implying depletion timeframes of decades to centuries. Current data are insufficient to revise arsenic or antimony source terms without parallel on-site test results.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.5.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Geotechnical Design** 

Drilling investigations were conducted for the WRF between 2004 and 2016. Seismic refraction and resistivity geophysical studies were performed to delineate subsurface stratigraphy. These investigations confirmed overburden consists of peat, loess, colluvium, and terrace gravels over bedrock comprised of greywacke, siltstone, and shale. The foundation preparation plan includes stripping organic and ice-rich overburden under a perimeter shell for the facility and replacement with coarse waste rock to enhance stability and reduce settlement risk. The planned construction method is end-dumping with dozer spreading. The ultimate height with a slope of 3H:1V is achieved through 30 m lifts with 47 m horizontal setbacks between lifts. Slope stability analyses were completed for the ultimate configuration under static and seismic loading (BGC, 2011) using factor of safety targets consistent with pre-feasibility-level standards and regulatory guidance.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.6** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Tailings Storage Facilities** 

The TSF will be constructed in the Anaconda Creek valley, 3.5 km south of the open pit and 3 km east of the confluence of Anaconda and Crooked creeks (Figure 15-3). Anaconda Creek flows west through the gently sloping valley bottom before joining Crooked Creek. The dam for the TSF spans the valley bottom with abutments extending up the valley sides. Two freshwater diversion dams described further in Section 15.7 are required to limit surface water reporting to the tailings dam for the first three years of operation.

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**Figure 15**-**3: Location of Tailings Storage Facility**

![figure15_3.jpg](figure15_3.jpg)

Source: Donlin Gold LLC, 2025

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.6.1**. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Site Geology** 

Site geology is described in Section 6.2. Ash and shale that have been identified are potential weak foundation units within the TSF footprint and surrounding geotechnical domains. Ash layers, when preserved, are typically bedding-parallel. These materials occur in low-energy depositional environments and often overlap spatially. Slickensides that are observed on discontinuities in the shale also represent potential weaknesses in the foundation.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.6.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Seismicity** 

The site is seismically active due to Pacific–North American plate collision. Deformation has produced east-west folds and multiple fault orientations. Modern faulting is dominated by north-northeast striking, right lateral, strike-slip faults. The nearest identified active faults are as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Iditarod-Nixon Fork Fault: ~20 km north of the site

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Denali-Farewell Fault: ~70 km southeast of the site.

The following are the largest recorded events reported in the region:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Magnitude 5.5 earthquake in 1959, ~90 km northwest of the site

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Magnitude 6.9 earthquake in 1903, ~55 km southwest of the site.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.6.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Geotechnical Site Investigation and Laboratory Testing** 

BGC performed a geotechnical investigation program for the TSF to characterize subsurface conditions, evaluate material properties, and provide design parameters for dam construction and tailings management. The program addressed foundation stability, permafrost behavior, and material suitability for engineered structures.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.6.4** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **TSF Design** 

The TSF design follows the ADNR dam safety guidelines.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.6.4.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Design Criteria** 

Initial design criteria used a proposed hazard classification of the tailings dam in Anaconda Creek of Class I, or High. Considering this classification, the following criteria were developed:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Minimum factors of safety will be determined by the engineer, based on hazard classification and engineering detail.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● The inflow design flood (IDF) should be based on the probable maximum flood (PMF).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● The design basis earthquake is the maximum credible event (MCE).

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.6.4.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Inflow Design Flood** 

The IDF was determined on the basis that the probable maximum precipitation (PMP) is assumed to occur at the end of the 200-year snowmelt with the ground fully saturated; therefore, the entire PMP runs off the catchment area. The TSF will store the full volume of the IDF without discharge.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.6.4.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Foundation Stability** 

The dam foundation will be prepared by stripping all overburden to bedrock. No stability analyses were reported in the preliminary design report.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.6.4.4** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Configuration** 

The starter and ultimate dam will be constructed in a downstream direction with heights of 60 m and 144 m high, respectively, as measured from the crest to the downstream toe. The dam slopes and geometry have been established based on civil design and functional requirements. Upstream slopes are 2H:1V and downstream slopes are 1.7H:1V. No stability analyses were provided for these slopes in the preliminary design report.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.6.4.5** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Seepage and Pore Pressure Control** 

The TSF includes a liner as the primary barrier to seepage, preventing contaminated water from migrating into the underlying soils and groundwater control seepage. The TSF uses a geomembrane liner system installed over a prepared bedding layer (BGC, 2024). The liner is installed over the upstream face and is tied into the liner within the Anaconda Creek Valley to provide continuity and reduce the likelihood of leakage paths. The liner is placed on top of the excavated foundation, which has been stripped of unsuitable soils (such as peat, loess,<br> fine-grained alluvium, and colluvium) to expose competent weathered bedrock.

Filter zones are required between the tailings and the rockfill that constitutes the body of the dam for protection in the event of a puncture in the liner. A factor of safety of 10 is generally considered acceptable for the underdrain design flow to account for uncertainties in the flows and drain construction and has been applied to the TSF impoundment drains. The filter materials are sourced from local quarries and waste rock and selected for their durability, gradation, and resistance to internal erosion. Laboratory testing confirms their suitability. A geotextile has been proposed for filter protection of the TSF underdrain system that extends under the TSF dam.

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A seepage recovery system (SRS), consisting of a pond excavated into bedrock, lined rockfill berms, diversion ditches, and monitoring/collection wells, will be installed during initial construction, located immediately downstream of the closure footprint of the tailings dam. The seepage recovery pond and collection wells will provide secondary and tertiary containment, respectively, while the TSF liner provides primary containment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.6.4.6** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Seismic Hazard Analyses** 

The TSF seismic design is deterministic, meaning the primary design earthquake is based on the MCE for the site. TSF deterministic seismic hazard analysis was completed including a near-field fault study (identifying potentially rupturing faults within 100 km of the site) and a site-specific hazard analysis based on the modified version of the US Geological Survey (USGS) National Seismic Hazard Model (NSHM) for Alaska. The recommended MCE for the tailings dam design is characterized by a peak horizontal ground acceleration on rock of 0.315 g for dam foundation and 0.372 g for rock fill, from a magnitude 7.9 earthquake (Mw).

As part of the design process and regulatory compliance, a probabilistic hazard assessment was also performed. This is not the basis for the main design, but it serves for comparison and risk evaluation to confirm the facility can withstand extremely rare events. The 1-in-10,000-year event was estimated as 0.44 g peak ground acceleration.

To define site conditions for ground motion estimation and response spectra BGC (2024) selected a VS30 of 900 m/s to represent rock fill and the VS30 of 1,380 m/s to represent the dam foundation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.6.5** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **TSF Construction** 

The starter dam will be constructed prior to the start of the mine operation, and then the raises will be completed approximately every four years throughout the mine life. Surface water management will be required during construction and will comprise conventional best-management practices such as cofferdams, sumps, sediment traps, and pumped diversions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.6.6** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **TSF Operation** 

The tailings will be transported to the TSF at a slurry density of 36% solids by weight and will be discharged via piping and spigots. Tailings beach slopes of 0.5% above the water surface and 1% below the water surface have been assumed for capacity and deposition planning purposes. Multiple subaerial spigotting deposition locations would form embankment and "force" the supernatant pool, via selected or cyclical point deposition, to initially flow towards reclaim collection (i.e., decant) barge located in the center on the north side of the impoundment, and ultimately towards the southeast end of the impoundment at the end of process operations (SRK, 2016a).

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.7** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Water Management** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.7.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Water Balance** 

Water management strategies for the construction, operations and closure phases were evaluated using both deterministic and stochastic water balance models. The water balance models incorporate multiple inputs, including precipitation, groundwater flows, process parameters, and surface water dynamics:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Average annual precipitation at the Project site is about 499 mm, split between rainfall (69%) and snowfall (31%), with snow accumulation starting mid-October and melting by early May.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Groundwater inflows to pit dewatering systems (pit dewatering wells and horizontal drains) are derived from the groundwater model. The groundwater model calibration was done by comparing simulated hydraulic heads against observed heads measured at monitoring wells within the identified HSU's.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Stream flow measurements used for calibration of the numerical hydrogeologic model (BGC, 2014) include periods of continuous flow measurements available for five surface water monitoring stations between 1996 and 2013. This data is primarily limited to the summer period when creeks were not frozen.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Operational parameters include a 27-year operation life, and variable throughput averaging 53,500 t/d, with tailings slurry at 35.9% solids and consolidation continuing for 52 years post-closure.

Surface runoff is calculated using the Vandewiele model for undisturbed ground and adjusted for disturbed areas, while lake levels and evaporation are tracked weekly. Stochastic modeling for the 15-month period before plant start-up shows that 3.1 Mm³ of water from the lower contact water dam (LCWD) will be needed to meet initial process demands until TSF reclaim water becomes reliable. To prevent shortages during potential droughts, the American freshwater diversion dam (FWDD) along with Snow Gulch will provide backup supply at the start of operations.

The operational water balance model results indicate that average annual flows within the operations water balance system vary significantly across weekly, monthly, and annual scales under different precipitation scenarios. Wetter sequences lead to greater water accumulation in the TSF impoundment and increased diversion, while drier conditions result in reduced treatment and discharge volumes as more water is retained for plant use. The buildup of water in the TSF is influenced more by the frequency of extremely wet or dry years than by long-term average precipitation trends.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.7.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Water Retention Structures** 

Water retention structures and water storage are summarized in Table 15-1. A detailed water retention design will occur during the next phase.

**Table 15**-**1: Water Retention Structures and Water Storage**

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| **Dam Name** | **Purpose** |
| American FWDD | Retain surface runoff to provide fresh water to the process plant during start-up and limit inflows to the lower contact water dam (LCWD) site during construction |
| Upper Contact Water Dam | Stores contact water from mine facilities |
| Lower Contact Water Dam | Collects and manages contact water downstream |
| TSF North and TSF South Freshwater Diversion Dams | Retain surface runoff from entering the TSF impoundment and facilitate construction of the TSF Starter Dam and initial lined facility |
| Snow Gulch Freshwater Dam | Provide contingency fresh water to the process plant |
| Ore stockpile berm and sump | Limit surface water from entering pit |

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The two contact water dams (CWDs) are intended to manage and retain water that has been in contact with mine operations, including runoff, seepage, and pumped flows from the open pit and waste rock facilities. During construction, the LCWD operating capacity (8.82 Mm<sup>3</sup>) accounts for pre-stripping runoff and extreme precipitation, with contingency measures to pump excess water to other facilities or treat it before release. No waste rock would be placed within the footprint of the LCWD during construction. The design incorporates locally sourced rockfill and terrace gravels for embankment and filter construction, with foundation preparation involving the removal of overburden and treatment of weathered bedrock to provide a stable base. A geomembrane liner tied into a concrete plinth cut-off that extends to competent bedrock provides seepage control. The dams are designed to remain in service for the duration of mine operations and will be decommissioned upon closure, with provisions for reclamation using stockpiled overburden materials.

The American FWDD is intended to divert water from American Creek into the TSF and process plant, and to limit inflows to the LCWD during construction. Excess fresh water (non-contact) accumulating in the American Creek FWDD would be stored up to a maximum capacity of 1.07 Mm<sup>3</sup>, with the excess discharged to Crooked Creek at Omega Gulch. The dam will be constructed on Kuskokwim Group bedrock, primarily siltstone and greywacke. Foundation preparation for the dam will involve removing highly weathered bedrock and overburden and then treating the competent bedrock. The structure will include a concrete face slab on the upstream slope to provide an impermeable barrier, supported by well-graded rockfill zones and transition zones for seepage control and stability. A concrete plinth anchored into bedrock will form a watertight connection at the toe of the upstream face. Beneath the plinth will be a grout curtain to minimize seepage through the foundation. Hydraulic features include a spillway and diversion structures designed to manage flood events and operational flows, with energy dissipation measures downstream. Construction will use locally sourced rockfill and be staged to accommodate seasonal constraints and material availability, with special consideration for permafrost and frost heave in the foundation design. Instruments, such as piezometers and settlement gauges, will be installed to monitor dam performance throughout its operational life.

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The Snow Gulch freshwater dam (FWD) is designed to provide contingency fresh water to the process plant during mine start-up and operations. The dam will be constructed within Snow Gulch, north of the American Creek watershed, and is intended to be in service for the life of the mine before decommissioning at closure. Except when water is being withdrawn from the pond for use in the process plant, the dam will be kept at its maximum storage capacity of 4 Mm<sup>3</sup>. The dam embankment will consist of a rockfill shell with an internal geomembrane liner. Locally sourced terrace gravels and quarried rock will be used for construction materials. Foundation preparation will involve stripping overburden to weathered bedrock and excavating rippable near-surface bedrock beneath the dam footprint. Seepage will be controlled by installing a geomembrane liner tied into a concrete plinth cut-off extending to bedrock. Detailed seepage analyses will inform the design.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.7.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Construction Water Management Strategy** 

Construction focuses on treating and discharging pit dewatering groundwater to prevent excessive buildup in the contact water dams, minimizing contact water treatment, ensuring adequate water supply for plant commissioning, and providing pit depressurization without storing water in the TSF until just before start-up. Key components during construction include the American Creek FWDD, temporary TSF diversion dams, Snow Gulch Reservoir, pit dewatering systems, ore stockpile berms, stormwater runoff controls, potable water wells, and domestic WTP discharge. Water infrastructure required for the construction phase is illustrated in Figure 15-4.

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**Figure 15**-**4: Construction Water Management Layout**

![figure15_4.jpg](figure15_4.jpg)

Source: Donlin Gold LLC, 2025

Runoff from mine facilities in the American Creek drainage, including the pre-stripping excavations for the open pits, the WRF, and other mine facilities would be managed as contact water. Alaska Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (APDES) general permit allows treatment of contact water.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.7.3.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Initial Pit Dewatering** 

Pre-stripping begins in ACMA and Lewis pits, approximately 15 months prior to commencement of process plant operation, and runoff from this initial pit footprint will be managed as contact water. To achieve pit depressurization targets, pumping from perimeter dewatering wells will begin six months before the start of pre-stripping. Construction of the operations WTP will be completed prior to pre-stripping so that pit depressurization targets can be achieved. Seventeen perimeter dewatering wells will be operational by Year -1 (SRK, 2017). Pit dewatering water collected during construction would be treated in the WTP and discharged to Crooked Creek near the confluence of Omega Gulch under an APDES permit.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.7.3.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Tailings Storage Facility** 

Two temporary FWDDs will be constructed upstream of the TSF in Anaconda Creek and completed in Year -2. The diversion dams will minimize runoff to the TSF from undisturbed ground and also divert fresh water (surface water and noncontact stormwater) during construction of the TSF starter dam and placement of the impoundment liner. The dams would be in use until Year 3 of operation, at which time both the TSF North and South FWDD would be decommissioned and the area would be regraded and incorporated into the ultimate TSF impoundment to allow for additional tailings storage.

A rock fill underdrain capable of handling the base flow through the Anaconda Creek valley will be placed beneath the liner system to prevent the build-up of pore pressures beneath the TSF. The underdrain will be placed prior to installing the impoundment liner. During construction, discharge from the SRS may require treatment prior to discharge and if needed would be treated in the WTP and discharged to Crooked Creek near the confluence of Omega Gulch under an APDES permit. An average annual discharge of 340 m<sup>3</sup>/h from the SRS is anticipated during late construction (SRK, 2017).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.7.3.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Overburden Stockpiles** 

A number of overburden stockpiles are required to store material that will be used to reclaim the TSF and WRF. All of these stockpiles lie beyond areas that drain into proposed dams and will need sediment control structures. Overburden stockpiles requiring sediment control include:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● The north overburden (NOB) stockpile north of American Creek on the east side of Crooked Creek

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● The south overburden (SOB) stockpile between the American Creek and Anaconda Creek valleys on the east side of Crooked Creek

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Three stockpiles downstream of the TSF dam. (TSF Overburden Stockpile, Growth Media Stockpile 1, Growth Media Stockpile 2).

Runoff from these stockpiles will be managed by intercepting and directing surface runoff toward sediment ponds sized to contain the 10-year return period, 24-hour duration storm.

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The diversion channels will be sized for the 100-year rainfall event. Two sets of diversion channels are proposed. Upslope diversions will limit runoff to the overburden dumps, while channels on the downslope side will direct surface runoff to the sediment ponds.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.7.3.4** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Construction Camp Potable Water Supply and Domestic Wastewater** 

The source of water supply for the construction camp and, later, the plant site potable water systems, will be an array of eight wells south of Omega Gulch, near Crooked Creek.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.7.3.5** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Fire Water** 

Fire protection water supplies for the construction camp and permanent accommodation facility will be provided from the freshwater storage tanks. The tanks will have a reserve supply for fire protection capable of providing 1,900 L/min for one hour, in accordance with NFPA requirements for ordinary hazard occupancies.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.7.3.6** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Plant Start-Up Water Supply** 

Approximately 0.23 Mm<sup>3</sup> of non-turbid water will be required for process plant commissioning, and 3.1 Mm<sup>3</sup> will be required at process plant start-up (SRK, 2017). This startup volume is based on the ability to meet the process water requirements until reclaim water from the TSF can be relied on (i.e., sediment content/clarity is suitable for process use).

The deterministic and stochastic water balance model results indicate this volume will be met by the LCWD, even in dry years. In extreme dry years, the remaining water requirement could be supplied from the Snow Gulch Reservoir and/or the American FWDD.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.7.4** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Operations Water Management Strategy** 

The water supply and management plan during operations is designed to ensure sufficient fresh water for processing, maintain treated water discharge within environmental standards, and minimize the TSF pond volume throughout operations and closure. Water for the process plant will come from multiple sources with priority ranking as listed:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Dewatering wells

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● TSF reclaim water

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● TSF SRS water

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Runoff collected in the LCWD and UCWD

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Retentate (brine) from the WTP

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Fresh water from Snow Gulch Reservoir.

A number of structures and operating rules have been designed to meet these objectives. Operations water management components and structures are shown in Figure 15-5.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.7.4.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Mine Pit Dewatering** 

Mining operations conducted below the water table necessitate dewatering. The depressurization system consists of surface water diversions, vertical perimeter wells, horizontal drains, and in-pit water collection and water removal infrastructure. The dewatering system includes up to 115 wells (35 perimeter and 80 in-pit), with depths averaging 215 m for perimeter wells and 188 m for in-pit wells. Pumping rates will range from 242-630 m³/h, with peak operation involving 52 wells during Years 14–15. Groundwater extraction will start at about 386 m³/h in Year 2, peak at 540 m³/h in Year 12 and decline to 250 m³/h after Year 20 as perimeter wells are shut down during backfilling. Horizontal drains totaling 268 km will assist in depressurizing pit slopes, lowering the water table to -335 masl by Year 20.

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**Figure 15**-**5: Operations Water Management Layout**

![figure15_5.jpg](figure15_5.jpg)

Source: Donlin Gold LLC, 2025

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.7.4.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Tailings Storage Facility** 

The TSF is designed to manage tailings from flotation, wash-thickener overflow, and detoxified cyanide slurry. It includes a main lined embankment, two temporary FWDDs, a reclaim water system, and an underdrain connected to the SRS. The TSF will provide storage for tailings, operating pond, floodwater, and a 2 m emergency freeboard, meeting the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requirements for the PMF and 24-hour PMP. The starter dam height is 60 m, with an ultimate height of 143.5 m and length of 1,787 m, impounding about 515 Mt of tailings and over 451.7 Mm³ of water. No spillway is needed during operations, but one will be added at closure. Tailings slurry will flow by gravity through a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipeline with a 120 cm diameter in a lined corridor 16 m wide, with an average flow of 3,960 m³/h. Reclaim water will be pumped back to the plant at about 3,213 m³/h via a 2.5 km pipeline. The SRS includes a seepage collection pond (20,000 m³ capacity), monitoring wells, and interceptor wells to manage seepage and prevent contamination. Interceptor wells can pump up to 400 m³/h if needed. Diversion channels lined with 1 mm LLDPE will divert runoff from catchments up to 380 ha, designed for 200-year peak flows of 0.9–3.7 m³/s. It is expected that ice will form on the operating pond in winter, so beach slopes of 0.5% above water and 1% below water will prevent liner damage.

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The stochastic water balance model was used to predict the likely range of the TSF impoundment volume over the LOM and at the end of operations. While the stochastic water balance model results show a steady increase in the TSF impoundment volume over the LOM, impoundment volumes are expected to fluctuate from year to year.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.7.4.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Waste Rock Facility** 

The LCWD and UCWD in American Creek are designed to manage runoff from the WRF and pit. The UCWD, includes a spillway to handle the PMF, while the LCWD has no spillway because its storage capacity accommodates the 24-hour PMP plus an operating pond. The UCWD has a drainage area of 206 ha and storage of 4 Mm³, while the LCWD covers 1,390 ha with 8.82 Mm³ storage.

The WRF layout has been designed such that the LCWD can store 0.5 Mm³ of contact water without inundating waste rock. There are three concerns with the waste rock becoming excessively inundated by the pond storage:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Potential siltation of the underdrain voids over time

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Geotechnical stability issues with the potential siltation of the underdrains

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Geochemical interactions.

Constant wetting and drying of the waste rock could degrade the water quality of runoff to the LCWD such that it could no longer be considered as a water source for the process plant. Water quality issues would be addressed during operations by limiting pond volumes in the LCWD such that a volume of 0.5 Mm<sup>3</sup> is not exceeded more than 5% of the time. A pumping plan ensures that when volumes exceed 0.35 Mm³ in the LCWD, water is transferred to the UCWD.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.7.4.4** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Runoff Controls** 

The plant site, located on the ridge between American Creek and Anaconda Creek, will have controlled drainage directed to the CWDs or TSF, ensuring noncontact stormwater is diverted through TSF diversion channels without contamination. Runoff originating from upslope areas near active mining sites will be intercepted by a constructed ditch and diverted around the perimeter of the pit. Within the open pit, both runoff and snowmelt will be systematically managed through an integrated network of ditches, sumps, pumps, and booster stations. This system comprises two main components: a series of pumping stations and gravity sumps placed around the pit crest, along with a network of in-pit pipelines, pumps, and ditches designed to transport water out of the pit. The system is engineered with a peak pumping capacity of 1,885 m³/h, which allows it to remove runoff from a 30 mm storm event within three days and from a 76 mm storm event within seven days. Mobile pumps are included to ensure operational flexibility during more extreme weather conditions. Additionally, roadside and bench ditches will capture runoff and direct it to sumps where it can be efficiently pumped into the perimeter system, thereby minimizing pumping expenses and supporting continuous operational effectiveness.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.7.4.5** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Process Water Requirements** 

Water requirements depend on process plant feed rates, which vary annually (SRK, 2017). The process plant requires an average water supply of 4,088 m³/h during active operations, with water losses of about 62 m³/h. A minimum of 568 m³/h of makeup water is needed, sourced from contact water ponds, pit dewatering, TSF SRS, and, if necessary, Snow Gulch Reservoir. Reclaim water from the TSF is the primary source of process water, averaging 3,213 m³/h and peaking at 3,520 m³/h when the TSF pond volumes exceed 6.0 Mm³.

