# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0001173420
**File Stem:** 0001171843-25-005500
**Filing Date:** 2025-8
**Character Count:** 72673
**Document Hash:** 4a2d785e155fd81b8b941627a0bf6e23
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001171843-25-005500.hdr.sgml**: 20250819

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001171843-25-005500

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: SD

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 16

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20250819

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20250819

**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:** SD
- **SEC ACT:** 1934 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 001-31913
- **FILM NUMBER:** 251232807

**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

**UNITED STATES**<br> **SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION**<br> Washington, D.C. 20549

**FORM SD**

**Specialized Disclosure Report**

**NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.**<br> (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

<u>British Columbia</u> <u>001-31913</u> <u>N/A</u> <br> (State of Incorporation) (Commission File Number) (I.R.S. Employer Identification)

<u> 201 South Main Street, Suite 400 Salt Lake City, Utah </u> <u> 84111 </u> <br> (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

**Peter Adamek**<br> **(801) 639-0511**

(Name and telephone number, including area code, of person to contact in connection with this report)

Check the appropriate box to indicate the rule pursuant to which this form is being filed, and provide the period to which the information in this form applies:

☐ Rule 13p-1 under the Securities Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13p-1) for the reporting period from January 1 to December 31, 2024.

☒ Rule 13q-1 under the Securities Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13q-1) for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2024.

------

**SECTION 1** – **CONFLICT MINERALS DISCLOSURE**

**Item 1.01 - Conflict Minerals Disclosure and Report**

Not applicable

**Item 1.02 - Exhibit**

Not applicable

**SECTION 2** – **RESOURCE EXTRACTION ISSUER DISCLOSURE**

**Item 2.01 Resource Extraction Issuer Disclosure and Report**

NOVAGOLD Resources Inc. (the "Company") is subject to Canada's Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act ("ESTMA"). The Company is relying on the alternative reporting provision of Item 2.01 and providing its ESTMA report for the year ended November 30, 2024, to satisfy the requirements of Item 2.01. The Company's ESTMA report is available on its website at https://wp-novagold-2024.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/media/2025/04/NG_ESTMA-Report-FY-2024.pdf or on the Government of Canada's website at https://natural-resources.canada.ca/minerals-mining/services-mining-industry/extractive-sector-transparency/links-estma-reports. The payment disclosure required by Form SD is included as Exhibit 2.01 to this Form SD.

**SECTION 3** – **EXHIBITS**

**Item 3.01. Exhibits**

The following exhibit is filed as part of this report.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit Number** | **Description** |
| [2.01](ex_854051.htm) | [NOVAGOLD Resources Inc. Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act – Annual Report for the year ended November 30, 2024](ex_854051.htm) |

---

------

**SIGNATURES**

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Dated: August 19, 2025 | NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. | NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. |
|  | By: | *<u>/s/ Peter Adamek</u>* |
|  |  | Peter Adamek |
|  |  | Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |

