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THE JOURNAL - AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION BY THE ALASKA MINERS ASSOCIATION
DECEMBER 2025 | WWW.ALASKAMINERS.ORG
NOVAGOLD reports high-grade drill results; Donlin Gold gains FAST-41 acceptance
Federal FAST-41 Designation On Oct. 27, Donlin Gold was formally accepted into the FAST-41 program, a federal initiative that enhances transparency, accountability, and predictability in the federal permitting process. Established in 2015, FAST-41 ensures that permitting timelines are clearly defined, publicly available and coordinated among federal agencies, while maintaining every existing envi- ronmental safeguard and regulatory requirement. This designation is expected to result in a more efficient permitting timeline and reflects the strategic importance of Donlin Gold as a responsible and key economic development project in Alaska. “We’re grateful to the Permitting Council for including Donlin Gold in the FAST-41 program,” said Todd Dahlman, Donlin Gold’s General Man- ager. “This milestone brings us one step closer to responsibly advancing the project through this improved federal coordination program, with
its predictable permitting timelines and improved public transparency.” As part of the acceptance, Donlin Gold is now listed on the Federal Permitting Dashboard in connection with the project’s Supplemental Envi- ronmental Impact Statement (SEIS). In 2025, the U.S. Alaska District Court directed the U.S. Army Corps of Engi- neers (USACE) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to supplement the current Environmental Impact Statement with an analysis of a larger theoretical tailings dam release, while leaving Donlin Gold’s federal permits in place. As part of the ongoing federal review, the USACE, in consultation with BLM, will lead the SEIS process to con- duct this analysis. This transparent, science-based review is designed to provide both the public and deci- sion-makers with complete and accurate information. While most projects that are accepted into FAST- 41 program are at the initial stages
of permitting, Donlin Gold has been deeply engaged in permitting for over a decade and has received most of its state and federal permits. Donlin’s inclusion in the FAST-41 program is focused on ensuring a transparent, accountable, and predictable process for the federal agencies’ supplemen- tal environmental analysis requested by the Court. Alaska Supreme Court Decision On Nov. 14, 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 pipe- line. 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-Kuskok- wim and southcentral regions.
N OVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. has announced the final assay results from the 2025 Donlin Gold drill program, marking a signif- icant milestone in the advancement of what is anticipated to be Ameri- ca’s largest gold mine. Additionally, NOVAGOLD achieved two significant permitting mile- stones with the acceptance of Donlin Gold into the Federal Permit- ting Improvement Steering Council’s FAST-41 program — an import- ant step to ensure a transparent, accountable, and predictable pro- cess for conducting the supplemen- tal environmental analysis request- ed by the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska — and a favorable ruling from the Alaska Supreme Court affirming both the project’s water rights and the Department of Natural Resources’ approval of the State ROW lease for the proposed 316-mile natural gas pipeline.
“To date, the drilling at Donlin has yielded terrific results,” said Greg Lang, NOVAGOLD’s President and CEO. “The 2025 drill program con- tinues to exceed expectations and provide key data points for the Bankable Feasibility Study (BFS), which is expected to commence by the first quarter of 2026. With consistent high-grade inter- cepts, acceptance into the FAST-41 program, and a decisive legal win in Alaska, Donlin Gold is advancing with remarkable determination. These milestones not only validate the extraordinary quality of the asset and demonstrate the strength of our team, but also provide the momentum needed to support the next phase of development. The progress we have made — both technically and on the permitting front — positions Donlin Gold as a standout project in the global gold sector.”
Recent Drill Program Solidifies Donlin Gold’s Path to BFS The 2025 Donlin Gold drill program was expanded to support the updat- ed resource model and advance the BFS, reinforcing the project’s long-term development strategy. Work centered on three key areas: grid drilling to refine mine-planning inputs; in-pit exploration drilling to strengthen geological modelling and resource conversion; and geotech- nical drilling, including pit wall and material site assessments for the planned access road — all essential to the BFS. Supported by a team of about 80 locally hired staff and external contractors, the 2025 drill program intersected multiple zones of high- grade gold mineralization. The findings contribute vital inputs for engineering work, mine planning, and resource modelling — mark- ing an important milestone on the Company’s path to a BFS.
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