The WTP should operate at a maximum capacity of 1,080 m³/h, treating water from dewatering wells (maximum 540 m³/h, average 181 m³/h), CWDs (maximum 250 m³/h, average 101 m³/h), TSF pond water (maximum 10 m³/h, average 5 m³/h), and SRS water (maximum 235 m³/h, average 95 m³/h). In low-precipitation years, Snow Gulch Reservoir will supplement the water supply. Groundwater from dewatering will primarily supply process water unless combined contact dam storage exceeds 1.8 Mm³, in which case water will be treated and discharged to Crooked Creek.

The Snow Gulch Reservoir will serve as a contingency source of fresh water for the process plant during operations. It will have an operating capacity of approximately 4 Mm³, with a dam height of 46 m and a spillway designed to pass peak runoff from a 100-year storm.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.7.4.6** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Operations Water Treatment Plant** 

The Operations WTP will be required to treat dewatering and other process water flows that are expected to require treatment to meet AWQS prior to discharge to Crooked Creek. The Operations WTP is expected to operate for approximately 29 years (two years during<br> pre-production followed by 27 years during mine operation). The original WTP design was based on a high-density sludge chemical precipitation process for removal of metals, including arsenic and manganese, and included reactor tanks for lime and iron coagulant addition, clarifiers, pH adjustment and filtration. The current design is a membrane-based reverse osmosis (RO) system that includes clarifiers and filters for pretreatment.

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The Operations WTP will have a combined maximum design capacity of approximately 1,080 m<sup>3</sup>/h, with an anticipated maximum treatment rate of approximately 1,009 m<sup>3</sup>/h, and will treat water from the following sources:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● TSF reclaim: annual volume not to exceed net precipitation falling over TSF impoundment and ore stockpile area less evaporation from ponds

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● CWD flows: contact water from the UCWD and LCWD

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● SRS flows

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Pit dewatering flow from dewatering wells.

During periods of high runoff, TSF pond volumes are predicted to rise even with treatment of the other sources of contact water. Therefore, when excess TSF pond volumes develop, TSF water will be sent to the WTP and mixed for treatment along with the other sources of water. The objective of treating water from the CWDs is to build flexibility into the water management system such that TSF pond volume is minimized to the extent practical during operations, while maintaining a sufficient supply of process makeup water. Seepage from the lined TSF is expected to be minimal and the SRS water is considered a cleaner source for treatment and will typically be sent directly to the WTP during mine operations and construction as needed.

<br> Open-pit dewatering well water will be the cleanest available water source and prioritized for treatment and release.

Water quality estimates for the sources that supply the Operations WTP are derived from a combination of baseline environmental surface water and groundwater characterization data, results from humidity cell tests, and modeling outputs using process and geochemistry models.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.8** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Bethel Marine Terminal** 

Bethel is about 105 km upriver from the mouth of the Kuskokwim River where it empties into Kuskokwim Bay. It is the only port on the Kuskokwim River accessible to ocean barges.

The Knik Construction Yard site, which is downstream from the Port of Bethel, has been identified as the site for a general cargo barge terminal dedicated to the Project. It has road access and could be connected to the local power grid.

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Ocean barges will be unloaded of their cargoes, which will either be transshipped directly to river barges or placed in storage to wait for an available river barge. The salient features of the terminal will include:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● A berth for ocean barges

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● A berth for river barges

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● A roll-on/roll-off berth

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● A storage area for containers and break bulk cargoes

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Buildings and ancillary infrastructure and services.

To provide adequate space for five ocean barge loads, the terminal yard will need to be about 5.1 ha in area. With a further 1.4 ha required for the wharf, buildings, access roads, and ancillary services and facilities, the terminal will have a total area of 6.5 ha.

Two years prior to operations, during the peak construction year, up to 30 ocean barges will call at Bethel and unload construction cargoes.

The wharf structures, fender systems, and mooring systems will be designed for a minimum service life of 25 years. Other conditions factored into the design of the wharf include site conditions, ice, environmental conditions, a corrosion allowance, and the vessels that will use the terminal.

Electrical power for yard lighting and office needs at the port will be provided from the local grid. Potable water will be obtained from a well, and sewage will be sent to a septic drain field. Water for fire protection will be pumped from the river through a temporarily deployed pump and hose into a heated, insulated, above-ground 900 m<sup>3</sup> dedicated firewater storage tank.

To accommodate the mining facility consumption of about 152 ML of diesel fuel annually, storage capacity at the existing tank farms in Bethel will be increased by 22.71 ML.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.9** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Jungjuk Port Site** 

The Jungjuk port site is located on the north bank of the Kuskokwim River, 13 km downriver of the village of Crooked Creek and 312 km upriver of Bethel. A viable site has been identified approximately 300 m upriver of the mouth of Jungjuk Creek. A staging area of 8.2 ha will be developed on adjacent uplands immediately north of the dock site.

The port will be developed on a south-facing slope rising from the Kuskokwim River. Elevation at the port site is roughly 40 masl, on the high ground between the Jungjuk Creek drainage to the west and a minor stream that discharges into the Kuskokwim River about 500 m upriver of the mouth of Jungjuk Creek.

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Facilities at Jungjuk will include two river barge berths, a barge ramp, container-handling equipment, seasonal storage for containers, break-bulk cargo, and fuel, and barge-season office/lunchroom facilities.

The wharf structures, fender systems, and mooring systems will be designed for a minimum service life of 25 years. The river barges will arrive in tows of four (two-by-two configuration). River barges will be unloaded of their cargoes, which will be placed in storage to await onward transport to the mine site by truck.

The terminal yard will be capable of storing about 1,000 TEU containers.

Containers and other cargo will be trucked to the mine throughout the summer barging season. Fuel will be off-loaded from barges and temporarily held in a storage tank before being pumped to B-train trucks for transport to the main fuel storage facility at the mine site.

Electrical power for yard lighting and office needs at the port will be provided by diesel generators. Potable water will be obtained from a well, and sewage will be sent to a septic drain field. Water for fire protection will be pumped from the river through a temporarily deployed pump and hose into a heated, insulated, above-ground 900 m<sup>3</sup> dedicated firewater storage tank.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.10** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Power and Electrical** 

Electric power for the Project site will be generated from a dual-fueled, (natural gas and diesel) reciprocating engine power plant with a steam turbine utilizing waste heat recovery from the engines. The conceptual design of the generating station does not provide thermal energy for building or process heating; the waste heat is used to generate electricity. The power plant consists of two equal halves, each consisting of six reciprocating engines, and a separate steam turbine. Ancillary equipment will include engine halls, electrical room, control room, station service transformers, black-start gensets, exhaust stacks, radiators, lube systems, waste oil handling, waste heat recovery, turbine halls, electrical distribution equipment, and control and protection. The two parts of the plant will be separated by a blast wall such that either half can provide emergency power to the site in the event of a catastrophic failure.

The total generation facility is nominally rated at 182 MW initially. This will increase to 215 MW after four years with the addition of two more gensets (one in each half) to allow for N+2 redundancy, thus permitting planned maintenance and predicted outages without cutting back production.

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To minimize electrical distribution costs and load losses, the power plant will be strategically located adjacent to the two major process electrical loads: the oxygen plant and the grinding mills.

The total connected electric load is estimated to be 227 MW, the average running load approximately 153 MW, and the peak load 182 MW. Motors constitute most of the electrical loading. The largest are the grinding mill motors, which are gearless (wrap around) type that use cyclo converter variable-speed drives with soft-start features. The oxygen plant will have three large synchronous motors that use a load-commutated inverter (LCI) controller to provide motor soft-start to minimize the stress on the power supply during starting and to reduce voltage flicker.

Power will be distributed to the main process areas by metal-clad cable feeders in trays mounted on racks routed to the local electrical rooms through utilidors, process buildings, and conveyor galleries. This will include the grinding, POX, CIL leach, refinery, and coarse ore reclaim areas. Overhead power lines will be run to the more remote areas, including the primary crusher, the water system, pumping, tailings, mine open pit electric shovels, and pit dewatering sites. Each process area load center will have associated electrical rooms, distribution transformer(s) to bring the voltage down to utilization levels, secondary distribution centers and switchgear, and motor/feeder distribution equipment. To minimize costs the electrical rooms will be prefabricated off-site with all electrical equipment installed, pre-wired, and tested prior to shipping to site.

Power will be provided to the permanent accommodation facility on a 34.5 kV power line. In addition, a local emergency power diesel genset will be installed to provide backup power in the event of a failure of the pole line. There are no major facilities located at the airport. The airstrip will have a 100 kW genset to run fuel pumps and lights as needed and will not be connected to the site power supply.

The Jungjuk port site will have an independent, stand-alone power generation facility equipped with two 600 kW (one backup) gensets. The power station will be supplied completely self-contained with all controls and ancillary equipment, ready for installation on site. The unit will include all accessories, radiators, cooling fans, exhaust systems, air and fuel filters, engine control panels, alternators, controls, starting batteries, and chargers within a modular enclosure suitable for shipping and travel on standard highways. The module will be complete with mounting skids, access (maintenance, equipment, and man-doors), ventilation, interior and exterior lighting, general power receptacles, provision for grounding, fuel day tank, supply and return fuel lines to engines, and circuit breaker with control, protection, indication, and alarms.

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The port site will also include a control module unit to house the electrical switchgear, synchronization controls, and operator interface equipment. The three modular units will be arranged together and will be installed on concrete foundations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.11** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Natural Gas Pipeline** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.11.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Design Overview** 

The 14-inch natural gas pipeline will be approximately 507 km long. It commences at the west end of the Beluga Gas Field, approximately 53 km west of Anchorage at a tie-in near Beluga. The pipeline route crosses an area with no significant pre-existing infrastructure and does not follow any existing utility corridors.

The pipeline will receive booster compression supplied by one compressor station located at approximately mile post 0.4. No additional compression along the pipeline route will be required. The pipeline will transport approximately 1,560,000 m<sup>3</sup>/d.

The pipeline will be regulated by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) under Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 192 – Transportation of Natural Gas and Other Gas by Pipeline: Minimum Federal Safety Standards (49 CFR 192). The pipeline will be designed, constructed, and operated in accordance with the applicable requirements of 49 CFR 192 and will incorporate pig launching and receiving facilities (receipt, midpoint, and delivery), approximately 16 mainline block valves spaced at 32 km intervals along the line, cathodic protection, leak detection, a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system, and a fiber optics cable along the full length of the route, from origin to the mine site.

The design life of the pipeline is 30 years; however, design life can be extended with additional maintenance and repair.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.11.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Geotechnical Review of Pipeline Route** 

The Donlin Gold natural gas pipeline will transport natural gas from the existing ENSTAR Beluga pipeline near Beluga, Alaska, to the Donlin Gold mine. The route traverses varied terrain, including plains, hills, mountains, and river crossings, and is designed for a 30-year engineering life. The geotechnical design aims to provide a stable foundation for all pipeline elements, appropriately managing risks to public safety and the environment. Key aspects include material selection for bedding, padding, and backfill.

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The pipeline-related geohazards that have been assessed include frost heave, thaw settlement, seismicity/tectonics, slope stability, erosion, and buoyancy, as well as geochemical issues and unique soil structures.

The pipeline geothermal design focuses on the interaction between soil mechanics and heat transfer, especially thaw settlement in ice-rich soils. Mitigation options for thaw settlement include replacing unstable soils, applying insulation, or controlling pipeline temperature. Hydraulic and geothermal modeling are used to predict soil temperature changes and thaw progression, informing settlement and strain calculations for pipeline integrity.

The pipeline route crosses regions of high seismic activity due to the Pacific and North America plate convergence. The pipeline route crosses the Denali Fault, which is a significant crossing, and the pipeline design includes parameters for lateral displacement (6.4 m) and a fault zone width of 30.5 m. Due to the pipeline route crossing high seismic areas, site-specific investigations must be conducted to assess liquefaction potential for saturated soils where risks are identified.

Slopes along the route are assessed for risks such as landslides, debris flows, avalanches, and rock falls. It is always preferred to avoid risks, but where avoidance is not possible, mitigation is used. Mitigation includes slope flattening, drainage improvements, buttressing, and burial beneath shear planes.

Geotechnical characterization of the pipeline route includes about 450 probes/holes and 50 test pits, mapping of terrain units and soil and groundwater conditions, index property tests, and ground temperature collection for permafrost assessment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.12** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Fuel** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.12.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Diesel** 

The maximum diesel fuel storage capacity at the plant site is estimated to be 142 ML. Storage for 9.5 ML of fuel will be provided at the Jungjuk port site, but this is only intended for short term use while the fuel barges are being unloaded during the summer and is not included in the design of the overall site storage capacity.

The plant site fuel storage facilities are sized for a ten-month supply plus one month of contingency for the mine fleet and site mobile equipment. Fifteen fuel tanks, each having a capacity of 9.5 ML will be installed within a high density polyethylene (HDPE)-lined and bunded tank farm approximately 600 m east of the plant site and at an elevation of approximately 299 m.

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During the summer shipping season, fuel tanker trucks will transfer diesel fuel from the 9.5 ML temporary storage tanks at the Jungjuk port to the plant site fuel farm. From there, the fuel will be distributed to various day tanks around the site.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**15.12.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Natural Gas** 

Natural gas will be supplied to the various buildings at the plant site for heating through an underground network of pipes. The main distribution line will extend 7.2 km along the main access road to the permanent accommodation complex and supply fuel for the forced-air heating system and for the cooking appliances in the camp kitchen.

The supply of construction diesel fuel and propane will be delivered during the summer shipping season. The diesel fuel will be stored in temporary 500 m<sup>3</sup> tanks until the first two 9.5 ML storage tanks are completed and can be filled with fuel. Propane will be stored in fourteen 38,000 L mobile tanks.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**16.0** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **MARKET STUDIES** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**16.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Marketing Partnership Agreement** 

The Limited Liability Company Agreement of Donlin Creek LLC dated 1 December 2007 as amended (the LLC Agreement) provides for the members of DCLLC (the Members) to take in kind their respective shares of the gold production, which they can then sell for their own benefit.

The LLC agreement further provides that neither Member shall have any obligation to account to the other Member for, nor have any interest or right of participation in, any profits or proceeds, nor have any obligation to share in any losses from futures contracts, forward sales, trading in-puts, calls, options or any similar hedging, price protection or marketing mechanism employed by the other Member with respect to its proportionate share of the production.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**16.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Gold Marketing** 

NOVAGOLD's portion of gold production is likely to be sold on the spot market, by marketing experts retained by or on behalf of NOVAGOLD. Gold can be readily sold on numerous markets throughout the world and it is not difficult to ascertain its market price at any time, therefore there is no need for a preliminary marketing study to support the assumed gold price or market for the gold production from this Project. Since there are many available gold purchasers, NOVAGOLD would not be dependent upon the sale of gold to any one customer. Gold could be sold to various gold bullion dealers or refineries on a competitive basis at spot prices.

There are no contracts material to NOVAGOLD required for refining, transportation, handling, sales and hedging, and forward sales contracts or arrangements in place. NOVAGOLD expects that terms contained within any sales contract that could be entered into would be typical of, and consistent with, standard industry practices, and be similar to contracts for the supply of gold elsewhere in the world.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**16.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Gold Price** 

A long-term forecast gold price of $2,100/oz was applied over the time period the Mineral Reserves will be produced and the 27-years of cash flow. This long-term forecast price reflects the combination of information derived from a number of reputable banks as well as cash flow prices used in technical reports filed in Canada over the previous 12-month period and historical price averaging.

In accordance with industry-accepted practice, a higher gold price for the Mineral Resource estimates is used than what was used for Mineral Reserves. This helps ensure that Mineral Reserves are a subset of Mineral Resources. The long-term forecast gold price was increased by 15% to provide the Mineral Resource estimate gold price of $2,400/oz which was fixed over the 24-year LOM.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**17.0** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES, PERMITTING, AND PLANS, NEGOTIATIONS, OR AGREEMENTS WITH LOCAL INDIVIDUALS OR GROUPS** 

The Project has undergone environmental baseline studies, permitting, and community engagement for now 30 years in support of the development of the large-scale open-pit gold mining operation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**17.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Baseline Studies** 

Comprehensive baseline data collection began in 1995 and continues into 2025, encompassing water quality (surface and groundwater), aquatic and terrestrial habitats, air quality, wetlands, wildlife, fisheries, cultural resources, subsistence, socioeconomics, health, mercury, noise, and land use. These studies have informed Project design, environmental controls, and mitigation measures, and provide a reference for ongoing monitoring during operations and closure. Baseline studies completed in support of Project development and ongoing monitoring are identified in Table 17-1.

Baseline data were collected to support Project design, to determine and implement environmental controls to mitigate impacts, and sufficiently characterize the environment in support of permit applications and environmental impact assessments. The environmental baseline data also provides a reference point against which environmental conditions can be evaluated during operations to facilitate early detection of potential changes during Project development and future operation.

Some programs have continued into 2025 for parameters such as ambient air and precipitation, while others, including deep well pump tests, were limited to 2023 due to specific technical and regulatory planning considerations. Baseline fish spawning surveys are generally conducted every other year, with the most recent survey conducted in 2024. A site visit by the Geosyntec QP occurred between 18 and 22 August 2025, during which updated data were reviewed to verify ongoing baseline studies and assess current site conditions in alignment with regulatory requirements. While some permits associated with the Project remain under review for extension; none have expired.

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**Table 17**-**1: Environmental Baseline Studies (1995**–**2020)**

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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Baseline Study** | **1995** | **1996** | **1997** | **1998** | **1999** | **2000** | **2001** | **2002** | **2003** | **2004** | **2005** | **2006** | **2007** | **2008** | **2009** | **2010** | **2011** | **2012** | **2013** | **2014** | **2015** | **2016** | **2017** | **2018** | **2019** | **2020** | **2021** | **2022** | **2023** | **2024** | **2025** |
| ***Water Quality*** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Surface Water Quality | X | X | X | X | X | X |  | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | X | X | X | X |  | X |  |
| Groundwater Quality |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Deep Well Pump Testing to evaluate streambed hydraulic conductivity |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | X |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | X |  |  |
| ***Air Quality*** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Meteorological Data | X | X | X | X | X | X |  |  | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Precipitation |  |  |  | X | X | X |  |  |  | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | X |  |  |  |  |
| Ambient Air |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | X | X |  | X | X | X | X | X |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | X |  |  |  | X |
| SODAR |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | X | X |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| ***Aquatic Studies*** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Biomonitoring/Tissue Sampling |  |  | X | X |  |  |  |  |  | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | X | X | X |  | X |  |
| Spawning Surveys | X | X | X | X |  |  |  |  |  | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | X | X |  | X |  |
| Resident Fish Surveys |  | X | X | X |  |  |  |  |  | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |  |  |  | X | X |  |  |  |  | X | X | X |  | X |  |
| ***Terrestrial Wildlife*** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Habitat Mapping |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | X | X |  | X |  |  | X |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Wildlife Surveys |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | X |  | X | X | X | X | X |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| ***Avian Studies*** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Avian Surveys |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | X |  | X | X | X | X | X |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| ***Wetlands Program*** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Wetlands Delineation |  | X | X | X |  |  |  |  | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |  | X | X |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| ***Waste Rock Characterization*** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Acid Rock Drainage/Metal Leaching Studies |  |  | X | X | X |  |  |  |  | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| ***Cultural Studies*** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Cultural Site Surveys |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | X |  | X | X | X | X | X |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Socioeconomics |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | X |  |  | X | X | X | X |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | X |  |  |
| ***River Studies*** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| River Use/Fishing Activity Surveys |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | X | X | X | X | X |  |  |  | X | X | X | X |  | X | X |  |  |  |  |  |
| Marine/River Wildlife Surveys |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | X | X | X | X | X |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Erosion Studies |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | X | X |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | X | X | X | X |
| Barge Studies |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | X |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | X |  |  |
| Rainbow Smelt Studies |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| ***Other Programs*** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Mercury Baseline |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | X | X | X | X | X |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | X |  |  |  |  |
| Noise Surveys |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | X |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**17.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Permitting** 

The Project is subject to a rigorous permitting regime at federal, state, and local levels. Major permits obtained include the USACE Section 404/10 permit (with a JROD issued in 2018), the ADEC Integrated Waste Management Permit, Air Quality Control Permit, and APDES permit. Additional permits for water rights, dam safety, and fish habitat are in place or in process.

All permits remain current, with renewals processed as required and no expirations to date. Several permits have been administratively extended, or are under review for extensions consistent with regulatory timelines and Project contingencies. The permitting process has included agency and stakeholder consultation, and the Project is designed to comply with the NEPA Clean Water Act, Alaska Dam Safety Guidelines, and other applicable regulations.

Collecting baseline data in parallel with design and prior to filing permit applications has resulted in a Project that mitigates environmental impacts where practicable and addresses known environmental concerns. Most permits needed for the start of operations have been obtained and are listed in Table 17-2, which also identifies outstanding permits, plans, and approvals. Donlin Gold LLC has maintained communication with regulatory agencies, stakeholder representatives, and recognized technical experts to verify that the required information is collected appropriately, and that baseline data meet permitting requirements while allowing regulators to become familiar with the Project. The comprehensive permitting process for the Project can be divided into three phases, each essential to the establishment of a successful future mining operation:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● *Exploration Stage Permitting*: This process secures approval for exploration drilling, environmental baseline studies, and FS investigations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● *Pre-application Phase*: This phase is conducted alongside FSs and involves collecting environmental baseline data and engaging in consultations with stakeholders and regulatory agencies.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● *NEPA Process and Formal Permit applications*: These applications initiate formal agency review and analysis of the Project, resulting in the issuance or denial of required permits.