---

## Ex-2

**Exhibit 2.01**

---

| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act - Annual Report** | **Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act - Annual Report** | **Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act - Annual Report** | **Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act - Annual Report** | **Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act - Annual Report** | **Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act - Annual Report** | **Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act - Annual Report** | ![logo.jpg](logo.jpg) |
| **Reporting Entity Name** | NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. | NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. | NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. | NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. | NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. | NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. |  |
| **Reporting Year** | **From** | 2023-12-01 | **To:** | 2024-11-30 | **Date submitted** | 4/28/2025 |  |
| **Reporting Entity ESTMA Identification Number** | E258877 | E258877 | ![checka.jpg](checka.jpg) Original Submission<br> ![checkb.jpg](checkb.jpg) Amended Report | ![checka.jpg](checka.jpg) Original Submission<br> ![checkb.jpg](checkb.jpg) Amended Report |  |  |  |
| **Other Subsidiaries Included**<br> (optional field) | Donlin Gold LLC, AGC Resources Inc. | Donlin Gold LLC, AGC Resources Inc. | Donlin Gold LLC, AGC Resources Inc. | Donlin Gold LLC, AGC Resources Inc. | Donlin Gold LLC, AGC Resources Inc. | Donlin Gold LLC, AGC Resources Inc. |  |
| **Not Consolidated** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| **Not Substituted** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| **Attestation by Reporting Entity** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| *In accordance with the requirements of the ESTMA, and in particular section 9 thereof, I attest I have reviewed the information contained in the ESTMA report for the entity(ies) listed above. Based on my knowledge, and having exercised reasonable diligence, the information in the ESTMA report is true, accurate and complete in all material respects for the purposes of the Act, for the reporting year listed above.*  | *In accordance with the requirements of the ESTMA, and in particular section 9 thereof, I attest I have reviewed the information contained in the ESTMA report for the entity(ies) listed above. Based on my knowledge, and having exercised reasonable diligence, the information in the ESTMA report is true, accurate and complete in all material respects for the purposes of the Act, for the reporting year listed above.*  | *In accordance with the requirements of the ESTMA, and in particular section 9 thereof, I attest I have reviewed the information contained in the ESTMA report for the entity(ies) listed above. Based on my knowledge, and having exercised reasonable diligence, the information in the ESTMA report is true, accurate and complete in all material respects for the purposes of the Act, for the reporting year listed above.*  | *In accordance with the requirements of the ESTMA, and in particular section 9 thereof, I attest I have reviewed the information contained in the ESTMA report for the entity(ies) listed above. Based on my knowledge, and having exercised reasonable diligence, the information in the ESTMA report is true, accurate and complete in all material respects for the purposes of the Act, for the reporting year listed above.*  | *In accordance with the requirements of the ESTMA, and in particular section 9 thereof, I attest I have reviewed the information contained in the ESTMA report for the entity(ies) listed above. Based on my knowledge, and having exercised reasonable diligence, the information in the ESTMA report is true, accurate and complete in all material respects for the purposes of the Act, for the reporting year listed above.*  | *In accordance with the requirements of the ESTMA, and in particular section 9 thereof, I attest I have reviewed the information contained in the ESTMA report for the entity(ies) listed above. Based on my knowledge, and having exercised reasonable diligence, the information in the ESTMA report is true, accurate and complete in all material respects for the purposes of the Act, for the reporting year listed above.*  | *In accordance with the requirements of the ESTMA, and in particular section 9 thereof, I attest I have reviewed the information contained in the ESTMA report for the entity(ies) listed above. Based on my knowledge, and having exercised reasonable diligence, the information in the ESTMA report is true, accurate and complete in all material respects for the purposes of the Act, for the reporting year listed above.*  |  |
| **Full Name of Director or Officer of Reporting Entity** | **/s/ Peter Adamek** | **/s/ Peter Adamek** | **/s/ Peter Adamek** | **/s/ Peter Adamek** | **Date** | *4/28/2025* |  |
| **Position Title** | **Chief Financial Officer** | **Chief Financial Officer** | **Chief Financial Officer** | **Chief Financial Officer** |  |  |  |

---

------

---

| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act - Annual Report** | **Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act - Annual Report** | **Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act - Annual Report** | **Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act - Annual Report** | **Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act - Annual Report** | **Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act - Annual Report** | **Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act - Annual Report** | **Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act - Annual Report** | **Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act - Annual Report** | **Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act - Annual Report** | **Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act - Annual Report** | **Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act - Annual Report** |
| **Reporting Year** | **From:** | 2023-12-01 | **To:**  | 2024-11-30 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| **Reporting Entity Name** | NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. | NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. | NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. | NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. | NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. | **Currency of the Report** | USD | USD |  |  |  |
| **Reporting Entity ESTMA Identification Number** | E258877 | E258877 | E258877 | E258877 | E258877 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| **Subsidiary Reporting Entities (if necessary)** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| **Payments by Payee** | **Payments by Payee** | **Payments by Payee** | **Payments by Payee** | **Payments by Payee** | **Payments by Payee** | **Payments by Payee** | **Payments by Payee** | **Payments by Payee** | **Payments by Payee** | **Payments by Payee** | **Payments by Payee** |
| **Country** | **Payee Name** | **Departments, Agency, etc**… **within Payee that Received Payments** | **Taxes** | **Royalties** | **Fees** | **Production Entitlements** | **Bonuses** | **Dividends** | **Infrastructure Improvement Payments** | **Total Amount paid to Payee** | **Notes** |
| United States of America | State of Alaska | Department of Natural Resources |  |  | 1115000 |  |  |  |  | **1115000** |  |
| United States of America | State of Alaska | Department of Environmental Conservation |  |  | 5000 |  |  |  |  | **5000** |  |
| United States of America | State of Alaska | Department of Administration |  |  | 20000 |  |  |  |  | **20000** |  |
| United States of America | Government of the United States of America | Bureau of Land Management |  |  | 151000 |  |  |  |  | **151000** |  |
| United States of America | Government of the United States of America | United States Geological Survey |  |  | 50000 |  |  |  |  | **50000** |  |
| Canada | Government of Canada | Canada Revenue Agency | 707000 |  |  |  |  |  |  | **707000** |  |
| <br> **Additional Notes:**<br>|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

---

------

---

| | | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act - Annual Report** | **Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act - Annual Report** | **Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act - Annual Report** | **Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act - Annual Report** | **Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act - Annual Report** | **Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act - Annual Report** | **Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act - Annual Report** | **Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act - Annual Report** | **Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act - Annual Report** | **Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act - Annual Report** | **Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act - Annual Report** |
| **Reporting Year** | **From:** | 2023-12-01 | **To:**  | 2024-11-30 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| **Reporting Entity Name** | NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. | NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. | NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. | NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. | NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. | **Currency of the Report** | USD | USD |  |  |
| **Reporting Entity ESTMA Identification Number** | E258877 | E258877 | E258877 | E258877 | E258877 |  |  |  |  |  |
| **Subsidiary Reporting Entities (if necessary)** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| **Payments by Project** | **Payments by Project** | **Payments by Project** | **Payments by Project** | **Payments by Project** | **Payments by Project** | **Payments by Project** | **Payments by Project** | **Payments by Project** | **Payments by Project** | **Payments by Project** |
| **Country** | **Project Name** | **Taxes** | **Royalties** | **Fees** | **Production Entitlements** | **Bonuses** | **Dividends** | **Infrastructure Improvement Payments** | **Total Amount paid by Project** | **Notes** |
| United States of America | Donlin Gold LLC |  |  | 1337000 |  |  |  |  | **1337000** | 1 |
| United States of America | Closure sites |  |  | 4000 |  |  |  |  | **4000** | 2 |
| Canada | Donlin Gold LLC | 707000 |  |  |  |  |  |  | **707000** |  |
| **Additional Notes:** | 1 Donlin Gold LLC is a non-reporting U.S. entity. Its shares are owned 50/50 by subsidiaries of Barrick Gold Corporation ("Barrick") and NOVAGOLD Resources Inc. ("NG"), each of which is a reporting entity under the Act. Neither Barrick nor NG control Donlin Gold LLC. The fiscal year-end of Donlin Gold LLC and NG is November 30, 2024. The fiscal year-end for Barrick is December 31, 2024. Therefore, to enhance transparency, Barrick and NG have nominated NG to include 100% of payments made by Donlin Gold LLC in this ESTMA Report.<br>2 Payments made by AGC Resources Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of NOVAGOLD Resources Inc., to the State of Alaska, Deptartment of Environmental Conservation, related to a closure site. | 1 Donlin Gold LLC is a non-reporting U.S. entity. Its shares are owned 50/50 by subsidiaries of Barrick Gold Corporation ("Barrick") and NOVAGOLD Resources Inc. ("NG"), each of which is a reporting entity under the Act. Neither Barrick nor NG control Donlin Gold LLC. The fiscal year-end of Donlin Gold LLC and NG is November 30, 2024. The fiscal year-end for Barrick is December 31, 2024. Therefore, to enhance transparency, Barrick and NG have nominated NG to include 100% of payments made by Donlin Gold LLC in this ESTMA Report.<br>2 Payments made by AGC Resources Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of NOVAGOLD Resources Inc., to the State of Alaska, Deptartment of Environmental Conservation, related to a closure site. | 1 Donlin Gold LLC is a non-reporting U.S. entity. Its shares are owned 50/50 by subsidiaries of Barrick Gold Corporation ("Barrick") and NOVAGOLD Resources Inc. ("NG"), each of which is a reporting entity under the Act. Neither Barrick nor NG control Donlin Gold LLC. The fiscal year-end of Donlin Gold LLC and NG is November 30, 2024. The fiscal year-end for Barrick is December 31, 2024. Therefore, to enhance transparency, Barrick and NG have nominated NG to include 100% of payments made by Donlin Gold LLC in this ESTMA Report.<br>2 Payments made by AGC Resources Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of NOVAGOLD Resources Inc., to the State of Alaska, Deptartment of Environmental Conservation, related to a closure site. | 1 Donlin Gold LLC is a non-reporting U.S. entity. Its shares are owned 50/50 by subsidiaries of Barrick Gold Corporation ("Barrick") and NOVAGOLD Resources Inc. ("NG"), each of which is a reporting entity under the Act. Neither Barrick nor NG control Donlin Gold LLC. The fiscal year-end of Donlin Gold LLC and NG is November 30, 2024. The fiscal year-end for Barrick is December 31, 2024. Therefore, to enhance transparency, Barrick and NG have nominated NG to include 100% of payments made by Donlin Gold LLC in this ESTMA Report.