To date, Donlin Gold LLC has completed nearly all permitting phases and is in the process of finalizing remaining state permits and supplementing the environmental analysis under NEPA. As of December 2025, permit requirements were being revisited and extended to align with updated federal, state, and local guidelines. The JROD identified several mitigation measures required under federal land management approval, most of which remain outstanding, as these measures include actions required prior to the start of operations, during operations, and at closure.

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In addition, the EIS remains under appeal, and a supplemental EIS has been mandated, to assess potential impacts of a hypothetical tailings release larger than the one already evaluated in the EIS. BLM and ADNR have issued right-of-way (ROW) authorizations for the natural gas pipeline. Furthermore, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) Title 16 Permit for a natural gas pipeline, and Native Land authorizations of the pipeline are not complete. These in-progress permits are specific to energy and natural gas, posing a potential risk for the Project. Supply of natural gas in Alaska is limited, and there are concerns regarding how the Project will solve the issue of placing additional demand on the limited natural gas supply.

The Project is working to secure a land agreement from Cook Inlet Region, Inc., (CIRI) for the remaining piece of the ROW for the natural gas pipeline. CIRI and Donlin Gold LLC have agreed on the terms of this lease and are working on finalizing the agreement. Other operational permits will be required immediately prior to construction, such as stream crossing from ADF&G, water sources from ADNR, and development from the Matanuska-Susitna borough. Legal challenges to ADNR's issuance of the ROW are also complete with the Alaska Supreme Court issuing a ruling in November upholding ADNR's issuance of the ROW.

There are several projects proposed and/or in the development phase to address the natural gas supply limitation for the rail belt, including the Alaska liquified natural gas project, which would bring natural gas from the North Slope to the rail belt as well as various proposed liquid natural gas import developments. As a large industrial off-taker, Donlin Gold LLC has the potential to positively affect the price of natural gas for consumers in the rail belt under any of these supply scenarios. Donlin Gold LLC is actively engaged with all these potential projects.

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**Table 17**-**2: Status of Federal, State, and Local Permits**

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|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Agency** | **Application Type** | **Facility or Activity** | **Application Number/**<br> **Submittal Date** | **Approval Date** | **Status** |
| ADEC | Integrated Waste Management Permit | Waste Management Permit for TSF, WRF, inert landfills, and overburden stockpiles | 2017DB0001/<br> 9/16/2015 | 1/18/2019;<br> Reissued 6/25/2019 | Approved with Modifications<br> Expired 1/17/2024; Application renewal 10/17/2024 (administratively extended while renewal pending) |
| ADEC | APDES | Treated Water Discharge from Mine Dewatering Activities and Water Management | AK0055867/<br> 4/4/2017 | 5/24/2018 | Approved.<br> Expired 6/20/2023 (administratively extended on 12/13/2022 while renewal pending) |
| ADEC | Air Quality Control Construction Permit<br> Application | Air Emissions from Mine Operations | AQ0934CPT02/<br> 0/15/2015 | 67/1/2023<br> Extension of Construction Commencement Deadline Granted 512/5/2024 | Approved. Permit has indefinite term as long as construction begins within a fixed timeframe for the permit to remain in place. |
| ADEC | 401 Certification | Donlin Gold Mine | POA-1995-120/<br> July 2012, Revised in December 2014,<br> August 2015, December 2017 | Issued 4/4/2019<br> Reissued 8/10/2019 reaffirmed 5/13/2022 | Approved<sup>1</sup>.<br> Expires 8/31/2038 |
| ADEC | Septic System | - | - | - | - |
| ADEC | Multisector Stormwater General Permit | - | - | - | - |

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|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| ADF&G | Fish Habitat Permit Application | American Creek Area Facilities | FH18-III-0191/<br> 12/29/2017 | 08/30/2018 | Approved.<br> Expires upon removal of Dam |
| ADF&G | Fish Habitat Permit Application | Anaconda Creek Area Facilities | FH18-III-0190/<br> 12/29/2017 | 08/30/2018 | Approved.<br> Expires upon Mine Closure and Rehabilitation of the Site |
| ADF&G | Fish Habitat Permit Application | Snow Gulch Area Facilities | FH18-III-0189/<br> 12/29/2017 | 08/30/2018 | Approved.<br> Expires upon removal of Dam |
| ADF&G | Fish Habitat Permit Application | Ruby Creek/Queen Gulch Area Aquatic Mitigation | FH18-III-0192/<br> 12/29/2017 | 08/30/2018 | Approved.<br> Expires upon Closure |
| ADF&G | Fish Habitat Permit Application | Alaska Pollution Discharge Elimination System Discharge Point Construction (Crooked Creek) | FH18-III-0188/<br> 12/29/2017 | 08/30/2018 | Approved.<br> Expires upon removal |
| ADF&G | Fish Habitat Permit Application | Crooked Creek Bridge Construction | FH18-III-0187/<br> 10/8/2015 | 08/30/2018 | Approved.<br> Expires upon removal of bridge and rehabilitation of the stream crossing |
| ADF&G | Fish Habitat Permit Application | Getmuna North Fork Bridge Construction | FH18-III-0186/<br> 10/8/2015 | 08/30/2018 | Approved.<br> Expires upon removal of bridge and rehabilitation of the stream crossing |

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|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| ADF&G | Fish Habitat Permit Application | Getmuna South Fork Bridge Construction | FH18-III-0185/<br> 10/8/2015 | 08/30/2018 | Approved.<br> Expires upon removal of bridge and rehabilitation of the stream crossing |
| ADF&G | Fish Habitat Permit Application |  | FH18-III-0184/<br> 10/8/2015 | 08/30/2018 | Approved.<br> Expires upon removal of bridge and rehabilitation of the stream crossing |
| ADF&G | Fish Habitat Permit Application | Fish Habitat Permit ‒ Lower Jungjuk Creek Bridge Construction | FH18-III-0182/<br> 10/8/2015 | 08/30/2018 | Approved.<br> Expires upon removal of bridge and rehabilitation of the stream crossing |
| ADF&G | Fish Habitat Permit Application | Fish Habitat Permit ‒ Upper Jungjuk Creek Bridge Construction | FH18-III-0183/<br> 10/8/2015 | 08/30/2018 | Approved.<br> Expires upon removal of bridge and rehabilitation of the stream crossing |
| ADF&G | Fish Habitat Permit Application | Jungjuk (Anyaruaq) Port Wharf Construction | FH18-III-0181/<br> 10/8/2015 | 08/30/2018 | Approved. |
| ADF&G | Title 16 Permits | Pipeline | - | - | Not complete. |
| ADF&G | Special Use Permits | Pipeline Infrastructure in Susitna Flats State Game Refuge | 2016 (initial Submittals) | - | In Process. Preparing Revised Applications |
| ADNR | Certificate of Approval to Construct a Dam | 7 dams within the Mine Area | 4/12/2013 | - | In Process. Initial applications submitted  |
| ADNR | Water Rights Application | TSF Interceptor and Seepage Collection Wells | LAS 29175/<br> 5/16/2013 | Permit to Appropriate Water issued 4/26/2021 | Approved. Statement of Beneficial Use or extension request must be submitted by 4/25/2031. |

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|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| ADNR | Water Rights Application | Upper CWD | LAS 29168/<br> 5/16/2013 | Permit to Appropriate Water issued 4/26/2021 | Approved. Statement of Beneficial Use or extension request must be submitted by 4/25/2031. |
| ADNR | Water Rights Application | Snow Gulch Fresh Water Dam | LAS 29169/<br> 5/16/2013 | Permit to Appropriate Water issued 4/26/2021 | Approved. Statement of Beneficial Use or extension request must be submitted by 4/25/2031. |
| ADNR | Water Rights Application | Lower CWD | LAS 29170/<br> 5/16/2013 | Permit to Appropriate Water issued 4/26/2021 | In Process. Water rights were released for public comment on 11/20/2020. |
| ADNR | Water Rights Application | Jungjuk (Anyaruaq) Port Site Surface Water-Kuskokwim River | LAS 29171/<br> 5/16/2013 | Permit to Appropriate Water issued 4/26/2021 | Approved. Statement of Beneficial Use or extension request must be submitted by 4/25/2031. |
| ADNR | Water Rights Application | Construction Camp/Shop, Office, Warehouse, & Process | LAS 29172/<br> 5/16/2013 | Permit to Appropriate Water issued 4/26/2021 | Approved. Statement of Beneficial Use or extension request must be submitted by 4/25/2031. |
| ADNR | Water Rights Application | Pit Perimeter & In-Pit Dewatering Wells & Drains | LAS 29173/<br> 5/16/2013 | Permit to Appropriate Water issued 4/26/2021 | Approved. Statement of Beneficial Use or extension request must be submitted by 4/25/2031. |
| ADNR | Water Rights Application | Getmuna Creek Surface Water | LAS 29174/<br> 5/16/2013 | Permit to Appropriate Water issued 4/26/2021 | Approved. Statement of Beneficial Use or extension request must be submitted by 4/25/2031. |

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| ADNR | Water Rights Application | Jungjuk (Anyaruaq) Port Site Well | LAS 29176/<br> 5/16/2013 | Permit to Appropriate Water issued 4/26/2021 | Approved. Statement of Beneficial Use or extension request must be submitted by 4/25/2031. |
| ADNR | Water Rights Application | TSF | LAS 29177/<br> 5/16/2013 | Permit to Appropriate Water issued 4/26/2021 | Approved. Statement of Beneficial Use or extension request must be submitted by 4/25/2031. |
| ADNR | Water Rights Application | Permanent Camp Potable Water Well Field | LAS 29178/<br> 5/16/2013 | Permit to Appropriate Water issued 4/26/2021 | Approved. Statement of Beneficial Use or extension request must be submitted by 4/25/2031. |
| ADNR | Water Rights Application | Crooked Creek Surface Flows and Associated Diversion Structures | LAS 31477/<br> 9/23/2016 | Permit to Appropriate Water issued 4/26/2021 | Approved. Statement of Beneficial Use or extension request must be submitted by 4/25/2031. |
| ADNR | Application for Pipeline Right-of-Way Lease | Natural Gas Pipeline ROW (State of Alaska Lands) | ADL 231908/<br> 4/9/2014 | 1/17/20, reaffirmed 7/19/2021.  | Approved. Expires 2/11/2050 (may be extended or up to an additional 30 years). |
| ADNR | Application for Easement | Fiber Optic ROW (State of Alaska Lands) | ADL 232368/<br> 11/16/2015 | 1/02/2020 | Approved.<br> Construction start deadline extended to February 2, 2030 |
| ADNR | Application for Lease or Purchase of State Land | Airstrip Land Lease (on State Land) | ADL 232199/<br> 10/9/2015 | 1/02/2020 | Approved.<br> Construction start deadline extended to February 2, 2030 |
| ADNR | Application for Lease or Purchase of State Land | Land Lease for Submerged State of Alaska Lands at Jungjuk (Anyaruaq) | ADL 232200/<br> 10/9/2015 | 1/02/2020 | Approved.<br> Construction start deadline extended to February 2, 2030 |

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|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| ADNR | Land Use Permit Application | Temporary Access Road to Donlin-Jungjuk Road Material Site-8 | ADL 232361/<br> 5/19/2016 | 1/02/2020 | Approved. |
| ADNR | Land Use Permit Application | Temporary Access Road to Donlin-Jungjuk Road Material Site-16 | ADL 232366/<br> 5/19/2016 | 1/02/2020 | Approved. |
| ADNR | Application for Easement | Donlin-Jungjuk Road (State Land Portions) | ADL 232346/<br> 10/9/2015 | 1/02/2020 | Approved.<br> Construction start deadline extended to February 2, 2030 |
| ADNR | Material Sites and Reclamation Plan | Donlin-Jungjuk Road Material Site-04 | ADL 232334/<br> 10/9/2015 | 1/02/2020 | Approved. Expires 1/02/2050 |
| ADNR | Material Sites and Reclamation Plan | Donlin-Jungjuk Road Material Site-08 | ADL 232335/<br> 10/9/2015 | 1/02/2020 | Approved. Expires 1/02/2050 |
| ADNR | Material Sites and Reclamation Plan | Donlin-Jungjuk Road Material Site-09 | ADL 232336/<br> 10/9/2015 | 1/02/2020 | Approved. Expires 1/02/2050 |
| ADNR | Material Sites and Reclamation Plan | Donlin-Jungjuk Road Material Site-10 | ADL 232337/<br> 10/9/2015 | 1/02/2020 | Approved. Expires 1/02/2050 |
| ADNR | Material Sites and Reclamation Plan | Donlin-Jungjuk Road Material Site-12 | ADL 232338/<br> 10/9/2015 | 1/02/2020 | Approved. Expires 1/02/2050 |
| ADNR | Material Sites and Reclamation Plan | Donlin-Jungjuk Road Material Site-13 | ADL 232339/<br> 10/9/2015 | 1/02/2020 | Approved. Expires 1/02/2050 |
| ADNR | Material Sites and Reclamation Plan | Donlin-Jungjuk Road Material Site-16 | ADL 232340/<br> 10/9/2015 | 1/02/2020 | Approved. Expires 1/02/2050 |
| ADNR | Reclamation and Closure Plan Approval | Donlin Gold Project | A20196226 | 1/18/2019<br> re-affirmed 06/25/2019 | Approved. Expired 1/17/2024 (administratively extended while renewal pending) |

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|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| ADNR | Reclamation Plan Approval | Donlin-Jungjuk Road Material Site-01 | LAS 30533/<br> 10/9/2015 | 1/18/2019<br> Re-affirmed 06/25/2019 | Approved. |
| ADNR | Reclamation Plan Approval | Donlin-Jungjuk Road Material Site-02 | LAS 30534/<br> 10/9/2015 | 1/18/2019<br> Re-affirmed 06/25/2019 | Approved. |
| ADNR | Reclamation Plan Approval | Donlin-Jungjuk Road Material Site-03 | LAS 30535/<br> 10/9/2015 | 1/18/2019<br> Re-affirmed 06/25/2019 | Approved |
| ADNR | Reclamation Plan Approval | Donlin-Jungjuk Road Material Site-05 | LAS 30536/<br> 10/9/2015 | 1/18/2019<br> Re-affirmed 06/25/2019 | Approved |
| ADNR | Reclamation Plan Approval | Donlin-Jungjuk Road Material Site-06 | LAS 30537/<br> 10/9/2015 | 1/18/2019<br> Re-affirmed 06/25/2019 | Approved. |
| ADNR | Reclamation Plan Approval | Donlin-Jungjuk Road Material Site-07 | LAS 30538/<br> 10/9/2015 | 1/18/2019<br> Re-affirmed 06/25/2019 | Approved. |
| ADNR | Public Easement Re-location | Donlin Mine. Involves relocation of existing public ROWs to account for the need to restrict public access in certain areas. | Draft Application Summer 2020 | - | In Process. Permit obtained<br> on 1/20/2023<br> Alternative access not constructed yet. |
| BLM | Application for Transportation and Utility Systems and Facilities on Federal Lands | Natural Gas Pipeline ROW (Bureau of Land<br> Management Lands) | AA-92403/<br> 3/11/2010 | 8/13/2018 | Approved<sup>2</sup>. Expires 12/31/2048 (may be renewed) |

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|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| BLM | Application for Transportation and Utility Systems and Facilities on Federal Lands | Fiber Optic ROW (Bureau of Land<br> Management Lands) | AA-92403/<br> 1/8/2014 | 01/21/2025- | Approved. Expires 01/01/2032 |
| BLM | Port ANCSA 17(b) Easement Modification | Mine and Transportation Area | - | - | Completed. |
| DOT Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) | Special Permit | Natural Gas Pipeline Special Permit Strain-based Design | PHMSA-2016-0149/<br> 11/11/2016 | 6/5/2018 | Approved.<br> No Expiration Date |
| USACE | Individual 404 | Mine Site, Transportation, and Pipeline Facilities | - | - | Approved<sup>1</sup>.<br> Expires 8/31/2038 |
| Cook Inlet Region, Inc | Pipeline Authorization on Cook Inlet Region, Inc. (CIRI) Lands | Construction Easement for Pipeline | 2020 | - | In Process |

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Source: Wood, Internal Permit Matrix Table, prepared by Geosyntec Consultants International, Inc., December 31, 2025.

Note: ANCSA: Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) In *Orutsaramiut Native Counsel v. Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation*, Case No. 3AN-21-060502CI, plaintiff challenged ADEC's issuance of Water Quality Certification in the Superior Court for the State of Alaska, Third Judicial District Anchorage. In May 2025, the Court affirmed ADEC's issuance of the Water Quality Certification. Plaintiff appealed this decision to the Alaska Supreme Court on May 28, 2025, and briefing is in progress.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) In *Orutsararmuit Native Counsel, et al., v. USACE, et al.,* Case No. 3 : 23-cv-00071-SLG, Plaintiffs challenged the issuance of this permit in Federal District Court for the District of Alaska. On June 10, 2025, the Court remanded, without vacating the permits, to the federal agencies to supplement the analysis conducted under NEPA to evaluate the environmental effects of a larger hypothetical release from the TSF. On October 24, 2025, The Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council included the project in the Fast-41 Program. Resulting from litigation from challenging the issuance of the BLM's and USACE's JROD authorizing issuance of the ROW and Section 404 permits for the Project on June 10, 2025, the U.S. Federal District Court for the District of Alaska, remanded to the BLM and USACE to supplement the EIS for the project and reaffirm, modify, or rescind the prior record of decision. The permits remain in good standing during the pendency of the SEIS.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**17.2.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Exploration Stage Permitting** 

Through advanced exploration and preliminary engineering, numerous permits or authorizations have been issued by federal agencies, state agencies, and other organizations to support ongoing operations. These include the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Permits issued or modified by USACE

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Three permits/authorizations issued or reviewed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Six land use or ROW permits from BLM

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● 22 mineral exploration or temporary water use permits issued or modified by the ADNR

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Eight permits certified, issued, or modified by the ADEC

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Eight Fish Habitat (Title 16) Stream Crossing Permits issued or modified by ADF&G.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**17.2.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Pre-application Phase** 

Donlin Gold LLC has conducted a comprehensive stakeholder interaction and consultation process (see Section 17.5.1). This process was an important component of the pre-permit application phase of the Project and has been crucial to successful completion of the permitting and NEPA processes.

An equally important component of this phase has been ongoing interaction with permitting agencies and individual regulators who have been responsible for reviewing the Project's permit applications. This process began in 1995 when Placer Dome Inc., then the Project operator, first met with State of Alaska regulators and industry personnel to develop an understanding of the regulatory process in the state.

The concept of the ADNR Large Mine Permitting Team (LMPT) was developed in the process of permitting the Fort Knox gold mine near Fairbanks in the 1990s, and this model has been used successfully in the permitting of all major mining projects in the state since that time. Under this concept, a company with a major project can enter into a reimbursable services agreement (RSA) with ADNR (and separately with ADEC) to compensate the state for expenses incurred in permitting and consultation activities related to the Project. ADNR is responsible for administering the RSA, and the LMPT coordinator assigned to the Project is responsible for coordinating all state regulatory input and for coordinating with federal regulatory personnel. This process is specifically structured to be implemented early in the Project life so that agencies can provide input into project design and baseline data collection ahead of the permitting and NEPA process.

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Baseline data collection and management were conducted under documented protocols consistent with regulatory standards. Environmental and technical datasets were compiled into a centralized digital archive with version control and standardized metadata to maintain traceability. This archive served as the repository for all project-related information and was accessible to authorized personnel for regulatory review Quality assurance and quality control procedures were applied throughout, and all data handling steps were recorded to provide an auditable record of compliance with applicable requirements.

The LMPT coordinator works with the company to organize interagency project update meetings and identify required expertise in regulatory agencies. The coordinator also works with stakeholders to provide mining education and to address questions about the state regulatory process. Formal Project consultation with the LMPT began in 2003, and the first RSA was implemented in 2004. Since that time, state regulators have been continuously involved in reviewing Project data collection, participating in Project update meetings, providing input to Project design decisions, participating in stakeholder meetings related to the Project throughout the Kuskokwim region, and providing interagency coordination of state permitting activities.

In addition to the LMPT interaction, Project personnel have regularly consulted with federal agency personnel, principally with the EPA, USACE, United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and BLM. Meetings have also been held with the National Marine Fisheries Service, and the United States Coast Guard.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**17.2.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **The NEPA Process and Permit Applications** 

In July 2012, Donlin Gold LLC submitted an application to the USACE for a permit pursuant to Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Permits issued by federal agencies constitute "federal actions," which triggers review under NEPA. Following the initiation of the permitting process, USACE issued a Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an EIS.

The NEPA review evaluates all elements of the Project, their cumulative impacts, and alternatives to the proposed action. The review also identifies mitigation measures. The federal agency with the primary permit is designated as the lead for the NEPA process; for this Project, USACE served as the lead agency, while the JROD was issued as a joint effort between USACE and BLM.

The Notice of Availability for the Final EIS was published in the Federal Register on 27 April 2018, and the JROD was issued 13 August 2018. The JROD supports issuance of the permit for the North Route Pipeline Option (natural gas pipeline) referred to as Alternative 2 in the EIS. The EIS and JROD describe the conditions of the decision to issue the permit and explain the basis for the decision.

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Each federal and state permit will have compliance stipulations or mitigation requirements requiring review and possibly negotiation by the applicant and appropriate agency. A list of some of the mitigation requirements identified through the NEPA process is provided in Table 17-3. The full list of mitigation requirements is found in the JROD and associated state permits.