<br>2 Payments made by AGC Resources Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of NOVAGOLD Resources Inc., to the State of Alaska, Deptartment of Environmental Conservation, related to a closure site. | 1 Donlin Gold LLC is a non-reporting U.S. entity. Its shares are owned 50/50 by subsidiaries of Barrick Gold Corporation ("Barrick") and NOVAGOLD Resources Inc. ("NG"), each of which is a reporting entity under the Act. Neither Barrick nor NG control Donlin Gold LLC. The fiscal year-end of Donlin Gold LLC and NG is November 30, 2024. The fiscal year-end for Barrick is December 31, 2024. Therefore, to enhance transparency, Barrick and NG have nominated NG to include 100% of payments made by Donlin Gold LLC in this ESTMA Report.<br>2 Payments made by AGC Resources Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of NOVAGOLD Resources Inc., to the State of Alaska, Deptartment of Environmental Conservation, related to a closure site. | 1 Donlin Gold LLC is a non-reporting U.S. entity. Its shares are owned 50/50 by subsidiaries of Barrick Gold Corporation ("Barrick") and NOVAGOLD Resources Inc. ("NG"), each of which is a reporting entity under the Act. Neither Barrick nor NG control Donlin Gold LLC. The fiscal year-end of Donlin Gold LLC and NG is November 30, 2024. The fiscal year-end for Barrick is December 31, 2024. Therefore, to enhance transparency, Barrick and NG have nominated NG to include 100% of payments made by Donlin Gold LLC in this ESTMA Report.<br>2 Payments made by AGC Resources Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of NOVAGOLD Resources Inc., to the State of Alaska, Deptartment of Environmental Conservation, related to a closure site. | 1 Donlin Gold LLC is a non-reporting U.S. entity. Its shares are owned 50/50 by subsidiaries of Barrick Gold Corporation ("Barrick") and NOVAGOLD Resources Inc. ("NG"), each of which is a reporting entity under the Act. Neither Barrick nor NG control Donlin Gold LLC. The fiscal year-end of Donlin Gold LLC and NG is November 30, 2024. The fiscal year-end for Barrick is December 31, 2024. Therefore, to enhance transparency, Barrick and NG have nominated NG to include 100% of payments made by Donlin Gold LLC in this ESTMA Report.<br>2 Payments made by AGC Resources Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of NOVAGOLD Resources Inc., to the State of Alaska, Deptartment of Environmental Conservation, related to a closure site. | 1 Donlin Gold LLC is a non-reporting U.S. entity. Its shares are owned 50/50 by subsidiaries of Barrick Gold Corporation ("Barrick") and NOVAGOLD Resources Inc. ("NG"), each of which is a reporting entity under the Act. Neither Barrick nor NG control Donlin Gold LLC. The fiscal year-end of Donlin Gold LLC and NG is November 30, 2024. The fiscal year-end for Barrick is December 31, 2024. Therefore, to enhance transparency, Barrick and NG have nominated NG to include 100% of payments made by Donlin Gold LLC in this ESTMA Report.<br>2 Payments made by AGC Resources Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of NOVAGOLD Resources Inc., to the State of Alaska, Deptartment of Environmental Conservation, related to a closure site. | 1 Donlin Gold LLC is a non-reporting U.S. entity. Its shares are owned 50/50 by subsidiaries of Barrick Gold Corporation ("Barrick") and NOVAGOLD Resources Inc. ("NG"), each of which is a reporting entity under the Act. Neither Barrick nor NG control Donlin Gold LLC. The fiscal year-end of Donlin Gold LLC and NG is November 30, 2024. The fiscal year-end for Barrick is December 31, 2024. Therefore, to enhance transparency, Barrick and NG have nominated NG to include 100% of payments made by Donlin Gold LLC in this ESTMA Report.<br>2 Payments made by AGC Resources Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of NOVAGOLD Resources Inc., to the State of Alaska, Deptartment of Environmental Conservation, related to a closure site. | 1 Donlin Gold LLC is a non-reporting U.S. entity. Its shares are owned 50/50 by subsidiaries of Barrick Gold Corporation ("Barrick") and NOVAGOLD Resources Inc. ("NG"), each of which is a reporting entity under the Act. Neither Barrick nor NG control Donlin Gold LLC. The fiscal year-end of Donlin Gold LLC and NG is November 30, 2024. The fiscal year-end for Barrick is December 31, 2024. Therefore, to enhance transparency, Barrick and NG have nominated NG to include 100% of payments made by Donlin Gold LLC in this ESTMA Report.<br>2 Payments made by AGC Resources Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of NOVAGOLD Resources Inc., to the State of Alaska, Deptartment of Environmental Conservation, related to a closure site. |

---

## Exhibit 2.01

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```

## Exhibit 2.01

```

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            <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik1173420-20241130.xsd#cik1173420_DepartmentofNaturalResourcesMember" xlink:label="loc_cik1173420DepartmentofNaturalResourcesMember" />
            <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_rxpAllGovernmentsMember" xlink:to="loc_cik1173420DepartmentofNaturalResourcesMember" xlink:type="arc" order="0" />
            <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik1173420-20241130.xsd#cik1173420_BureauofLandManagementMember" xlink:label="loc_cik1173420BureauofLandManagementMember" />
            <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_rxpAllGovernmentsMember" xlink:to="loc_cik1173420BureauofLandManagementMember" xlink:type="arc" order="10" />
            <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik1173420-20241130.xsd#cik1173420_DepartmentofEnvironmentalConservationMember" xlink:label="loc_cik1173420DepartmentofEnvironmentalConservationMember" />
            <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_rxpAllGovernmentsMember" xlink:to="loc_cik1173420DepartmentofEnvironmentalConservationMember" xlink:type="arc" order="20" />
            <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik1173420-20241130.xsd#cik1173420_DepartmentofAdministrationMember" xlink:label="loc_cik1173420DepartmentofAdministrationMember" />
            <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_rxpAllGovernmentsMember" xlink:to="loc_cik1173420DepartmentofAdministrationMember" xlink:type="arc" order="30" />
            <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik1173420-20241130.xsd#cik1173420_UnitedStatesGeologicalSurveyMember" xlink:label="loc_cik1173420UnitedStatesGeologicalSurveyMember" />
            <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_rxpAllGovernmentsMember" xlink:to="loc_cik1173420UnitedStatesGeologicalSurveyMember" xlink:type="arc" order="40" />
            <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cik1173420-20241130.xsd#cik1173420_CanadaRevenueAgencyMember" xlink:label="loc_cik1173420CanadaRevenueAgencyMember" />
            <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_rxpAllGovernmentsMember" xlink:to="loc_cik1173420CanadaRevenueAgencyMember" xlink:type="arc" order="50" />
          </link:definitionLink>
          <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://xbrl.sec.gov/rxp/role/ResourcesOnly" />
        </link:linkbase>
      </appinfo>
    </annotation>
    <import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-instance-2003-12-31.xsd" />
    <import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" />
    <import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd" />
    <import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/rxp/2024q3" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.sec.gov/rxp/2024q3/rxp-2024q3.xsd" />
    <import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/2022-03-31" schemaLocation="https://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/2022-03-31/types.xsd" />
    <import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2024" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2024/country-2024.xsd" />
    <element id="cik1173420_DonlinGoldLLCMember" name="DonlinGoldLLCMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
    <element id="cik1173420_ClosuresitesMember" name="ClosuresitesMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
    <element id="cik1173420_DepartmentofNaturalResourcesMember" name="DepartmentofNaturalResourcesMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
    <element id="cik1173420_BureauofLandManagementMember" name="BureauofLandManagementMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
    <element id="cik1173420_DepartmentofEnvironmentalConservationMember" name="DepartmentofEnvironmentalConservationMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
    <element id="cik1173420_DepartmentofAdministrationMember" name="DepartmentofAdministrationMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
    <element id="cik1173420_UnitedStatesGeologicalSurveyMember" name="UnitedStatesGeologicalSurveyMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
    <element id="cik1173420_CanadaRevenueAgencyMember" name="CanadaRevenueAgencyMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
    <element id="cik1173420_NovagoldMember" name="NovagoldMember" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" />
</schema>
</XBRL>

```