The NEPA application process was completed, and the federal permits for the BLM ROW and the USACE 404 permit were issued in 2018. All permits have been maintained since 2021 with extensions and renewal applications. On 5 April 2023, Earthjustice, representing Orutsararmiut Traditional Native Council (ONC), Kwethluk, and Tuluksak filed suit in the United States Federal Court for the District of Alaska, challenging BLM's and the USACE's issuance of the JROD. The court order required the agencies to conduct a supplemental analysis of the environmental impacts of a larger hypothetical release from the TSF; however, these federal permits were not vacated and remain valid while the agencies conduct this analysis. This supplemental analysis has been included in the FAST-41 process, with the agencies submitting their timeline for completion to the Federal Permitting Council by 23 December 2025. This process should be completed within 18 months (Donlin Gold Project/Fast-41). Donlin Gold LLC has started working on the supplemental briefing while a Notice of Intent is expected from the Army Corps of Engineers in early 2026.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**17.2.4** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Laws, Regulations, and Permit Requirements** 

The federal and state permits and authorizations of Donlin Gold LLC have been updated for 2025, and the status of each permit can be viewed in Table 17-2.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**17.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Key Environmental Issues and Mitigation** 

Environmental concerns include tailings decant water from the process plant as they will likely contain elevated levels (at or above the drinking water or aquatic life standards) of water-soluble antimony, arsenic, manganese, mercury, molybdenum, and selenium. Sulfates at levels greater than 10,000 mg/L are most likely from the presence of magnesium, which increases the solubility of sulfate. This results in principal environmental issues that would include mercury management, cyanide use, water resources, waste rock and stormwater management, hazardous waste, cultural resources, and impacts on flora and fauna.

To mitigate these hazards, closure and reclamation plans have been developed for all major facilities, with financial assurance and a trust fund established to cover long-term obligations. An updated monitoring plan was developed in 2022 that incorporates surface water monitoring and sampling and a focused monitoring strategy for mercury for the Project and temperature monitoring of Crooked Creek (Donlin Gold LLC, 2022b). The Reclamation Plan received approval from the ADNR and ADEC in January 2019 and will be updated throughout the mine life. Additionally, both BLM and State of Alaska have authorized the natural gas pipeline ROW for portions of federal and state lands.

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Waste will be stored in a single ex-pit WRF, located in the American Creek Valley. Surface ditches, a contact water dam, and diversion systems will control the surface water in the pit and WRF areas. Groundwater will be managed with dewatering systems in vertical dewatering wells, both in the pit and around the WRF areas, horizontal drains, and sump pumps. The Project incorporates engineered controls, such as a fully lined TSF, WTPs for both operations and closure, robust mercury abatement systems, and water and waste management practices. The post-closure WTP will result in the planned treatment of post-closure water to meet applicable water quality standards (Section 17.6.1).

The key environmental issues of concern and a portion of the mitigation measures are summarized in Table 17-3. These issues have been analyzed and addressed during the development of the EIS and the issuance of the JROD, which includes several mitigation measures to address potential environmental impacts. Potential issues are managed and mitigated through a combination of baseline data collection, rigorous engineering and project design, construction practices, targeted mitigation measures, and comprehensive public consultation.

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**Table 17**-**3: Key Environmental Issues and Proposed Mitigation Measures**

● Complete modeling studies using local, regional, and global mercury measurements

● Implement state-of-the-art engineered mercury abatement controls for processing operations (emission controls on autoclave, carbon regeneration kiln, electrowinning cells, mercury retort)

● Engage in stakeholder discussions in ongoing community outreach efforts.

● Use purpose-built stainless-steel International Standards Organization (ISO) containers for solid sodium cyanide briquettes

● Incorporate cyanide detoxification system and containment areas

● Implement monitoring plans

● Begin ICMC adherence to the start of operations.

● Conduct temperature monitoring of Crooked Creek surface waters and adjust stream temperature to protect fish spawning as needed using an adaptive management approach

● Provide wastewater treatment in perpetuity following pit lake formation and development.

● Classify and segregate waste rock; backfill high acid rock drainage potential material below water table

● Construct dedicated cells within the WRF for waste that cannot be blended or backfilled

● Develop a comprehensive plan for managing arsenic leaching from waste rock, including capturing and treatment of arsenic impacted waters.

● Practice concurrent reclamation over the WRF

● Capture all mine drainage and all stormwater runoff in a contact water pond or treat prior to discharge

● At closure, collect and manage all runoff and seepage in the pit.

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● Mitigate impacts to known cultural sites, for instance by implementing a narrower construction ROW and using horizontal directional drilling under a sensitive site

● Follow the National Historic Preservation Act Section 106 Programmatic Agreement, which includes but is not limited to the Cultural Resource Management Plan, the Treatment of Historic Properties, and procedures for the Treatment of Human Remains.

● Use shipping containers that meet or exceed industry standards to transport hazardous materials

● Use custom double-hull barges to transport fuel

● Implement modern scheduling and navigation aids on the Kuskokwim River

● Develop detailed ocean, river, and land spill response plans and train personnel

● Develop communication strategies to provide timely advance warning of barge passage and recreational/subsistence users and to establish a method for conflict resolution on the river

● Provide clear signage distinguishing trails from the pipeline ROW.

● Avoid vegetation clearance during bird nesting seasons

● Employ seasonal timing restrictions on blasting to reduce noise during sensitive subsistence hunting activities

● Implement an aquatic resource monitoring plan and the Rainbow Smelt Monitoring Program.

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● Follow construction best management practices, such as storing wetland topsoil to be used in temporarily impacted areas

● Implement a compensatory mitigation plan and associated requirements, such as deed restrictions, financial assurances, and performance standards

● Restore, re-establish, enhance, or preserve more than 80 ha of wetlands, riparian areas, stream channels, and upland buffers in the upper reaches of the Crooked Creek watershed, which will enhance aquatic habitat, remove barriers to fish passage, and improve anadromous and resident fish-rearing habitat in some reaches affected by historical placer mining

● Preserve restored wetlands and aquatic habitat by creating riparian buffers around the restoration areas

● Preserve a parcel of land in exchange for pipeline construction impacts, which will protect 2,376 ha, including 1,323 ha of wetlands and ponds, and 169 ha of streams and rivers, totaling 1,492 ha of Waters of the United States

● Preserve 883 ha of upland riparian area and buffers, and 78,655 linear meters of streams in the Chuitna Watershed

● Purchase 3.6 Riverine released credits and 6.2 Slope wetland release credits from Great Land Trust In-Lieu Fee Program for the loss of 0.7 ha of riverine and 1.1 ha of slope wetlands from the pipeline construction in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**17.4** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Waste and Tailings Disposal and Water Management** 

Refer to Section 15 for plans on waste and tailings disposal, site monitoring, and water management during operations. Refer to Section 17.6for plans on waste and tailings disposal, site monitoring, and water management post mine closure.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**17.5** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Plans, Negotiations or Agreements with Local Groups** 

Donlin Gold LLC has engaged in sustained, culturally sensitive consultation with Alaska Native Regional Corporation (Calista), Alaska Native Village Corporation (The Kuskokwim Corporation), tribal councils, and other regional stakeholders.

The Project has conducted baseline data studies to understand and gain respect for traditional subsistence activities, local workforce development, business opportunities, and community development project. Stakeholder mapping and ongoing engagement are utilized for Project planning, permitting, and operations. The NEPA process includes a comprehensive social baseline and impact assessment, and the Project is committed to sustainable development and positive legacy outcomes for the Yukon-Kuskokwim region. Donlin Gold LLC is focusing on sustainable development to benefit local communities over the long term by providing opportunities for direct employment, local procurement, and community development projects. Associated with these examples are efforts to develop lasting capacities that will continue after mine closure. The following stated principles, which underpin Donlin Gold LLC's approach to community engagement activities, have been actively applied since early exploration and will reportedly continue throughout the life cycle of the mine:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Engage with communities in a respectful and culturally sensitive manner

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Develop long-term mutually beneficial relationships

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Be responsive to stakeholders' concerns and questions

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Build trust and confidence through accountability and transparency

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Understand the complex interests among diverse communities

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Adapt Project activities to fit with local needs and contexts

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Plan activities with closure in mind

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Monitor results and impacts.

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Donlin Gold LLC continues to strengthen its relationship with the Yukon-Kuskokwim region communities by actively involving local communities in multiple aspects of the Project. Over the years, many direct hires for field programs, as well as full-time employees, have been Alaska Native. Donlin Gold LLC has also addressed community concerns by including Project design changes that avoided or minimized concerns regarding subsistence and barging issues, through the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Incorporation of the natural gas pipeline into the mine plan to reduce the amount of barging in the Kuskokwim River

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Development of a barge communication plan to prevent and minimize potential conflicts between subsistence users and barge operators

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Establishment of a Subsistence Advisory Committee with residents to advise the Project on subsistence issues

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Initiation of steps with landowners to develop a subsistence plan to address access to subsistence resources around the mine site as well as a subsistence policy for the Project.

Donlin Gold LLC and the Alaska Native Corporation landowners participate in engagement meetings with individual stakeholders, local community members and in ongoing community engagement in environmental management, safety, training, education, health, and cultural initiatives. Donlin Gold LLC maintains a positive relationship with the Yukon-Kuskokwim regional communities and includes local communities regarding the Project. Donlin Gold LLC has a community relations team focused on concerns and issues facing the local Tribal communities.

Donlin Gold LLC recognizes cultural awareness is essential to help identify all stakeholders, including potentially vulnerable minority groups. Donlin Gold LLC is led by the principles in the International Council on Mining & Metals Position Statement on Mining and Indigenous Peoples (ICMM) promoting constructive relationships between the mining and metals industry and indigenous peoples based on respect, meaningful engagement, and mutual benefit.

The Project's approach has been to build trust and mutually beneficial relationships to guide the development of mitigation plans and to manage risks in a responsible manner. Since the completion of the EIS and issuance of the JROD, mitigation measures related to stakeholders have been defined. Donlin Gold LLC plans to continue engagement with stakeholders throughout the development of the mine and during operations, closure, and post-closure.

As the Project progresses, Donlin Gold LLC will continue to focus on developing programs that benefit local communities to include improved infrastructure, support for education and health services, cultural heritage preservation, employment and business opportunities, increased income flows through royalty streams and compensation payments, and environmental restoration and protection.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**17.5.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Stakeholders** 

The region has a complex political and social structure, represented by a diverse group of social, business, and governmental entities. Relationships between these various entities are often complex and are influenced by competing political and economic interests.

Entities within the region can be split into two primary categories: nonprofit organizations (tribal/cultural/social) and for-profit corporations. Tribal organizations played an important role in the NEPA process, as the NEPA process included government-to-government consultation with the federal agency leading the permitting. Calista and TKC, the two primary Native business entities of the Yukon-Kuskokwim region, each hold a financial interest in the Project. Several other Native business entities and associations are also engaged, given the Project's potential regional impacts.

The Project is anticipated to deliver distinct benefits to both for-profit Native corporations and nonprofit tribal organizations. For-profit entities, such as Calista and TKC, are positioned to gain through economic participation, revenue streams, and expanded business opportunities tied to the Project. Nonprofit organizations, which focus on cultural preservation, social services, and community well-being, are expected to benefit indirectly through increased employment opportunities, enhanced community and regional economic growth. Collectively, these outcomes support long-term economic development, community health, and cultural resilience across the Yukon-Kuskokwim region.

With the addition of the proposed natural gas pipeline, the area of influence expanded beyond the region, bringing a wider group of stakeholders into the process. A Project-wide stakeholder database is maintained to help manage Project communications and continue ongoing consultation efforts.

To successfully acquire the support and "social license" required to develop and operate the Project, Donlin Gold LLC will continue the process of ongoing engagement and consultation with stakeholders throughout the remaining permitting process, construction, operation, closure, and post-closure of the Project.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**17.6** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Closure Plan Considerations** 

Reclamation will begin during construction with the stabilization of topsoil and overburden stockpiles and cut-and-fill slopes. Major reclamation activities following construction will focus on material borrow sites and areas where disturbed wetlands can be restored and habitats enhanced. Additional reclamation will occur concurrently with mining and continue through the cessation of mining and processing operations. Area and component specific reclamation plans will be refined throughout the life of the Project and as it approaches mine closure. Near the end of the mine life, alternatives will be evaluated and incorporated into the final reclamation plan where appropriate.

The closure water management strategy focuses on safely handling runoff, seepage, and consolidation of water while ensuring compliance with Alaskan water quality standards (AWQS) and preventing uncontrolled discharges.

The lake to be formed in the ultimate pit will serve as the central feature of post-closure water management for the foreseeable future. The ACMA and Lewis pits will partially backfill during operations, then form a pit lake during closure. Backfill elevations will reach approximately 64 m amsl. An emergency spillway will be constructed before the lake nears capacity with an invert elevation of 109.5 m amsl and designed for a PMF of 320 m³/s. The spillway will prevent fish passage and uncontrolled flow with Crooked Creek.

Surface water and groundwater monitoring systems for process components will remain in place for up to 30 years or longer, depending on compliance history, and until each facility has been stabilized both physically and chemically to the satisfaction of the applicable state and federal regulatory agencies.

Once physical reclamation begins, temporary diversions and sedimentation control systems will be installed and routinely monitored. These systems will be cleaned, repaired, and modified as needed. Long-term or permanent diversions, water treatment, physical barriers, and signage will be monitored and maintained as needed until all closure standards are met, reclamation surety has been released, and property management reverts to the landowners.

Final closure determinations and the release of any remaining financial assurances require agreement from the ADNR and the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC). The BLM is only responsible for approving the pipeline component (SRK, 2018).

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**17.6.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Water Treatment Plant** 

A post-closure WTP will be built at the site. The proposed post-closure WTP is based on the projected pit lake water quality and design water flows. Current information regarding forecasted water quality and water quantity has resulted in the planned treatment of post-closure water to meet applicable water quality standards. The design is based on a high-density sludge chemical precipitation process for removal of metals including arsenic, manganese, and selenium. The process includes reactor tanks for lime pH adjustment/precipitation, iron coagulant addition, clarifiers, pH adjustment, and filtration. The WTP would have a design treatment rate of 1,500 m<sup>3</sup>/h and a maximum capacity of approximately 1,700 m<sup>3</sup>/h and operate approximately 6 months per year with an average annual flow to Crooked Creek of approximately 662 m<sup>3</sup>/h. The final WTP configuration will be updated closer to the end of the mine life to incorporate advances in treatment technologies (SRK, 2017).

The sludge from the post-closure WTP will be chemically stable and will be sent to the bottom of the pit lake for final disposal. More testwork will be conducted as the Project approaches the end of operations to support the final design, flowsheet selection, and permitting of the post-closure WTP. The results of ongoing bench and pilot testing, in addition to operational water treatment data, will be used to update the water treatment process design for the post-closure WTP.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**17.6.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Tailings Storage Facility** 

Before the end of operations, the tailings deposition procedure will be modified so that the operating pond will be directed to the southeast corner of the TSF. The TSF will be reclaimed with a multilayer cover system: 0.35 m of peat/organic growth medium over 0.3 m of colluvium or terrace gravel, and 1.0 m of competent rockfill to provide a capillary break. The TSF surface will be contoured to direct runoff toward the southeast corner, where a lined collection pond (capacity ~200,000 m³) will store runoff for testing before discharge. A spillway will be excavated in the ridge between Anaconda Creek and Crevice Creek catchments, with an invert elevation of 254 m amsl and designed for a PMF of 380 m³/s. Discharge to Crevice Creek will occur only after water meets applicable standards, which is anticipated to be around Year 10 post-closure (SRK, 2016).

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During the first year of closure, TSF pond water will be pumped to the pit via the reclaim pipeline. Over 5 years, the tailings surface will be progressively covered, while pumping continues to prevent pond redevelopment. From Years 6 to 52, water from tailings consolidation and infiltration will be collected via drain sumps in manholes and pumped to the pit. Approximately 16.28 mm³ of void water is expected during consolidation. The SRS downstream of the TSF will remain active, pumping seepage (estimated at 102 m³/h) to the pit lake until water quality meets standards.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**17.6.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Waste Rock Facility** 

The WRF will be in the American Creek Valley, east of the open pit (Hanson et al., 2021a). The ultimate footprint of the WRF covers an area of approximately 9 km<sup>2</sup>. Approximately 2,318 Mt of mine waste will be placed in the WRF. The top lift of the WRF will be at an elevation of approximately 610 m amsl, resulting in a maximum WRF height of about 430 m. Most of the WRF will be constructed in 30 m lifts. The toe of each subsequent lift will be set back 47 m from the crest of the previous lift, resulting in an overall dump slope of 3H:1V (SRK, 2016).

The WRF has been designed to maximize concurrent reclamation, minimize the effects of PAG materials, add flexibility to the site's water balance, and optimize the cost of closure. The WRF will be constructed entirely from the bottom up. During its development, organic materials, loess, and ice-rich overburden will be stripped from the footprint as the dump expands. These stripped materials will either be placed in temporary overburden stockpiles or mixed with waste rock within the WRF. The stripped areas will be replaced with coarse waste rock, ensuring a stable foundation and minimizing the risk of instability during early construction and throughout the WRF's operational life (SRK, 2016).

The facility will be constructed in lifts and will be reclaimed as soon as practical after each lift or portion of the facility is complete. After active dumping ceases on each lift, the slopes will be regraded to an overall 3H:1V slope or flatter (Hanson et al., 2021). The WRF will be progressively reclaimed during operations, covering approximately 970 hectares. The reclamation cover will be designed to minimize water infiltration and will include a minimum of 0.35 m of peat-mineral mix as a growth medium placed over at least 0.3 m of terrace gravel or colluvium. The growth medium will be vegetated to enhance stability and reduce infiltration.

A series of channels is required to collect and convey runoff from the surface of the reclaimed WRF to the pit lake during the closure period. The LCWD and UCWD will be removed, and surface runoff and seepage from the WRF will be directed to the ACMA pit. The seepage flows from the WRF will be isolated by constructing concrete containment structures at the outlet of the rock drains for American Creek and Rob's Gulch and piped to the pit bottom to promote stratification. Before the cover is placed, the waste rock surface will be contoured to promote natural drainage toward the southern margin of the WRF. This contouring will create swales that will develop naturally and self-armor over time. Maintenance activities, such as placing riprap or cobble, will be carried out as needed to ensure the integrity of the swales and prevent erosion. Progressive reclamation during operations is expected to complete most of the WRF reclamation before mine closure. At a minimum, haul roads and ramps will be reclaimed during the closure phase (SRK, 2016).

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**17.6.4** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Roads and Airstrip** 

Under both Donlin Gold LLC's corporate standards and regulatory standards, the mine site roads will need to be reclaimed. The Jungjuk port-to-mine access road and on-site roads needed for monitoring will remain for the foreseeable future following mine closure. The airstrip will remain a long-term asset; accordingly, it is not proposed for reclamation and is excluded from the reclamation cost estimate.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**17.6.5** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Foundations and Buildings** 

With the exception of the post-closure WTP, buildings must be removed from their foundations, and the debris must be either buried on-site or transported elsewhere, according to regulatory requirements. Once the buildings are demolished, the foundations will either be broken up and removed or broken up and buried to prevent them from being an impermeable impediment to natural percolation of meteoric waters. A minimum thickness of cover will be established over the buried debris to ensure that it remains below surface for the foreseeable future. The Project may also elect to maintain certain camp facilities after closure to support ongoing site monitoring or other post-closure activities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**17.6.6** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Waste Disposal** 

Nonhazardous construction debris will either be placed in the inert solid waste landfills located in the WRF or used to fill subsurface voids exposed during the demolition of facilities. Hazardous and toxic materials, such as reagents, petroleum products, acids, and solvents, will be transferred off-site by licensed transporters and either returned to the vendor or disposed of at licensed treatment, storage, and disposal facilities. Hydrocarbon-contaminated soil will be treated<br> on-site or removed from the site for off-site treatment and/or disposal.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**17.6.7** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Port and Mine Support Facilities** 

The Jungjuk port facilities will be reclaimed, leaving only a small barge landing area and the access road to the mine site. All mine support facilities except the airstrip and a small camp to support post-closure activities will be removed and reclaimed.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**17.6.8** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Mobile Equipment** 

Logistical constraints (access road and barge) preclude the decommissioning and removal of the mobile equipment fleet from the site. Therefore, this equipment is also planned be buried in the WRF at site closure. Prior to burial of the equipment, all fluids will be removed and properly disposed of.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**17.6.9** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Trust Fund and Financial Assurance** 

The Report expects Donlin Gold LLC to use a mix of traditional bond or letter of credit and a trust fund to meet Alaska's financial assurance requirements for mine closure. The bond or letter of credit will be issued when construction begins, while the trust fund will accumulate from Year 1 of operations. As the trust fund grows, the bond or letter of credit can be reduced accordingly. This fund is not intended to cover reclamation costs but rather ensures adequate cash flow for all obligations following mine closure, including (but not limited to) construction and maintenance of the spillway from the TSF, employee severance payments, and capital for the construction of the post-closure WTP, as well as ongoing operating costs for perpetual water treatment and associated facility and access maintenance. Notably, current cost estimates are based on data from 2019 and are scheduled for an update in 2026 to reflect any changes in market conditions or regulatory requirements. A model was developed for the trust fund calculation. The funding amount is estimated at $7.8 million provided annually over the construction and operating period, for a total of $412 million accrued to the trust fund at the start of closure. The following assumptions were made in determining this annual funding requirement:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● An income of 5% per annum is estimated to be earned on the cumulative trust fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● All operating expenditures for monitoring, water treatment, etc., and all capital expenditures are adjusted for an estimated annual inflation of 2%.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● The post-closure WTP will operate for about six months of the year.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Annual costs are estimated for approximately 220 years after closure of the mine.

The original approval permit issued by ADNR was effective from 18 January 2019, through 17 January 2024. A formal request for extension was submitted on 18 September 2023, followed by a second extension requested on 17 November 2024. In addition to the trust fund, financial assurance will also be provided in the form of letters of credit and/or surety bonds to cover the physical aspects of mine construction and operation. In accordance with the Reclamation Plan Approval, financial assurance in the amount of approximately $322 million must be submitted in a form and substance approved by ADNR. The annual cost to maintain this assurance is estimated at 0.40% of the total assured amount, or about $1.3 M/a, commencing at the start of construction through the end of operations. These stated financial assurance costs are projected to increase in 2026 to reflect updated closure costs requirements.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**17.6.10** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Closure Cost Estimate** 

An independent cost estimate was developed, which was within 1% of the ADNR-approved reclamation and closure cost estimate. The final reclamation cost estimate for this update is shown in Table 17-4.

**Table 17**-**4: Estimated Reclamation Costs**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item** | **Total**<br> **($M)** |
| Reclamation, Closure, and Post-Closure Standard Reclamation Cost Estimate | 532.6 |
| Indirect Costs | 364.9 |
| Post-Closure Monitoring | 10.0 |
| Abandonment of NG Pipeline | 12.1 |
| Post-Closure Water Treatment | 801.3 |
| **Total** | **1720.9** |

---

Note: 25.6% was added to the costs from 2021 to account for inflation in 2025.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**17.7** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **QP Opinion on Adequacy on Current Plans to Address Issues** 

Key environmental issues have been analyzed and addressed during the development of the EIS and the issuance of the JROD. Potential issues are managed and mitigated through a combination of initiatives that will be updated as necessary. Additionally, concerns raised by the community have been addressed through Project design changes to minimize the concerns.

In the opinion of the Geosyntec QP, the current plans to address any issues related to environmental compliance, permitting, and engagement with local individuals or groups are adequate for the purposes of this Report.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**18.0** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **CAPITAL AND OPERATING COSTS** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**18.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Capital Cost Estimates** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**18.1.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Summary** 

The total initial capital cost is $9,233.4 million, including an Owner provided mining fleet and Owner performed mining pre-development. The level of accuracy for the capital cost estimate is ±25% and includes a contingency of 13.8% which is within the accuracy range and contingency amount allowed under the definition of pre-feasibility study in S-K 1300. The accuracy of the capital cost estimates took into account the risk associated with specific engineering estimation methods and are consistent with estimation methods used in prior similar environments.

Table 18-1 shows the initial capital costs broken out by major area.

**Table 18**-**1: Summary of Initial Capital Costs by Major Area**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Description** | **Estimate**<br> **($M)** |
| **Direct Costs** |  |
| Mining | 429.4 |
| Site Preparation and Roads | 334.1 |
| Process Facilities | 1817.8 |
| Tailings Storage Facility and Reclaim Systems | 169.4 |
| Utilities | 1875.4 |
| Ancillary Buildings and Facilities | 437.9 |
| Off Site Facilities | 346.4 |
| Subtotal Direct Cost | 5410.4 |
| Owner's Costs | 665.7 |
| Indirect Costs | 2038.1 |
| Contingency | 1119.1 |
| **Total Initial Capital Cost** | **9233.4** |

---

Note: Indirect costs exclude contingency. Figures may not sum due to rounding.

The capital cost estimate is based on updated costs escalated to fourth quarter 2025 pricing applied to the engineering designs and material take-offs (MTOs) from the previous mining study.

For pricing obtained in Canadian dollars, an exchange rate of US$0.71:C$1 was used.

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With the exception of the following three design changes, no other changes to engineering or MTOs were made:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Mine plan quantities and sequencing, including fleet purchase schedules

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● The natural gas pipeline was updated for an increase in pipe diameter from 12″ to 14″ and for modifications made to the route (i.e., the North Route Alignment) between mile post (MP) 85 and 112.

Initial and sustaining capital estimates were updated for all areas. Closure and reclamation costs were based on Donlin Gold LLC's filed closure plan with the ADNR. Warehouse inventory is excluded from the capital cost estimate but is included in the financial model as part of the working capital provision.

The total initial capital cost estimate is $9,233 million, which is an increase of $1,831 million, a 24.7% increase, compared to the 2021 initial capital estimate. Figure 18-1 shows the step changes by major area for the 2025 capital cost estimate.

The total sustaining capital estimate is $2,325 million, which is an increase of $602 million, a 34.9% increase, compared to the 2021 sustaining capital cost estimate. Figure 18-2 shows the step changes by major area for the 2025 sustaining capital cost estimate.

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**Figure 18**-**1: 2021 to 2025 Initial Capital Cost Changes by Major Area**

![figure18_1.jpg](figure18_1.jpg)

Source: Wood, 2025

**Figure 18**-**2: 2021 to 2025 Sustaining Capital Cost Changes by Major Area**

![figure18_2.jpg](figure18_2.jpg)

Source: Wood, 2025

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**18.1.1.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Basis of Estimate** 

Installation costs are estimated using a rate x manhours approach to develop the overall installation cost which formed the basis for all discipline cost adjustments. Craft labor rates have been escalated from the 2021 estimate as well as benchmarked against current union rates. Burdened labor rates typically include:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Base labor rate, payroll burdens and benefits, completion bonus, incentives and overtime premiums

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Workers compensation

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Fringe, industry funds

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Government fees (pension, employment insurance)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Safety clothing and safety supplies

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Small tools and consumables including welding rods, sealant, adhesives and lubricants

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Contractors' supervision and administration.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Construction equipment.

A 50-60% allowance of the installation cost has been included to cover the contractors' distributable costs.

Some of the major process and infrastructure equipment costs were based on recent firm quotations. Recent budget quotes were also received for civil lining and the natural gas pipeline. Updated pricing was obtained for major mobile equipment for the open pit operation. The mine plan and mining costs have been updated which has resulted in some costs being moved from initial capital to sustaining capital.

Bulk material and minor equipment costs are based on a factored approach using indices.

The Federal Reserve Economic Database (FRED) indices and Consumer Price Index (CPI) were used as the normalization factor to escalate the estimate. FRED indices were used where information is available and is consistent with past escalation efforts. CPI is used where FRED indices do not cover past escalation or the category of work being escalated. When used, the CPI index is an average factor for all disciplines. Both methods were benchmarked against the Information Handling Services (IHS) indices. IHS indices are applied at a discipline level. With the IHS index used as the normalization factor, the average escalation was 22%, which is within reasonable range of the 24.7% escalation from the combined FRED-CPI method used.

The escalation indices for indirect costs were calculated by determining the average escalation of the direct costs.

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Engineering procurement and construction management (EPCM) costs were reviewed by an expert in EPCM contracting. The EPCM costs were adjusted to reflect current contracting strategies and updated prior to applying the escalation index.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**18.1.1.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Scope of Responsibilities** 

Input was provided by Wood and Geosyntec. Wood prepared the mining estimate and contributed to the estimates for the site preparation, process facilities, utilities, ancillary buildings, and off-site facilities. Geosyntec contributed to the estimates for water management and TSF. Reviews were completed with independent estimating experts on the estimation methodology of the Owner's costs and indirects. Wood coordinated all the data being assembled into the estimate.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**18.1.1.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Mining** 

Mining initial capital costs are estimated at $429.4 million and distributed as detailed in Table 18-2.

Mining capital costs include pre-production stripping and development of waste stockpiles, mobile equipment, water management, and site preparation for the contractor owned explosives facility.

Mining costs were estimated with current rates for labor, fuel, consumables, and budgetary quotations for mining equipment. Approximately 76% of the mobile equipment is based on recent pricing, with the remainder escalated from previous prices and benchmarked against database costs.

Mine pre-production and development includes costs related to 20 Mt of pre-stripping completed in Year -1, as well as capital spares and mine operations overhead.

A first principles cost model was developed that incorporates the Donlin mine production plan to determine equipment requirements, including initial purchases and replacements. Capital replacements are assumed to be purchased in the year they are needed in sustaining capital.

The water management costs included in the mining costs cover the WTP for the operation, perimeter wells, overland drainage, piping and culverts related to the pit, WRFs and ore stockpile.

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| ![logohdr.jpg](logohdr.jpg) | Donlin Gold Project<br> Alaska, USA |
|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

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**Table 18**-**2: Breakdown of Mining Capital Costs**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Area Description** | **Estimate**<br> **($M)** |
| Pre-production and Development | 129.8 |
| Mobile Equipment | 180.6 |
| Water Management | 118.0 |
| Explosives Handling and Storage | 1.0 |
| **Total** | **429.4** |

---

Note: Figures may not sum due to rounding.

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|:---|:---|
| ![logohdr.jpg](logohdr.jpg) | Donlin Gold Project<br> Alaska, USA |
|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**18.1.1.4** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Site Preparation and Roads** 

Site preparation and roads have been estimated at $334.1 million as detailed in Table 18-3.

Site preparation and roads initial capital costs have been updated using current construction labor rates, commodity unit rates, and index factors applied against the same scope as the 2021 technical report.

Access road and airstrip road includes the access from Jungjuk port to site and the connecting road to the airstrip.

General site development includes diversion dams and ditching, as well as general site earthworks related to prepping the site for construction of the processing facilities.

Plant site roads and construction roads include various site roads' construction for construction vehicle access related to construction of site facilities.

Air strip includes capital for preparation of the airfield, as well as provision of two 50 passenger planes for flights to and from Anchorage.

**Table 18**-**3: Breakdown of Site Preparation and Roads Capital Costs**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Area Description** | **Estimate**<br> **($M)** |
| Access Road and Airstrip Road | 27.0 |
| General Site Development | 242.6 |
| Plant Site Roads and Construction Roads | 26.9 |
| Air Strip | 37.6 |
| **Total** | **334.1** |

---

Note: Figures may not sum due to rounding.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**18.1.1.5** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Process Facilities** 

Process facilities have been estimated at $1,817.8 million, as detailed in Table 18-4.

The process plant initial capital was updated by applying current labor rates, commodity unit rates, index factors, and updated budgetary equipment quotations to the existing design criteria, flowsheets, mechanical equipment list and MTOs. Twenty-five percent of the value of mechanical equipment from the 2021 technical report was updated with current budgetary pricing with the remainder being factored based on the project indices outlined in Section 18.1.1.1.

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|:---|:---|
| ![logohdr.jpg](logohdr.jpg) | Donlin Gold Project<br> Alaska, USA |
|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

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**Table 18**-**4: Breakdown of Process Facilities Capital Costs**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Area Description** | **Estimate**<br> **($M)** |
| Crushing | 125.3 |
| Grinding | 289.3 |
| Floatation | 292.9 |
| Thickening | 116.2 |
| Pressure Oxidation | 807.5 |
| Carbon-in-Leach | 54.9 |
| Gold Recovery | 61.3 |
| Reagents and Process Control | 70.4 |
| **Total**  | **1817.8** |

---

Note: Figures may not sum due to rounding.

The capital cost estimate for the process plant includes provision for all mechanical and electrical equipment, buildings, and quantities for bulks such as earthworks, concrete, steel, piping, electrical, and instrumentation.

Major processing equipment were sized based on the process design criteria. Mechanical scopes were sent to the market for budgetary pricing by local and international equipment suppliers.

The pressure oxidation estimate includes $455.1 million for the pressure oxidation circuit, $192.1 million for the oxygen plant, and $159.7 million for the associated thickeners and cyanide neutralization.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**18.1.1.6** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Tailings Management and Reclaim Systems** 

Tailings management and reclaim systems have been estimated at $169.4 million, as detailed in Table 18-5.

The TSF initial capital cost was updated by applying current construction labor rates for updated construction unit costs. Updated budget quotations account for 32.7% of total material costs. Equipment costs and material costs, where recent budget quotations were not received, have been escalated using the project indices outlined in Section 18.1.1.1.

The capital cost estimate for the TSF includes provision for construction of the initial starter dam. An allowance has been included for additional haulage of waste material from the open pit and process site construction.

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| ![logohdr.jpg](logohdr.jpg) | Donlin Gold Project<br> Alaska, USA |
|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

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**Table 18**-**5: Breakdown of the Tailings Management and Reclaim Systems Capital Costs**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Area Description** | **Estimate**<br> **($M)** |
| Tailings Storage Facility | 122.6 |
| Tailings Line | 30.7 |
| Reclaim System | 16.2 |
| **Total** | **169.4** |

---

Note: Figures may not sum due to rounding.

An allowance has been made for grubbing and stripping overburden from the footprint of the dam. Supply and installation of the liner was considered for placement up to the starter dam elevation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**18.1.1.7** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Utilities** 

Site utilities costs are estimated at $1,875.4 million, as detailed in Table 18-6.

Site utilities initial capital costs have been updated using current construction labor rates, commodity rates, and index factors applied against the same scope as outlined in the 2021 technical report. Included within the power generation are costs for the natural gas pipeline construction.

The current natural gas pipeline cost estimate of $1,090.8 million is based on 2025 material pricing for piping and a budgetary construction estimate for construction costs prepared by personnel with experience in Alaska's North Slope and Kenai Peninsula.

**Table 18**-**6: Breakdown of the Utilities Capital Costs**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Area Description** | **Estimate**<br> **($M)** |
| Power Generation | 1516.8 |
| Water Systems | 200.6 |
| Compressed Air | 4.0 |
| Fuel Storage and Distribution | 90.1 |
| Communications | 63.9 |
| **Total**  | **1875.4** |

---

Note: Figures may not sum due to rounding.

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| ![logohdr.jpg](logohdr.jpg) | Donlin Gold Project<br> Alaska, USA |
|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

---

Other major utilities include provision for construction of the on-site natural gas power plant, site water management, compressors, fuel farm, and communications systems.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**18.1.1.8** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Ancillary Buildings and Facilities** 

Ancillary buildings and facilities capital costs are estimated at $437.9 million, as detailed in Table 18-7.

On-site infrastructure initial capital costs have been updated using current construction labor rates, commodity unit rates, and index factors applied against the same scope as the 2021 technical report.

Costs for offices and storage are outfitting costs only as space has been allocated within the processing facility complex.

Plant mobile equipment includes long-term site maintenance fleet, as well as equipment utilized in construction of the Project.

**Table 18**-**7: Ancillary Buildings and Facilities Capital Cost Breakdown**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Area Description** | **Estimate**<br> **($M)** |
| Administration/Dry | 1.4 |
| Assay Laboratory | 3.7 |
| First Aid and Emergency Vehicle Storage | 0.9 |
| Accommodation Complex | 72.0 |
| Exterior Utilidors | 15.0 |
| Cold Storage | 9.3 |
| Mine Truck Shop and Warehouse | 110.6 |
| Plant Mobile Equipment | 224.9 |
| **Total**  | **437.9** |

---

Note: Figures may not sum due to rounding.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**18.1.1.9** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Off-Site Facilities** 

Off-site infrastructure initial capital costs have been updated using current construction labor rates, commodity unit rates, and index factors applied against the same scope as the 2021 technical report, as outlined in Table 18-8.

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|:---|:---|
| ![logohdr.jpg](logohdr.jpg) | Donlin Gold Project<br> Alaska, USA |
|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

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**Table 18**-**8: Breakdown of the Off-Site Facilities Capital Costs**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Area Description** | **Estimate**<br> **($M)** |
| Crooked Creek Facilities | 35.6 |
| Jungjuk Port Site | 81.9 |
| Marine Equipment and Facilities | 228.9 |
| **Total**  | **346.4** |

---

Note: Figures may not sum due to rounding.

Crooked Creek facilities include early construction ice roads and storage for initial access of construction prior to Jungjuk port site being constructed.

Jungjuk port includes allowances for construction of the port site and offloading equipment for river barges at the Jungjuk port. Semi-trailer tractors for fuel transport and general cargo are also included.

Marine equipment and facilities are costs for ocean fleet and facilities upgrades required to support the Project.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**18.1.1.10** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Owner** ' **s Costs** 

Owner's costs are based on an escalation of the 2021 technical report Owner's costs estimate. Total Owner's costs are $665.7 million, primarily related to construction camp costs.

Owner's reserves of $226.4 million are included in the estimate. The Owner's reserves are the difference between the P<sub>85</sub> estimate and the P<sub>40</sub> estimate contingency.

**Table 18**-**9: Owner**'**s Costs Capital Cost Breakdown**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Area Description** | **Estimate**<br> **($M)** |
| Site Overhead Costs | 433.0 |
| Alaska Office Costs | 6.3 |
| Owner's Reserves | 226.4 |
| **Total Owner**'**s Costs Capital Cost** | **665.7** |

---

Note: Figures may not sum due to rounding.

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|:---|:---|
| ![logohdr.jpg](logohdr.jpg) | Donlin Gold Project<br> Alaska, USA |
|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**18.1.1.11** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Indirect Costs** 

The indirect costs are based on an escalation of the 2021 technical report indirect estimate. Indirect costs for the natural gas pipeline were calculated separately and added to produce a total indirect cost of $2,038.1 million.

Indirects amount to approximately 37.7% of the direct initial capital cost. Table 18-10 outlines the distribution of indirect costs.

**Table 18**-**10: Breakdown of the Indirect Costs**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Area Description** | **Estimate**<br> **($M)** | **Percentage of Direct Capital**<br> **(%)** |
| Temporary Facilities and Services | 594.7 | 11.0 |
| EPCM | 677.0 | 12.5 |
| Construction Camp | 237.6 | 4.4 |
| First Fills and Capital Spares | 126.2 | 2.3 |
| Freight | 331.7 | 6.1 |
| Vendor Costs | 31.0 | 0.6 |
| Start-up and Commissioning | 40.0 | 0.7 |
| **Total**  | **2038.1** | **37.7** |

---

Note: Figures may not sum due to rounding.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**18.1.1.12** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Contingency** 

The blended project contingency is 13.8%, as outlined in Table 18-11.

**Table 18**-**11: Contingency Breakdown**

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Contingency Area** | **Total Project Cost**<br> **Including Contingency**<br> **($M)** | **Contingency**<br> **($M)** | **Contingency**<br> **(%)** |
| Mining, Processing, Site Infrastructure, Off-site Facilities | 6730.1 | 802.6 | 13.5 |
| Pressure Oxidation and Oxygen Plant | 1115.6 | 137.1 | 14.0 |
| Natural Gas Pipeline | 1387.7 | 179.4 | 14.9 |
| **Total** | **9233.4** | **1119.1** | **13.8** |

---

Note: Figures may not sum due to rounding.

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| ![logohdr.jpg](logohdr.jpg) | Donlin Gold Project<br> Alaska, USA |
|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**18.1.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Sustaining Capital** 

The 2021 technical report sustaining capital estimate was escalated to 2025 pricing. Changes to the mine plan adjusted the mobile equipment purchasing schedule and fleet totals. No changes were made to project engineering.

Mining sustaining capital is for mobile equipment fleet replacement as required within the operating hours model.

The storage capacity of the TSF will be increased through additional raises of the dam in Years 1, 5, 9, 13, 17, and 21, and 25. These additional costs for tailings are included in sustaining capital related to ongoing construction of the facility as the operation progresses.

Owner's costs are not included in the sustaining capital estimate because in the operating phase, camp related expenses are captured under G&A operating costs rather than capital.

Contingency is embedded within the unit rates for sustaining capital activities. These rates incorporate an allowance of less than 15%, which provides coverage for potential cost without requiring an additional contingency allocation.

The total sustaining capital estimate is $2,325 million, as outlined in Table 18-12. Figure 18-2 shows the step changes by major area for the 2025 update. Figure 18-3 shows the annual distribution of sustaining capital.

**Table 18**-**12: Breakdown of Sustaining Capital Costs**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Description** | **Estimate**<br> **($M)** |
| Mining | 1125.0 |
| Site Preparation and Roads | 4.0 |
| Process Facilities | - |
| Tailings Storage Facility and Reclaim Systems | 876.9 |
| Utilities | - |
| Ancillary Buildings and Facilities | 119.5 |
| Off Site Facilities | 24.9 |
| Subtotal Direct Cost | 2150.3 |
| Owner's Costs | - |
| Indirect Costs | 174.7 |
| Contingency | - |
| **Total** | **2325.1** |

---

Note: Indirect costs exclude contingency. Figures may not sum due to rounding.

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|:---|:---|
| ![logohdr.jpg](logohdr.jpg) | Donlin Gold Project<br> Alaska, USA |
|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

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**Figure 18**-**3: Distribution of Sustaining Capital**

![figure18_3.jpg](figure18_3.jpg)

Source: Wood, 2025

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**18.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Operating Cost Estimates** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**18.2.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Summary** 

Total operating cost average $48.54/t of ore processed as shown in Table 18-13. Operating cost accuracy is within ±25% and includes a contingency less than 15% which is within the accuracy range and contingency amount allowed under the definition of pre-feasibility study in S-K 1300. The operating cost estimates were updated to fourth quarter 2025 pricing by updating key cost drivers including energy, labor, consumables, and freight.

Changes to the mine plan have affected the manning schedules and consumables for mining, but the total mill feed processed and annual processing schedule remained unchanged.

Figure 18-4 shows the step changes by major area for the 2025 update. For the purposes of the mine plan, costs were based on the previous mining study and escalated to 2025 pricing. With the mine plan finalized, the costs were updated to the fourth quarter 2025 which are not materially different from those used in the mine plan.

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|:---|:---|
| ![logohdr.jpg](logohdr.jpg) | Donlin Gold Project<br> Alaska, USA |
|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

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**Table 18**-**13: LOM Operating Costs**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Area** | **Total LOM**<br> **($M)** | **$/t Ore Processed** |
| Mine | 11946.7 | 23.67 |
| Processing | 7718.3 | 15.29 |
| G&A | 2070.4 | 4.10 |
| Land and Royalty Payments | 2768.8 | 5.48 |
| **Total** | **24504.3** | **48.54** |

---

Note: Figures may not sum due to rounding.

**Figure 18**-**4: 2021 to 2025 Operating Cost Changes by Major Area**

![figure18_4.jpg](figure18_4.jpg)

Source: Wood, 2025

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**18.2.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Basis of Estimate** 

The labor rates are consensus rates based on 2025 CostMine labor rates for Alaska and Alaska Department of labor and Workforce Development research and analysis of Alaska statewide wages.

The work schedules assume that production will operate 24 h/d, 7 d/wk, 365 d/a.

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| ![logohdr.jpg](logohdr.jpg) | Donlin Gold Project<br> Alaska, USA |
|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

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An estimated fuel cost of $0.94/L was used, based on the US Energy Information Administration forecast retail price, less state and federal taxes, plus freight to transport to Donlin. This assumes a $0.747/L purchase price and a $0.198/L freight cost.

The natural gas fuel price of $12.51/mmbtu used considers the following liquid natural gas (LNG) costs:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● export price of $7.51/mmbtu delivered to Cook Inlet

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● $1.60/mmbtu transport to Kenai

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● $2.63/mmbtu re-gasification

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● $0.20/mmbtu storage charges

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● $0.57/mmbtu energy and pipeline costs to deliver to Donlin.

The estimated cost of electricity from a gas-fired dual-fueled (natural gas and diesel back-up) reciprocating engine power plant is $0.119/kWh, not including capital costs.

The total unit operating cost of the general cargo supply chain was estimated to be equivalent to $284.67/t freight. This has been used to calculate freight costs for mine and mill consumables as outlined in Section 18.2.5.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**18.2.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Mine Operating Costs** 

The mine operating cost estimate reflects updates to the mine schedule and includes costs for operating and maintenance labor, staff, and supplies. Operating and maintenance supplies are based on North American supply and include an allowance for freight and delivery to marshalling yards at the port of Seattle. Logistics costs to deliver freight to site have been reallocated from G&A based on the proportion of freight attributable to mining.

Consumables (fuel, explosives, supplies) were calculated from expected use, unit consumptions, and allowances for minor items. All mining costs are based on production Years 1 to 27.

<br> Pre-production costs have been capitalized and included in the initial capital cost estimate.

Mining costs include stockpile rehandling costs for mill feed.

The mining cost averages $3.16/t mined (ex-pit) during mine operations (excluding tonnes and costs from the pre-production period). Table 18-14 provides a breakdown of mining costs.

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| ![logohdr.jpg](logohdr.jpg) | Donlin Gold Project<br> Alaska, USA |
|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

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**Table 18**-**14: LOM Mining Operating Cost**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Item** | **Total**<br> **($M)** | **$/t Mined Ex-pit** |
| Labor | 2281.2 | 0.60 |
| Electricity | 104.9 | 0.03 |
| Diesel | 3329.4 | 0.88 |
| Lube | 154.3 | 0.04 |
| Drilling Supplies | 55.1 | 0.01 |
| GET | 118.3 | 0.03 |
| Blasting Accessories | 387.3 | 0.10 |
| Emulsion | 1536.4 | 0.41 |
| Tires | 426.9 | 0.11 |
| Maintenance Parts & Supplies | 2566.2 | 0.68 |
| Other | 986.8 | 0.26 |
| **Total** | **11946.7** | **3.16** |

---

Note: Figures may not sum due to rounding. GET = ground engaging tools

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**18.2.4** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Process Operating Costs** 

The processing costs cover operation and maintenance of the processing facilities, from the coarse ore dump pocket at the primary crusher through to the bullion room, as well as process and reclaim water pumping. The processing costs account for the expenses associated with purchasing consumables, equipment maintenance, personnel, and power consumption. Costs are summarized in Table 18-15. Process consumables costs are based on recent vendor quotations.

Equipment maintenance costs were developed for all areas from first principles for major equipment and factored for minor equipment. The costs were then expressed as a percentage of the capital cost of equipment for all areas, except for the POX and the oxygen plant. Mill liner costs are based on vendor estimates.

Annual maintenance costs for the pressure oxidation and the oxygen plant were developed from first principles and escalated to 2025 pricing. The maintenance costs are also allocated by area.

Power consumption was derived from the estimated load of the equipment combined with power requirements for the crushing and grinding circuits. Power consumption was estimated to average 1,050 GWh/a. The calculation of primary crusher power consumption was based on the crusher running at 80% of full power, available 65% of the time.

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|:---|:---|
| ![logohdr.jpg](logohdr.jpg) | Donlin Gold Project<br> Alaska, USA |
|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

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**Table 18**-**15: Process Operating Costs**

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Item** | **Annual Total**<br> **($M)** | **LOM Total**<br> **($M)** | **$/t Processed** |
| Labor | 37.6 | 972.6 | 1.93 |
| Reagents and Consumables | 118.4 | 3061.7 | 6.07 |
| Power | 92.4 | 2389.7 | 4.73 |
| Maintenance Supplies | 50.0 | 1294.3 | 2.56 |
| **Total** | **298.6** | **7718.3** | **15.29** |

---

Note: Figures may not sum due to rounding.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**18.2.5** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **General and Administrative Operating Costs** 

A portion of G&A expenses are allocated to the mining and process operating cost structures. Logistics costs are classified as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Logistics costs for mining are allocated to the mining cost structure from G&A

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Logistics costs for processing are included in consumables pricing

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Logistics costs for diesel are incorporated into diesel unit price

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Remaining logistics costs are included in G&A.

Other G&A functions are presented as standalone operating cost categories.

The LOM G&A operating costs reflect updated pricing and cover cost centers not directly associated with mining and process activities. These include management, safety, security, environmental, information services, warehousing and other overhead functions. Estimates for each cost center were developed from first principles or escalated.

Approximately $440.2 million in LOM G&A operating costs are allocated back to mining. Table 18-16 shows the LOM G&A operating costs by cost item. The LOM G&A operating costs averages $4.10/t processed after the G&A allocation.

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| ![logohdr.jpg](logohdr.jpg) | Donlin Gold Project<br> Alaska, USA |
|  | S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary |

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**Table 18**-**16: LOM G&A Operating Cost Estimate**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Item** | **Total**<br> **($M)** | **$/t Processed** |
| Aviation | 98.0 | 0.20 |
| Site Maintenance & Mobile Equipment | 207.0 | 0.41 |
| Camp and Catering | 481.1 | 0.95 |
| Clinic | 35.8 | 0.07 |
| Community Relations | 192.1 | 0.38 |
| Emergency Response | 13.6 | 0.03 |
| Environmental | 60.6 | 0.12 |
| Finance and Accounting | 37.3 | 0.07 |
| Health and Safety | 58.9 | 0.12 |
| Insurance | 229.4 | 0.45 |
| Information Technology | 282.2 | 0.56 |
| Legal | 49.6 | 0.10 |
| Logistics | 1649.9 | 3.25 |
| Management | 53.6 | 0.11 |
| Land | 19.4 | 0.04 |
| Security | 50.3 | 0.10 |
| Training and Recruiting | 27.5 | 0.05 |
| Waste Management | 30.9 | 0.06 |
| Power | 120.3 | 0.24 |
| Subtotal | 3697.2 | 7.32 |
| Logistics included in diesel price | (766.7) |  |
| Logistics included in mill consumables | (419.7) |  |
| Logistics allocated to mine | (440.2) |  |
| **Total** | **2070.4** | **4.10** |

---

Note: Figures may not sum due to rounding.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**18.2.6** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Land and Royalty Payments** 

Calista, TKC, and the Lyman family receive payments for land access and use. Over the LOM, the land and royalty payments amount to $2,768.8 million, distributed as shown in Figure 18-5.

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**Figure 18**-**5: Land and Royalty Annual Payments**

![figure18_5.jpg](figure18_5.jpg)

Source: Wood, 2025

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**19.0** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **ECONOMIC ANALYSIS** 

Certain information and statements contained in this section of the Report are forward-looking in nature and are subject to known and unknown risks, and that actual results of the economic analysis may vary from what is forecast. Examples of forward-looking information include gold price assumptions, cash flow forecasts, projected capital and operating costs, mine and metallurgical recoveries, mine life and production rates, and other assumptions used in this pre-feasibility study identified in the relevant sections of this Report. Material risk factors are identified in Section 22.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**19.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Valuation Methodology** 

The overall economic viability of the Project has been assessed using both undiscounted and discounted cash flow techniques and on a pre-tax and after-tax basis. Net annual cash flows were estimated by projecting yearly cash inflows (or revenues) and subtracting projected yearly cash outflows (such as capital and operating costs, royalties, and taxes). Undiscounted techniques include total net cash flow, internal rate of return (IRR) and payback period (measured from start of production in third quarter of Year 1). Discounted cash flow techniques include net present value (NPV). Discounted values are calculated using a 5% discount rate and a discrete end-of-year convention relative to Year -6, the start of basic and detailed engineering.

Estimates have been prepared for all the individual elements of cash receipts and cash expenditures for ongoing operations. Capital cost estimates have been prepared for initial development and construction of the Project (initial capital) and for ongoing operations (sustaining capital). Cost estimates have also been prepared for reclamation and closure of the mine and for post-closure obligations. These form the basis for the annual trust funding requirements over the LOM required to meet these obligations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**19.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Financial Model Parameters** 

The financial analysis was based on royalty agreements described in Section 3, the Mineral Reserves tabulated in Section 12, the forecast mine plan and production schedule presented in Section 13, the process plan and assumptions detailed in Section 14, the projected infrastructure requirements outlined in Section 15, the gold price assumption in Section 16, the permitting, social and environmental regime discussions as well as closure obligations in Section 17, the capital and operating cost estimates detailed in Section 18, and the tax considerations described in Section 19.2.7.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**19.2.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Metallurgical Recoveries** 

Recovery is estimated to average 90.0% over the LOM.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**19.2.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Transportation, Smelting and Refining Terms** 

Doré refining and shipping charges were estimated at $1.56/oz of doré sold based on escalating to 2025 refining charges for large U.S.-based mining operations and a quotation for transportation and insurance costs from the planned Donlin mine site to a U.S.-based refinery utilized in 2011. A doré gold content of 90% was considered. In addition, 0.1% of gold produced at the mine is deducted as a cost of refining.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**19.2.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Metal Prices** 

Estimated cash flows from revenue are based on a gold price of $2,100/oz.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**19.2.4** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Capital Costs** 

The initial capital costs for the Project are estimated at $9,233 million. Sunk costs (all costs incurred prior to Year -6) are excluded from the cash flow analysis. Sustaining capital costs over the LOM are estimated at $2,325 million. Total capital is estimated at $11,558 million. Figure 19-1 shows the distribution of initial and sustaining capital included within the financial model.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**19.2.5** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Operating Costs** 

LOM operating costs (including mining, processing, G&A and royalties) are estimated at $24,504 million, equivalent to $48.54/t of ore processed. Figure 19-2 provides an annual distribution of operating costs.

Calista, TKC, and the Lyman family receive payments for land access and use. Over the LOM the land and royalty payments amount to $2,768.8 million. Annual royalties are included in Figure 19-2.

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**Figure 19**-**1: Distribution of Initial and Sustaining Capital**

![figure19_1.jpg](figure19_1.jpg)

Source: Wood, 2025

**Figure 19**-**2: Operating Costs**

![figure19_2.jpg](figure19_2.jpg)

Source: Wood, 2025

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**19.2.6** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Working Capital** 

Inventory of consumables plus working capital are included in the cash flow. They are expenditures in the early years and are recovered in the final years. Thus, the sum of all working capital over mine life is zero. The following terms were assumed:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● First fills inventory = included in capital costs

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Initial inventory = 100 days of non-labor operating costs

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● In-process inventory = 3 days of revenue

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Finished products inventory = 10 days of revenue

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Accounts payable = 30 days of non-labor operating costs

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Accounts receivable = 10 days of revenue.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**19.2.7** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Taxes** 

The following taxation summary was provided by NOVAGOLD for the Project.

***U.S. Federal Corporate Income Tax***

In accordance with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) enacted in December 2017 and largely effective January 1, 2018 and the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) enacted in 2025, which extended or made permanent many TCJA provisions:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Corporate income tax rate is 21%.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Post-2017 net operating loss (NOL) carryovers are limited to 80% of taxable income, while there is no limitation on pre-2018 NOL carryovers.

The TCJA changed the NOL rules by limiting NOL deductions to 80% of taxable income, disallowing NOL carrybacks, and lifting the 20-year limit on NOL carryovers for post-2017 NOLs. The pre-TCJA NOL rules (80% limitation, disallowed carrybacks, 20-year carryover period) still apply to pre-2018 NOLs. The NOL rules were not meaningfully modified by the OBBBA.<br>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● The alternative minimum tax (AMT) was eliminated, but the corporate alternative minimum tax (CAMT) replaced it with the enactment of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in 2022. The CAMT generally only applies to corporations with average annual adjusted financial statement income in excess of $1 billion over a three-taxable-year period.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● A percentage depletion deduction is applied upon the commencement of production and sale of gold. Cost depreciation is not applicable as there is no Project tax basis for the mineral property.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Bonus depreciation is not considered in the tax depreciation calculation.

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***Alaska Corporate Incomed Tax***

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Alaska corporate income tax rate is 9.4%.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Alaska conforms to U.S. federal tax treatment, and it imposes a state CAMT equal to 18% of the federal CAMT.

***Alaska Mining License Tax***

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Alaska mining license tax rate is 7%.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Alaska mining license tax holiday is applied for the first 3½years from the start of production.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**19.2.8** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Closure Costs** 

The closure cost funding cost totals $423.0 million, comprised of:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● $371.2 million based on $11.6 M/a accruals from Year -5 to the end of the LOM

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● $51.8 million to maintain a financial guarantee of $404 million (escalated from the $322 million presented in Section 17) considering an annual cost of 0.4% per year from Year -5 to the end of the LOM

The trust fund will be sufficient to cover the closure costs outlined in this Report at end of mine life.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**19.2.9** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Salvage** 

No salvage is assumed at the end of operations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**19.2.10** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Financing** 

Financing has been assumed on a 100%, all equity, stand-alone basis.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**19.2.11** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Inflation** 

Escalation/inflation has been excluded from the forecast cash flow. Escalation has been included in the determination of the funding requirements for the trust fund, but the trust fund values in the cash flow are expressed on an un-escalated (real) basis.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**19.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Economic Results** 

Based on the economic evaluation, the Project generates positive before and after-tax economic results. After tax NPV is $5,058 million at a 5% discount rate, an IRR of 10.3% and payback of 6.5 years from the start of production. Table 19-1 provides a summary of key evaluation metrics, Table 22-2 shows the cash flow, and Figure 22-3 shows the distribution of after-tax cash flows and NPV.

**Table 19**-**1: Summary of Key Evaluation Metrics**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item** | **Value** |
| Total Mined | 3803 |
| Ore Treated | 504.8 |
| Strip Ratio | 6.5 |
| Total Gold Recovered | 29.5 |
| Gold Recovery | 90.0 |
| Gold Payable | 99.9 |
| Gold Price | 2100 |
| Total Before Tax Cash Flow | 25415 |
| Total Before Tax NPV<sub>5%</sub> | 7516 |
| Before Tax IRR | 12.5 |
| Before Tax Payback Period | 4.9 |
| Total After Tax Cash Flow | 19614 |
| Total After Tax NPV<sub>5%</sub> | 5058 |
| After Tax IRR | 10.3 |
| After Tax Payback Period | 6.5 |
| Gross Revenue | 61952 |
| Selling Costs | 51 |
| Operating Costs (Including Royalties) | 24504 |
| Initial Capital | 9233 |
| Sustaining Capital | 2325 |
| Total LOM Capital | 11558 |
| Closure Costs | 423 |
| Taxes | 5801 |

---

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**Table 19**-**2: Cash Flow Analysis**

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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  |  |  | **Years** | **Years** | **Years** | **Years** | **Years** | **Years** | **Years** | **Years** | **Years** | **Years** | **Years** | **Years** | **Years** | **Years** | **Years** | **Years** | **Years** | **Years** |
| **Item** | **Unit** | **LOM Total** | **PP -6** | **PP -5** | **PP -4** | **PP -3** | **PP -2** | **PP -1** | **Yr 1** | **Yr 2** | **Yr 3** | **Yr 4** | **Yr 5** | **Yr 6** | **Yr 7** | **Yr 8** | **Yr 9** | **Yr 10** | **Yr 11** | **Yr 12** |
| **PRODUCTION** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Mill Feed Tonnes | kt | 504811 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 7539 | 19528 | 19529 | 19581 | 19528 | 19527 | 19528 | 19581 | 19528 | 19528 | 19528 | 19581 |
| Mill Feed Grade | g/t | 2.02 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 2.49 | 2.48 | 2.44 | 2.35 | 2.31 | 2.70 | 2.40 | 2.40 | 2.65 | 2.00 | 2.10 | 2.02 |
| Mill Recovery | % | 90.0 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 88.18 | 91.55 | 88.37 | 88.51 | 88.52 | 90.52 | 89.76 | 90.49 | 90.56 | 89.73 | 90.71 | 91.55 |
| Gold Payable | Koz | 29501 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 533 | 1421 | 1351 | 1308 | 1282 | 1533 | 1351 | 1366 | 1505 | 1126 | 1195 | 1164 |
| Selling Costs | $M | (51) | - | - | - | - | - | - | (1) | (2) | (2) | (2) | (2) | (3) | (2) | (2) | (3) | (2) | (2) | (2) |
| **Net Smelter Revenue**  | **$M** | **61901** | **-** | **-** | **-** | **-** | **-** | **-** | **1117** | **2983** | **2835** | **2745** | **2691** | **3216** | **2835** | **2866** | **3158** | **2362** | **2507** | **2442** |
| **OPERATING COSTS** | **$M** | **(24504)** | **(4)** | **(6)** | **(10)** | **(15)** | **(19)** | **(19)** | **(507)** | **(813)** | **(835)** | **(918)** | **(901)** | **(1025)** | **(1042)** | **(1078)** | **(1081)** | **(1098)** | **(1101)** | **(1115)** |
| Mining | $M | (11947) | - | - | - | - | - | - | (300) | (400) | (406) | (490) | (474) | (492) | (527) | (559) | (549) | (604) | (598) | (614) |
| Processing | $M | (7718) | - | - | - | - | - | - | (115) | (299) | (299) | (299) | (299) | (299) | (299) | (299) | (299) | (299) | (299) | (299) |
| G&A | $M | (2070) | - | - | - | - | - | - | (83) | (77) | (77) | (77) | (78) | (78) | (79) | (80) | (80) | (79) | (79) | (79) |
| Land & Royalty Payments | $M | (2769) | (4) | (6) | (10) | (15) | (19) | (19) | (8) | (37) | (53) | (52) | (51) | (155) | (138) | (139) | (153) | (117) | (125) | (122) |
| **Operating Cash Flow Before Tax** | **$M** | **37396** | **(4)** | **(6)** | **(10)** | **(15)** | **(19)** | **(19)** | **611** | **2170** | **2000** | **1826** | **1790** | **2192** | **1793** | **1788** | **2077** | **1264** | **1406** | **1327** |
| **Taxes** | **$M** | **(5801)** | **-** | **-** | **-** | **-** | **-** | **-** | **(68)** | **(136)** | **(233)** | **(56)** | **(268)** | **(429)** | **(293)** | **(285)** | **(340)** | **(152)** | **(155)** | **(142)** |
| Alaska State Income Tax | $M | (1633) | - | - | - | - | - | - | (23) | (45) | (77) | (18) | (74) | (119) | (81) | (79) | (94) | (42) | (43) | (39) |
| Alaska Mining License Tax | $M | (1094) | - | - | - | - | - | - | -  | -  | -  | -  | (55) | (88) | (60) | (59) | (70) | (31) | (32) | (29) |
| Federal Income Tax | $M | (3074) | - | - | - | - | - | - | (46) | (91) | (156) | (37) | (139) | (222) | (152) | (147) | (176) | (78) | (80) | (74) |
| **Operating Cash Flow After Tax** | **$M** | **31595**  | **(4)** | **(6)** | **(10)** | **(15)** | **(19)** | **(19)** | **543**  | **2034**  | **1767**  | **1771**  | **1522**  | **1763**  | **1500**  | **1503**  | **1737**  | **1112**  | **1251**  | **1185**  |
| **CAPITAL COST** | **$M** | **(11981)** | **(222)** | **(368)** | **(1024)** | **(1934)** | **(2659)** | **(2641)** | **(951)** | **(141)** | **(81)** | **(66)** | **(192)** | **(69)** | **(99)** | **(79)** | **(208)** | **(74)** | **(66)** | **(65)** |
| Initial Capital | $M | (9233) | (222) | (354) | (1010) | (1921) | (2646) | (2628) | (451) | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Sustaining Capital | $M | (2325) | - | - | - | - | - | - | (487) | (128) | (68) | (53) | (179) | (56) | (85) | (66) | (195) | (61) | (53) | (52) |
| Closure Costs (Inc. Trust Fund) | $M | (423) | -  | (13) | (13) | (13) | (13) | (13) | (13) | (13) | (13) | (13) | (13) | (13) | (13) | (13) | (13) | (13) | (13) | (13) |
| **Working Capital** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Change in Working Capital | $M |  | - | - | - | - | - | - | (149) | (162) | 8 | (9) | 6 | (36) | 18 | (7) | (17) | 41 | (8) | 2 |
| **Net Cash Flow** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Before Tax | $M | 25415 | (226) | (373) | (1033) | (1949) | (2679) | (2661) | (340) | 2029 | 1919 | 1761 | 1598 | 2123 | 1694 | 1709 | 1870 | 1189 | 1340 | 1261 |
| Net After Tax | $M | 19614 | (226) | (373) | (1033) | (1949) | (2679) | (2661) | (408) | 1893 | 1686 | 1705 | 1330 | 1694 | 1401 | 1424 | 1529 | 1037 | 1185 | 1119 |

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**Table 22-2 Cont**'**d**

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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| |  |  | **Years** | **Years** | **Years** | **Years** | **Years** | **Years** | **Years** | **Years** | **Years** | **Years** | **Years** | **Years** | **Years** | **Years** | **Years** | **Years** |
| **Item** | **Unit** | **LOM Total** | **Yr 13** | **Yr 14** | **Yr 15** | **Yr 16** | **Yr 17** | **Yr 18** | **Yr 19** | **Yr 20** | **Yr 21** | **Yr 22** | **Yr 23** | **Yr 24** | **Yr 25** | **Yr 26** | **Yr 27** | **Yr 28-247** |
| **PRODUCTION** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Mill Feed Tonnes | kt | 504811 | 19528 | 19528 | 19528 | 19581 | 19528 | 19528 | 19528 | 19581 | 19528 | 19528 | 19527 | 19581 | 19527 | 19527 | 8763 | - |
| Mill Feed Grade | g/t | 2.02 | 2.10 | 1.80 | 1.90 | 1.67 | 1.90 | 2.18 | 2.45 | 2.20 | 1.26 | 1.90 | 2.00 | 1.90 | 0.90 | 0.86 | 0.84 | - |
| Mill Recovery | % | 90.0 | 91.22 | 90.18 | 90.92 | 89.37 | 89.72 | 90.28 | 89.69 | 90.00 | 89.17 | 90.15 | 90.27 | 90.63 | 89.76 | 90.07 | 88.76 | - |
| Gold Payable | koz | 29501 | 1201 | 1018 | 1083 | 939 | 1069 | 1234 | 1378 | 1245 | 705 | 1074 | 1132 | 1083 | 507 | 486 | 211 | - |
| Selling Costs | $M | (51) | (2) | (2) | (2) | (2) | (2) | (2) | (2) | (2) | (1) | (2) | (2) | (2) | (1) | (1) | (0) | - |
| **Net Smelter Revenue** | **$M** | **61901** | **2521** | **2136** | **2273** | **1970** | **2243** | **2590** | **2892** | **2613** | **1478** | **2254** | **2376** | **2272** | **1063** | **1019** | **442** | **-** |
| **OPERATING COSTS** | **$M** | **(24504)** | **(1109)** | **(1110)** | **(1083)** | **(1110)** | **(1112)** | **(1016)** | **(1064)** | **(825)** | **(848)** | **(842)** | **(800)** | **(797)** | **(503)** | **(451)** | **(242)** | **(9)** |
| Mining | $M | (11947) | (604) | (622) | (589) | (628) | (619) | (508) | (542) | (314) | (390) | (355) | (310) | (312) | (78) | (37) | (25) | - |
| Processing | $M | (7718) | (299) | (299) | (299) | (299) | (299) | (299) | (299) | (299) | (299) | (299) | (299) | (299) | (299) | (299) | (134) | - |
| G&A | $M | (2070) | (80) | (80) | (80) | (81) | (81) | (81) | (81) | (81) | (81) | (75) | (71) | (71) | (67) | (57) | (57) | - |
| Land & Royalty Payments | $M | (2769) | (126) | (109) | (115) | (101) | (113) | (129) | (143) | (130) | (79) | (114) | (119) | (115) | (60) | (58) | (27) | (9) |
| **Operating Cash Flow Before Tax** | **$M** | **37396** | **1412** | **1027** | **1191** | **860** | **1131** | **1574** | **1828** | **1788** | **630** | **1412** | **1577** | **1476** | **560** | **568** | **200** | **(9)** |
| **Taxes** | **$M** | **(5801)** | **(142)** | **(79)** | **(103)** | **(95)** | **(229)** | **(424)** | **(480)** | **(379)** | **(131)** | **(363)** | **(390)** | **(282)** | **(99)** | **-**  | **-**  | **-**  |
| Alaska State Income Tax | $M | (1633) | (1633) | (39) | (22) | (29) | (26) | (64) | (117) | (133) | (105) | (36) | (101) | (108) | (78) | (28) | -  | -  |
| Alaska Mining License Tax | $M | (1094) | (1094) | (29) | (16) | (21) | (19) | (47) | (87) | (99) | (78) | (27) | (75) | (80) | (58) | (21) | -  | -  |
| Federal Income Tax | $M | (3074) | (3074) | (73) | (41) | (53) | (49) | (119) | (219) | (248) | (196) | (67) | (188) | (202) | (146) | (51) | -  | -  |
| **Operating Cash Flow After Tax** | **$M** | **31580** | **1270** | **947** | **1087** | **765** | **901** | **1149** | **1347** | **1408** | **499** | **1048** | **1186** | **1193** | **460** | **522** | **200** | **(9)** |
| **CAPITAL COSTS** | **$M** | **(11981)** | **(198)** | **(51)** | **(55)** | **(40)** | **(220)** | **(53)** | **(112)** | **(30)** | **(148)** | **(23)** | **(18)** | **(16)** | **(49)** | **(13)** | **(13)** | **-**  |
| Initial Capital | $M | (9233) | -  | -  | -  | -  | -  | -  | -  | -  | -  | -  | -  | -  | -  | -  | -  | -  |
| Sustaining Capital | $M | (2325) | (185) | (38) | (42) | (27) | (207) | (40) | (99) | (17) | (135) | (10) | (5) | (3) | (36) | -  | -  | -  |
| Closure Costs - Trust Fund | $M | (423) | (13) | (13) | (13) | (13) | (13) | (13) | (13) | (13) | (13) | (13) | (13) | (13) | (13) | (13) | (13) | -  |
| **Working Capital** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Change in Working Capital | $M |  | (3) | 21 | (3) | 13 | (16) | (3) | (25) | 55 | 60 | (43) | (0) | 6 | 116 | 10 | 66 | 62 |
| **Net Cash Flow** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Before Tax | $M | 25415 | 1214 | 975 | 1136 | 820 | 911 | 1521 | 1716 | 1758 | 482 | 1389 | 1558 | 1460 | 511 | 555 | 187 | (9) |
| After Tax | $M | 19614 | 1072 | 896 | 1033 | 725 | 682 | 1096 | 1236 | 1378 | 352 | 1025 | 1168 | 1177 | 411 | 510 | 187 | (9) |

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**Figure 19**-**3: After-Tax Cash Flow and NPV<sub>5% </sub>($2,100/oz Gold Price)**

![figure19_3.jpg](figure19_3.jpg)

Source: Wood, 2025

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**19.4** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Sensitivity Analysis** 

Sensitivity analyses have been performed to illustrate the impact on the after-tax and IRR from variations on gold price, gold grade, operating costs, and capital costs. Sensitivities are illustrated in a spider graph shown in Figure 22-4 and Figure 19-5.

**Figure 19**-**4: After-Tax NPV<sub>5%</sub> - Sensitivity**

![figure19_4.jpg](figure19_4.jpg)

Source: Wood, 2025

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**Figure 19**-**5: After-Tax IRR** – **Sensitivity**

![figure19_5.jpg](figure19_5.jpg)

Source: Wood, 2025

The Project is most sensitive to fluctuations in the gold price and feed grade, and less sensitive to changes in capital and operating costs.

Table 19-3 lists the sensitivities of after-tax cash flow, NPV, IRR, and payback to variations in gold price from a range of $1,470-$2,730/oz.

**Table 19**-**3: Base Case Project Sensitivity to Gold Price**

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Gold Price**<br> **($/oz)** | **After Tax Cash Flow**<br> **($M)** | **After Tax NPV<sub>5</sub>**<br> **($M)** | **After Tax IRR**<br> **(%)** | **Payback**<br> **(years)** |
| 1470 | 5977 | (787) | 4.0 | 13.0 |
| 1680 | 10599 | 1206 | 6.4 | 9.2 |
| 1890 | 15096 | 3128 | 8.5 | 7.5 |
| 2100 | 19614 | 5058 | 10.3 | 6.5 |
| 2310 | 24021 | 6940 | 12.0 | 5.6 |
| 2520 | 27856 | 8681 | 13.5 | 5.1 |
| 2730 | 31160 | 10235 | 14.8 | 4.6 |

---

Note: Base case is highlighted.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**20.0** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **ADJACENT PROPERTIES** 

There are no adjacent properties that are relevant to this Report.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**21.0** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **OTHER RELEVANT DATA AND INFORMATION** 

Wood and Geosyntec are not aware of any additional information or explanation necessary to make the Report understandable and not misleading.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**22.0** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**22.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Summary** 

The following is a summary of the relevant results and interpretations in the pre-feasibility study. This Report updates the technical and economic information in the pre-feasibility study on the Project, and provides a current Report.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**22.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Agreements, Mineral Tenure, Surface Rights, and Royalties** 

Information from NOVAGOLD and their legal experts supports that the mining tenure held and Property agreements are valid and support declaration of Mineral Resources, Mineral Reserves and demonstration of economic viability of the Project.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**22.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Geology, Mineralization and Exploration** 

Knowledge of the deposit settings, lithologies, and structural and alteration controls on mineralization is sufficient to support Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimation.

The deposit models as used in the exploration programs have been appropriate to the style and setting of the mineralization. Additional exploration potential remains in the Project area.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**22.4** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Drilling and Data Analysis** 

The type of drilling, drill spacing and quality of sampling and analysis are considered reliable to support the purposes used in the Report.

The quantity and quality of the lithological, geotechnical, collar and downhole survey data collected in the exploration and infill drill programs are sufficient to support Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimation and the confidence categories assigned. Appropriate data verification procedures have been conducted by the Wood and Geosyntec QPs.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**22.5** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Metallurgical Testwork** 

The quantity and quality of the metallurgical testwork are sufficient to support Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimation and the confidence categories assigned.

Metallurgical testwork and associated analytical procedures were performed by recognized testing facilities, and the tests performed were appropriate to the mineralization type.

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Samples selected for testing were representative of the various types and styles of mineralization at the Project. Samples were selected from a range of depths within the deposit. Sufficient samples were taken so that tests were performed on sufficient sample mass.

Testwork completed to date has shown that the ore requires pre-treatment prior to cyanidation to recover the gold. Process development work has determined that POX is the preferred method of pretreatment. Extensive testwork on composites has shown that acceptable gold recoveries can be produced through a combination of conventional flotation pre-concentration, POX, and CIL cyanidation.

A small portion of oxidized (altered) ore exists in the deposit and has been accounted in the production schedule through stockpiling. Degradation of the sulfide ore by oxidation in the stockpile will also affect the flotation recovery and has been accounted for.

The flowsheet includes sulfide flotation pre-concentration with POX followed by CIL, providing an estimated total LOM gold recovery of 90.0%.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**22.6** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Mineral Resource Estimates** 

The Mineral Resources for the Project, which have been estimated using core and RC drill data, have been prepared in accordance with the definitions in S-K 1300.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**22.7** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Mineral Reserve Estimates** 

The Mineral Reserves for the Project appropriately consider modifying factors and have been prepared in accordance with the definitions in S-K 1300.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**22.8** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Mine Methods** 

The proposed Project will be a conventional, large-tonnage, open-pit operation designed to provide for a nominal process throughput of 19.5 Mt/a, or 53,500 t/d. The operating mine life is estimated at 24 years based on the planned processing rate.

The mine plan developed for the Project envisages mining seven pit phases at ACMA, and four pit phases at Lewis.

The mine design, complete with haulage access, includes 504.8 Mt of ore containing 32.8 Moz of contained gold and has a strip ratio of 6.52:1.

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Donlin will be mined by a combination of bulk and selective mining. The SMU block size of selective mine areas is 12 m x 12 m x 6 m. The SMU block size of bulk mine areas is 12 m x 12 m x 12 m. The bench height will be either 6 m or 12 m, depending on mining selectivity requirements.

The mine design incorporates geotechnical and hydrogeological considerations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**22.9** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Mine Geotechnical** 

The Report includes recommendations in Section 23 to support the upcoming mining study to confirm assumptions and mitigate potential risks in the pit slope design and provide reasonable contingency allowances.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**22.10** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Processing and Recovery Methods** 

The process equipment and current designs for the Project are appropriate to the mine plan, and to the Project setting.

The process flowsheet consists of sulfide flotation pre-concentration with POX followed by CIL to produce gold at acceptable recoveries through the application of autoclave sulfide oxidation technology.

A semi-autogenous grinding circuit followed by pebble crushing and in-series ball milling has been selected for the comminution requirements based on the ability to handle the variable hardness and quality of the ore.

The flotation flowsheet will provide a circuit design that will maximize sulfide recovery, as demonstrated during numerous bench and pilot plant metallurgical tests.

POX of the flotation concentrate will allow higher recoveries in CIL cyanidation than direct cyanidation of the flotation concentrate, as demonstrated through extensive pilot-plant testing.

Effective neutralization of acidic solutions can be carried out through the efficient use of the natural carbonate content of the flotation tailings, thereby reducing the amount of lime or limestone that must be transported to site.

Effective management of arsenic in the processed ore is possible through using the POX circuit. The ore has sufficient iron content to permit precipitation of arsenic with iron to form stable forms of arsenic precipitation products, suitable for long term storage in the TSF.

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Mercury emissions can be effectively controlled with the proposed mercury abatement systems on the POX, carbon regeneration, electrowinning, retort, and bullion smelting processing equipment. The proposed mercury recovery technology for the autoclave off gas systems achieves current known best practices for this application.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**22.11** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Infrastructure** 

The infrastructure requirements and current designs for such Project infrastructure are appropriate to the mine plan, and to the Project setting.

Supplies will be shipped on ocean barges where cargo will be transferred to river barges at Bethel and transported to the Jungjuk Port where an access road connects to the Project site.

The Project involves several development sites considerable distances apart, incurring high infrastructure costs to provide interconnecting roads, pipelines, services, and utilities. The decision to use material from the plant site excavation as a borrow source for constructing the starter tailings dam is an effective way to reduce the site preparation costs.

Off-site infrastructure will be arranged, designed, and constructed using techniques that are proven to result in functional and durable facilities suited to their remote location and cold environment.

Although the terrain is diverse and severe through the Alaskan Range, the pipeline route has been field verified by construction and survey personnel.

The electrical power generation and distribution system has been designed to meet the requirements of the proposed loads, the site location, and facility layout. Electric power for the Project site will be generated from a dual-fueled (natural gas and diesel) reciprocating engine power plant with a steam turbine utilizing waste heat recovery from the engines.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**22.12** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Water Management** 

The overall water management strategy is appropriate to the mine plan, and to the Project setting.

The water management strategy incorporates a range of engineered solutions and adaptive approaches to address both contact and noncontact water throughout all phases of the mine lifecycle.

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The water balance modeling approach is appropriate for the Project, as it represents both surface and subsurface flow contributions in alignment with site hydrologic processes and supports sound design and closure planning.

The overall WTP process flow appears technically sound. Considering the wide range of metals and constituents requiring treatment (including challenging species, such as selenium, cyanide, and sulfate), the selected approach is appropriate.

Results of geochemical characterization studies indicate that most waste rock has low ARD potential but some samples are uncertain or PAG. Arsenic, antimony, and mercury concentrations are elevated due to mineralization, with arsenic showing potential for leaching under both acidic and non-acidic conditions.

The proposed waste rock handling and segregation strategy is well-suited for the current project phase and reflects an understanding of ARD and metal leaching risks. Blending PAG materials with NAG mitigates long-term acid generation and groundwater seepage and aligns with industry best practices.

The proposed depressurization and dewatering strategy reflects an approach to managing groundwater inflows and maintaining pit slope stability.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**22.13** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Tailings Storage Facility** 

The TSF design is sufficient to address requirements for regulatory approval of dam safety and demonstrate familiarity and experience with good practice for investigation and design of tailings facilities.

The gridded seismicity source is an important contributor to the seismic hazard and is largely based on historical seismicity. The record of historical seismicity in the vicinity of the site is brief and incomplete due to the sparse seismic network in the region.

The Report includes recommendations in Section 23 to support the upcoming mining study to confirm assumptions and mitigate potential risks in the tailings storage design and provide reasonable contingency allowance.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**22.14** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Market Studies** 

NOVAGOLD's portion of gold production is likely to be sold on the spot market, by marketing experts retained by or on behalf of NOVAGOLD. Gold can be readily sold on numerous markets throughout the world and it is not difficult to ascertain its market price at any time.

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The long-term forecast gold price of $2,100/oz used for mine planning and cash flow analysis was based on a combination of information derived from a number of reputable banks as well as cash flow prices used in technical reports filed in Canada over the previous 12-month period and historical price averaging.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**22.15** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Environmental, Permitting and Agreements** 

Donlin Gold LLC has obtained nearly all permits required for the start of operations, has completed nearly all permitting phases and is in the process of finalizing remaining state permits and supplementing the environmental analysis under NEPA. Supplements to the current EIS have been mandated to assess potential impacts of a larger hypothetical dam breach. Authorizations for the natural gas pipeline ROW have been received.

A trust fund combined with financial assurance is expected to meet Alaska's financial assurance requirements for mine closure. This includes the funding required to generate sufficient cash flow to cover the spillway construction from the TSF to Crevice Creek, the WTP including perpetual water treatment and monitoring; and associated facility and access maintenance.

Donlin Gold LLC is committed to sustainable development to benefit local communities over the long term by providing opportunities for direct employment, local procurement, and community development projects.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**22.16** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Capital and Operating Cost Estimates** 

Capital and operating costs have been adequately accounted for using the assumptions in this Report. The level of accuracy for the estimate is ±25% with a contingency of 13.8%. The total estimated initial capital cost to design and build the Project is $9,233 million and sustaining capital costs are estimated at $2,325 million.

The operating costs over the LOM are estimated at $24,504 million.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**22.17** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Economic Analysis** 

The economic analysis demonstrates the economic viability of the Mineral Reserves. Under the assumptions presented in this Report, the after-tax Project NPV at a discount rate of 5% is $5,058 million and the IRR is 10.3% and a payback period of 6.5 years.

The Project is most sensitive to variations in the gold price and gold grade and is less sensitive to variations in operating costs and capital costs.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**22.18** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Risks** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**22.18.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Summary** 

The Project is subject to risks that are commonly expected to exist with large, undeveloped mines and risks that are specific to Arctic conditions. These include the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**22.18.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Mineral Resource Estimates** 

Risks identified for Mineral Resources are uncertainties in, or changes from, what was assumed in the estimate for:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● gold price

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● unrecognized variability in the metallurgical recoveries

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● uncertainties in the geotechnical characteristics of the rock mass and the impact on the pit slope angles

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● uncertainties to the inputs to the resource cut-off

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● gold threshold for defining the indicator mineralized shells

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● uncertainties in the interpretations of fault geometry, in particular the Vortex and Lo faults

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● search orientations used for grade estimation

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● uncertainty in the geological model

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Mineral Resource confidence classification criteria.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**22.18.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Mine Geotechnical** 

Risk factors and uncertainties associated with pit design are:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● The orientation and location of faults: faults with unfavorable orientation (e.g., dipping out of the slope face) may act as failure planes for planar or wedge-type collapses.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Strength, spacing, and persistence of weak joints and strata (e.g. ash layers and shale slickensides) may cause pit slope failures.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Unrecognized structural complications, low strength of joint with slickensides, faults, or ash layers, or unfavorable groundwater conditions (especially at faults) could introduce unfavorable pit slope stability conditions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Limited information available on how major faults affect the groundwater systems.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Unexpected differences from the assumed water encountered in the pit walls producing extensive seepage into the pit requiring additional horizontal drains and pumping wells.

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The risk associated with these uncertainties is that slope designs may overestimate stability, leading to unexpected failure that can damage haul roads, equipment, and infrastructure, and may require temporary or permanent cessation of mining in affected areas. In severe cases, failures have resulted in injury or loss of life. Conservative slope designs and hazard zoning are often implemented in structurally complex areas. These approaches reduce risk but may constrain pit expansion and limit ultimate pit depth and can significantly affect both safety and economic outcomes.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**22.18.4** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Waste Rock Facility** 

Risks and uncertainties associated with the WRF are:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● A risk associated with the stability of the WRF design is the presence of organic and ice-rich overburden deposits in the interior foundation of the WRF that could result in instability. This could limit overburden stripping due to lack of available dump space with possible impacts on ore stripping, or could pose operational safety issues.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● The presence of organic and ice-rich overburden deposits in the interior foundation of the WRF could result in instability that limit overburden stripping due to lack of available dump space with possible impacts on ore stripping, or could pose operational safety issues.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**22.18.5** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Tailings and Geotechnical** 

Risks and uncertainties associated with the TSF are:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● The proposed use of a geotextile for filter protection of the TSF underdrain system could delay approval for construction of the tailings dam.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Weak ash layers or shale joints with slickensides could exist in the foundation of the TSF, and in conjunction with undrained or strain-softening behavior could require flatter slopes than the current design, increasing required fill volume and cost.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Insufficient or inadequate borrow material could delay TSF embankment construction resulting in delays or limitations for production.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● A failure of a temporary water diversion dam could create dam safety or operational issues for the TSF with a resultant impact on production.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● The presence of organic and ice-rich overburden deposits in the interior foundation of the WRF could result in instability that limit overburden stripping due to lack of available dump space with possible impacts on ore stripping, or could pose operational safety issues.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**22.18.6** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Processing and Recovery Methods** 

Risks and uncertainties associated with the process design are:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Sulfur content variability in mill feed poses a risk to production. Years with lower sulfur content may result in reduced processing efficiency, making it challenging to achieve planned production levels

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Stockpiling sulfide ore may lead to oxidation that could negatively impact flotation performance and gold recovery.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**22.18.7** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Infrastructure** 

Risks and uncertainties associated with the infrastructure design are:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● There are known to be intermittent areas of permafrost and poor ground conditions at the various facility sites that could affect foundation design and site preparation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Concrete retaining walls are used within the plant site footprint to separate tiers of the facility. Over the 27 year operation of the facility, these retaining walls pose a risk if they begin to fail.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● The design of plant site buildings and other structures adopted the seismic provisions of the 2006 International Building Code which may not be in accordance with the current code 2021 edition.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● The overall number of proposed Horizontal Directional Drill crossings (HDDs) on the natural gas pipeline is currently eight. Additional HDDs may be required based on the number of streams along the proposed route. Further construction evaluation and regulatory agency consultations will be necessary to determine the total number of HDDs required.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**22.18.8** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Water Management** 

Risks and uncertainties associated with water management are:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Groundwater data near major faults remains sparse, increasing uncertainty in hydrogeologic interpretations

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Use of outdated MODFLOW versions limits accuracy for complex pit simulations and future pit lake modeling.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Without appropriate controls, widespread arsenic contamination of water resources could occur.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**22.18.9** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Environmental, Permitting, and Agreements** 

The Project reliance on natural gas introduces a strategic risk due to Alaska's limited supply and potential permitting delays. These factors could affect energy availability, impacting construction timelines, and operational continuity.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**23.0** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **RECOMMENDATIONS** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**23.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Summary** 

The Wood and Geosyntec QPs have made the following recommendations with a total budget of $1.64 million. This total does not include the planned mining study update.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**23.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Mineral Resource Estimates** 

Incorporate the 2025 drilling data information into both the geological model and Mineral Resource block model in the next update.

Estimated cost is $40,000.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**23.3** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Mine Methods** 

The following mining studies are recommended:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Evaluate the opportunities to reduce dilution to increase the gold grade of the mill feed

Past studies have indicated a range of dilution, including 7.1% in 2021 and 29% in this Report<br>

– Dilution estimation approach utilizing selective shape generation such as mineable shape optimizer (MSO) or alternative solutions

– Fleet sizing and selective mining unit optimization used in Mineral Resource estimation

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Review the blending strategy in the mine plan to manage sulfur content in the concentrate feed to the POX plant to ensure minimum sulfur content levels are achieved through the LOM.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Evaluate technological advancements in mining equipment that have occurred since the previous mining study was completed; automation, alternative fuels/electrification.

Estimated cost is $150,000.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**23.4** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Mine Geotechnical** 

The planned mining study update should include a pit slope design report with the following scope:

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Confirm assumptions and mitigate potential risks associated with estimates of strength parameters for fault gouge, shale slickensides and ash beds by performing index testing, mineralogy determination, and advanced strength testing with a preference for oriented direct shear test on shale slickensides and direct simple shear on ash beds

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Update the geologic model with recent reinterpretation of the Runway fault as folding rather than faulting

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Drill four holes totaling 370 m in the southeast ACMA pit area to better characterize Lo1 fault and three holes totaling 275 m to further delineate and characterize the Divide fault. With an all in drilling cost of $350/m, the cost to drill these holes will be approximately $225,000.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Evaluate alternative distributions (e.g., log-normal) for joint spacing and persistence

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Perform targeted piezometer installation, pumping and airlift testing, especially at the Lo1 fault to confirm assumptions and mitigate potential risks by associated with the assumed 100–300 m extent of the depressurized envelope for faults.

The estimated cost of $625,000.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**23.5** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Waste Rock Facility** 

An operational placement plan should be developed for the WRF facility that considers potential internal instability of the WRF.

Estimated cost is $75,000.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**23.6** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Tailings and Geotechnical** 

The planned mining study should include a geotechnical design with the following scope:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Provide additional support for the assumed consequence classification of the TSF and the resulting selection of design criteria, or alternatively, a dam breach and inundation study

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Perform additional testing on ash layers and shale slickenside, with development of strength parameters and confidence intervals for use in stability analyses

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Evaluate the potential for brittle behavior in weak foundation units

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Use appropriate methodologies that account for potential brittle or undrained behavior for embankment design analyses

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Complete a tailings placement plan for early operations (2–5 years post start-up), including sensitivity studies based on a range of defensible beach slopes

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Complete a fill placement plan to confirm suitable borrow availability during early operations, with appropriate contingency volumes

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Complete a closure plan for the TSF detailed enough to estimate potential post-operation liabilities and include a risk assessment that considers tailings settlement and seismic loading

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Complete an outline for a tailings management plan (TMP) to define tailings governance and a plan for TMP development

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Perform further evaluation to justify whether the gridded seismicity source from the USGS 2023 NSHM for Alaska is appropriate for the site-specific SHA considering the sparse seismic network, near the site

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Reassess Project risks associated with the 1:100-year IDF criteria for temporary water diversion dams and consider:

– The consequences of diversion dam failure on TSF safety and operational capacity

– The potential benefits of adopting more robust criteria to strengthen public support for project approval.

The estimated cost for this work is $500,000.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**23.7** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Infrastructure** 

The following recommendations are made:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● On the natural gas line one set of pig traps (launcher/receivers) is currently proposed near the mid-point of the pipeline. Further analysis is recommended to find one to two additional trap locations along the route.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Review the design of plant site buildings and other structures in accordance with the 2021 International Building Code.

Estimated cost is $50,000.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**23.8** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Water Management** 

The water management strategy for the Project integrates a combination of engineered solutions and adaptive approaches to effectively manage both contact and non-contact water throughout all phases of the mining lifecycle. The following recommendations aim to further improve system performance and resilience as the Project progresses to the next phases of development:

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Data collected during the 2025 drilling campaign to validate the geology structural model should be interpreted and integrated with the hydrogeological conceptualization. This data should include results from targeted hydraulic testing and head measurements conducted near major faults, to improve understanding of their influence on groundwater flow.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Future updates to the hydrogeologic model should prioritize expanding the model domain to include adjacent watersheds near the TSF and WRF, as current drawdown predictions approach these boundaries. Incorporating newer versions of MODFLOW software is recommended to enable flexible gridding, improved discretization around the open pit, and enhanced representation of geologic details.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Conduct a geochemical characterization to determine whether arsenic leaching represents a significant concern to long-term water quality. If it is a concern, then develop a comprehensive plan for managing arsenic leaching from waste rock.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Confirm underlying water quality assumptions used in the design of the Operations WTP by incorporating updated data and evaluating any new information.

Estimated cost for this work is $100,000.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**23.9** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Environment and Permitting** 

The following are recommended:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Further address supply and demand concerns for the Project and for Anchorage-based communities for the natural gas pipeline, including considerations for new natural gas storage and pipeline facilities. It is understood this plan is currently under development.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Complete an evaluation to prevent unregulated water discharge and to comply with current ADPES permit water quality standards. Review the WTP design to confirm sufficient flexibility to manage excess water during exceptional precipitation events.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Complete a reconciliation of the Project as described in this Report with the existing Project permits as there are differences between components of the Project in the Report from those used as the basis for permitting. The results of this reconciliation should be used to inform the upcoming mining study for the Project.

The estimated cost is $100,000.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**23.10** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Summary of Costs** 

Costs recommended work are summarized in Table 23-1.

**Table 23**-**1: Costs for Recommended Work**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Description** | **Cost**<br> **($000s)** |
| Mineral Resource Estimates | 40 |
| Mine Methods | 150 |
| Mine Geotechnical | 625 |
| Waste Rock Facility | 75 |
| Tailings and Geotechnical | 500 |
| Infrastructure | 50 |
| Water Management | 100 |
| Environmental and Permitting | 100 |
| **Total** | **1640** |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**24.0** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **REFERENCES** 

AMEC, 2003: Prefeasibility Study – Status Report, Donlin Creek Project: unpublished draft report prepared for Placer Dome Inc.

AMEC Americas Ltd., 2011: Donlin Creek Gold Project, Alaska, Feasibility Study Update 2, dated November 2011

Associated Mining Consultants, 2005: Donlin Creek Geophysical Survey, Alaska: unpublished report prepared for BGC, 17 June 2005

BGC Engineering Inc. (BGC), 2011: Donlin Creek Gold Project Feasibility Study Update II, Hydro-Meteorological Data: Synthesis and Analysis, Final Report. DC11-033, 22 July 2011

BGC, 2014: Donlin Gold Project Numerical Hydrogeologic Model – Final. Document No.: ER-0011165.0029 A, 18 July 2014

BGC, 2018: D onlin Gold Project Certificate of Approval to Construct Dam: Preliminary Design Package – Design Basis for Tailings Storage Facility Dams. Document No.: ER-0011223.0101, 29 March 2018

BGC, 2023a: Donlin Gold Project Numerical Hydrogeologic Model Update. Document No.: ER-0011359.173 Rev2, 21 June 2023

BGC, 2023b: Donlin Gold Project 2022/2023 Geotechnical Site Investigation Report. Project 0011378, Document No. ER-0011378.0182, 2 December 2023

BGC, 2023c: Donlin Gold Project Feasibility Level Open Pit Slope Design. Project 0011365, Document No. ER-0011365.0179, 21 December 2023

BGC, 2024: Donlin Gold Project Preliminary Design Package – Part A: Geotechnical Investigations Summary, Tailings Storage Facility. Project 0011600, 29 May 2024

Bray, J.D., and Travasarou, T., 2007: S implified Procedure for Estimating Earthquake Induced Deviatoric Slope Displacements. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, Vol 133, No. 4, pp 381

Brazier, N., 2020: Review of Hatch Design and Updated Cost Estimates for the Autoclave and Oxygen Plant. Technical memorandum prepared for NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC., 13 January 2021

Buchanan, L.J., 2009: Donlin Creek, Alaska, Estimation of Potential Lode Ounces Gold: unpublished internal NovaGold memorandum, 10 August 2009, 17 p.

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Bundtzen, T.K., and Miller, M.L., 1997: Precious Metals Associated with Late Cretaceous-Early Tertiary Igneous Rocks of Southwestern Alaska: Econ. Geol., Monograph 9, pp 242–286

Cady, W.M., Wallace, R.E., Hoare, J.M., and Webber, E.J., 1955: The Central Kuskokwim Region, Alaska: USGS Professional Paper 268, 132 p.

Canadian Dam Association (CDA), 2007: Dam Safety Guidelines: Edmonton, Alberta

Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM), 2014: CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves: CIM, 19 May 2014, https://mrmr.cim.org/media/1128/cim-definition-standards_2014.pdf

Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM), 2019: Estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, Best Practice Guidelines: CIM, 29 November 2019, https://mrmr.cim.org/media/1129/cim-mrmr-bp-guidelines_2019.pdf

Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA), 2016: National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, CSA, 9 May 2016

Chamois, P., 2009: Donlin Creek Exploration Potential: unpublished report prepared by Scott Wilson Roscoe Postle Associates Inc. for NOVAGOLD, 2 September 2009, 6 p.

DOA., 2018: Block 26. Other Certificate/Approvals/Denials. Donlin Gold Project, Department of the Army Permit POA-1995-120 Updated Une 2018. United State De. Available from http://dnr.alaska.gov/mlw/mining/largemine/donlin/pdf/dg.404_b26update.pdf (accessed 16 October 2020)

Dodd, S., 2006: Donlin Creek Project 43-101 Technical Report: NI 43-101 Technical Report, effective date 20 January 2006

Dodd, S., Francis, K., and Doerksen, G., 2006: Preliminary Assessment Donlin Creek Gold Project, Alaska, USA. NI 43-101 technical R=report prepared by SRK Consulting (US), Inc., effective date 22 August 2006

Donlin Gold LLC, 2018: Plan of Operations Reclamation and Closure Plan: Donlin Gold Project: 568 Donlin Gold. 2020, August 6. 2020-08-06_Donlin-Gold-Project-Provides-Update-on-Recent-Drilling-and-Ongoing-Community-Support-in-Alaska_FINAL-2.pdf. Available from https://donlingold.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/2020-08-06_Donlin-Gold-Project-Provides-Update-on-Recent-Drilling-and-Ongoing-Community-Support-in-Alaska_FINAL-2.pdf (accessed 28 September 2020)

Donlin Gold LLC, 2022a: DG22 Structural model overview and documentation. PowerPoint slide presentation and associated model files, 26 January 2022

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"Donlin Gold Project (FAST-41)." Permitting Dashboard, Permitting Council, 24 October 2025, https://www.permits.performance.gov/permitting-project/fast-41-covered-projects/donlin-gold-project

Donlin Gold LLC., 2022b: Plan of Operations, Integrated Waste Management, Monitoring Plan – Donlin Gold Project, May 2022

Donlin Gold LLC and Owl Ridge Natural Resource Consultants, Inc., 2023: Crooked Creek Drainage Aquatic Resources Monitoring, 2022 Annual Report, February 2023

Donlin Gold LLC and Owl Ridge Natural Resource Consultants, Inc., 2025: Crooked Creek Drainage Aquatic Resources Monitoring, 2024 Annual Report, February 2025

Drexler, H.L., 2010: A Comparison of Geochemistry, Carbonate Mineralogy, and Argillic Alteration Between the Dome Prospect and the Main Gold Resource of the Donlin Creek Project in Southwest Alaska: University of Nevada, Reno, M.S. thesis, 152 p.

Ebert, S.W., Miller, L., Petsel, S., Kowalczyk, P., Tucker, T.L., and Smith, M.T., 2000: Geology, Mineralization, and Exploration at the Donlin Creek Project, Southwestern Alaska: British Columbia and Yukon Chamber of Mines, v. Special 2, pp 99–114

Ebert S.W., Tosdal, R., Goldfarb, R., Dodd, S., Petsel, S., Mortensen, J., and Gabites, J., 2003a: The 25 Million Ounce Donlin Creek Gold Deposit, Southwest Alaska: A Possible Link Between Reduced Porphyry Au And Sub-Epithermal Au-As-Sb-Hg Mineralization: in Regional Geologic Framework and Deposit Specific Exploration Models For Intrusion Related Gold Mineralization, Yukon and Alaska, ed. S. Ebert: MDRU Special Publication 3, the Mineral Deposit Research Group, University of British Columbia

Ebert, S.W., Dodd, S., Miller, L., and Petsel, S., 2003b: The Donlin Creek Au-As-Sb-Hg Deposit, Southwestern Mineralization, Yukon and Alaska: in Regional Geologic Framework and Deposit Specific Exploration Models For Intrusion Related Gold Mineralization, Yukon and Alaska, ed. S. Ebert: MDRU Special Publication 3, the Mineral Deposit Research Group, University of British Columbia

Ebert, S.W., Baker, T., and Spencer, R.J., 2003c: Fluid Inclusion Studies at the Donlin Creek Gold Deposit, Alaska, Possible Evidence for Reduced Porphyry-Au to Sub Epithermal Transition: in Mineral Exploration and Sustainable Development, Proceedings of the Seventh Biennial SGA Meeting 24-28 August 2003: Athens, Greece, pp 263–266

Francis, K., 2008: Donlin Creek Project, NI 43-101 Technical Report, Southwest Alaska, U.S., NI 43-101 technical report prepared for NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC., effective date 5 February 2008.

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Francis, K., 2011: Donlin Creek – Geologic Framework, Resources and Exploration Upside: unpublished PowerPoint presentation prepared for NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC., dated 21 September 2011

Goldfarb, R. J., Ayuso, R., Miller, M.L., Ebert, S.W., Marsh, E.E., Petsel, S.A., Miller, L.D., Bradley, D., Johnson, C., and McClelland, W., 2004: The Late Cretaceous Donlin Creek Gold Deposit, Southwestern Alaska: Controls on Epizonal Ore Formation: Economic Geology, v. 99, pp 643–671

Hanson, K., Woloschuk, M., and Kim., H., 2021: NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Donlin Gold Project, Alaska, prepared for NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC., effective date 1 June 2021

Hart, C.J.R., 2007: Reduced intrusion-related gold systems, in Goodfellow, W.D., (ed), Mineral deposits of Canada: A Syntesis of Major Deposit Types, District Metallogeny, the Evolution of Geological Provinces, and Exploration Methods: Geological Association of Canada, Mineral Deposits Division, Special Publication No. 5, pp 95–112

Hart, C.J.R., McCoy, D.T., Goldfarb, R.J., Smith, M., Roberts, P., Hulstein, R. Bakke, A.A., and Bundtzen, T.K., 2002: Geology, exploration and discovery in the Tintina Gold Province, Alaska and Yukon. In: Integrated Methods of Discovery: Global Exploration in the 21<sup>st</sup> Century. Goldfarb, R.J., Nielson, R.L., (eds) Society of Economic Geologists Special Publication 9, pp 241–274

Hwang, M.J., and Tuckwood, G., 2020: Natural Gas Pipeline, 314 Miles x 14" Diameter. Technical memo authored by Wood plc for NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC., 12 November 2020.

InfoMine, 2020: Cost Indexes and Metal Prices – July 2020

Juras, S., 2002: Technical Report, Donlin Creek Project, Alaska, NI 43-101F1 Technical Report, report prepared for NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC., 24 January 2002

Juras, S. and Hodgson, S., 2002: Technical Report, Preliminary Assessment, Donlin Creek Project, Alaska, NI 43-101F1 Technical Report, prepared for NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC., March 2002

Jutras, M., 2006: Donlin Creek Project – Exploratory Data Analysis – Drill Hole Orientations: unpublished internal memorandum for DCLLC, 5 June 2006, 5 p.

Kimball, B., and Srinivasa, R., 2020: Water Treatment Plant Review technical memorandum, 17 December 2020

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Lipiec, T., Seibel, G., and Hanson, K., 2012: Donlin Creek Gold Project Alaska, USA, NI 43-101 Technical Report on Second Updated Feasibility Study, prepared for NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC., effective date 18 November 2011, amended 20 January 2012

Lorax Environmental Services Ltd. (Lorax), 2012: Donlin Creek Gold Project Pit Lake Modeling Assessment in Support of Project Permitting, October 2012

MacNeil, D., 2009: The Timing and Structural Evolution of the Donlin Creek Gold Deposit, Southwest Alaska: unpublished M.Sc. thesis, University of British Columbia Manzer, D.S., 2020: Donlin Gold Project, Updated Abstract of Record Title, Effective 11 September 2020: title search prepared by Alaska Land Status Inc. for Perkins Coie LLP and addressed to Robert Maynard of Perkins Coie LLP, 16 October 2020

Maynard, R.M., 2020: Update of October 10, 2011 Title Report Letter for Donlin Creek Project Real Property Interests: confidential legal opinion prepared by Perkins Coie LLP for Donlin Gold LLC, and addressed to Dan Graham, General Manager for Donlin Gold LLC, 26 October 2020

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC., 2021: Reliance on Other Expert for Tax Information. Re: Taxation information and tax inputs to the financial model used in the Donlin Gold Project Feasibility Study National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report prepared by Wood Canada Limited ("Wood") for NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. ("NOVAGOLD") Reliance letter provided to by D. Ottewell, NOVAGOLD's Vice President and CFO, 27 April 2021

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC., 2021: Email with attachment of the content for inclusion as Section 4 in the NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Donlin Gold Project, Alaska, USA

O'Dea, M., and Bartch, M., 1997: Structural Controls on Gold Mineralization at The Donlin Creek Deposit, Southwest Alaska: unpublished report prepared by Etheridge Henley Williams consultants for Placer Dome Exploration Inc., September 1997

Pacific Rim Geological Consulting Inc., 2004: Assessment of Calcium Carbonate Resource Potential near Donlin Creek Project, Iditarod A-5 Quadrangle, Alaska, final report prepared for Placer Dome U.S., 24 September 2004

Piekenbrock, J.R., and Petsel, S.A., 2003: Geology and Interpretation of the Donlin Creek Gold Deposit, NovaGold internal report, April 2003, 58 p.

Rimelman R., 2020: Donlin Gold Major Federal and State Permit Approval/Retention Strategy, 7 October 2020

Seed, H.B., 1979: Considerations in the earthquake-resistant design of earth and rock fill dams. Geotechnique. Vol 29., No. 3., pp 215-263

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SGS, 2008: Environmental Testing of Donlin Creek Phase 2 Pilot Plant Tailings. Prepared for Barrick Gold Corporation by SGS Minerals Services, May 30

SRK Consulting (US), Inc. (SRK)., 2016: Plan of Operations – Integrated Waste Management Plan: Tailings Management Plan – Donlin Gold Project, December 2016

SRK Consulting (US), Inc., 2017: Plan of Operations, Water Resources Management Plan, Donlin Gold Project, February 2017

SRK Consulting (US), Inc. (SRK)., 2018: Plan of Operations. Reclamation and Closure Plan, Donlin Gold Project, December 2028

SRK Consulting (US), Inc. (SRK)., 2023: Donlin Gold 2022 Barrel Test Program – Review of Early Humidity Cell Results and Implications for Source Terms, technical memorandum, 14 August 2023

Stephens, M., 2000: Project Report of the Airborne Geophysical Survey of Parts of the Aniak and Iditarod Mining District, Southwestern Alaska, for State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys, 63 p.

Szumigala, D.J., 1997: Donlin Creek Project – 1996 summary report of exploration activities: unpublished Placer Dome Exploration Inc. report, 2 vols., 5 sheets, 114 p.

Szumigala, D.J., Dodd, S.P., and Arribas, A., Jr., 2000: Geology and gold mineralization of the Donlin Creek prospects, southwestern Alaska: in Short Notes on Alaska Geology, Professional Report 119, ed. M.A. Wiltse: State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys, pp 91–115

Water Management Consultants, 2004: Summary of Field Activities: draft technical memorandum prepared for Placer Dome US, 21 May 2004

Williams, N., 2021: Donlin Geophysics slide deck

Wilkins, J.K., 1956: Flow of Water through Rockfill and Its Application to the Design of Dams. Proceedings of the 2nd Australian New Zealand Conference on Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering, pp 141–149.

Wood Canada Limited (Wood), 2020: Phase II Donlin Gold NI 43-101 FS Technical Report Update and S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary on PFS. Donlin Gold Project: TSF, WRF, and Water Dam Review Alaska Project # 207421-0168, NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC., effective date 7 December 2020

Wood, 2021: S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary on the Donlin Gold Project, Alaska, USA, prepared for NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.,30 November 2021

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Wood, 2025: Internal Permit Matrix Table, prepared by Geosyntec Consultants International, Inc, 31 December 2025

Proc. 2nd Australia-New Zealand Conference on Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering, pp. 141 – 149. (Wilkins Equation, 1956)

Vandewiele G.L., Xu C-Y., and Win N-L., 1992: Methodology and comparative study of monthly water balance models in Belgium, China and Burma. Journal of Hydrology 134,<br> pp 315-347

Yuan, P., 2020: Phase II Donlin Gold NI 43-101 FS Technical Report Update – Donlin Gold Project: TSF, WRF, and Water Dam Review. Technical memorandum for NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC, 7 December 2020

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**25.0** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **RELIANCE ON INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE REGISTRANT** 

Wood and Geosyntec have relied on NOVAGOLD, who provided information regarding the following aspects of modifying factors.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**25.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Legal Matters** 

Wood and Geosyntec have fully relied upon information provided by the registrant (NOVAGOLD) for information on legal matters including:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**25.1.1** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Taxation** 

The Wood QP has fully relied on information supplied by NOVAGOLD for information related to taxation.

This information is used to summarize the tax information and in support of the after-tax economic analysis in Section 19.

The Wood QP considers it reasonable to rely on this information since NOVAGOLD obtained independent taxation advisors that supports the details on the taxation rate and taxation schemes and they reviewed the financial model for the correct application of taxes in the model.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**25.1.2** &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Surface Rights, Mineral Tenure, Royalties, and Agreements** 

The Wood and Geosyntec QPs has fully relied on information supplied by NOVAGOLD for information related to surface rights, mineral tenure, royalties, and agreements.

This information is used in Section 3 for property description, mineral tenure, surface rights, agreements and royalties, and was also used to support considerations of reasonable prospects of economic extraction and declaration of Mineral Resources in Section 11, for consideration of appropriate modifying factors for declaration of Mineral Reserves in Section 12, for location of infrastructure in Section 15, plans, negotiations or agreements with local groups in Section 17, and for royalties, encumbrances and property agreements considered for the economic analysis in Section 19.

The Wood and Geosyntec QPs consider it reasonable to rely on this information as they understand that NOVAGOLD obtained independent legal opinion when providing this information.

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