finalized once all assay results have been received and integrated into an interim model update. With more than 70% of drill assays now reported, the results of the 2020 drill program continue to advance Donlin Gold up the value chain. “Assay results received to date are encouraging and support the drill pro- gram to better understand the Donlin Gold orebody and de-risk the project development. The ongoing model- ling work and planned 2021 follow-up drilling program could further en- hance the project parameters,” said Mark Bristow, President and CEO of Barrick. “Well done to the Donlin team for delivering a safe and COVID-free year,” Bristow added. Greg Lang, NOVAGOLD’s President and CEO, said, “In an era characterized by declining gold grades, it is truly re- warding to continue to be able to report drill results that support the potential of Donlin Gold, already an impressive asset in terms of size and grade for a large-scale open-pit gold project. In- deed, the latest assay results continue to point to additional high-grade gold intersections that have only served to add confidence in recent geologic modeling concepts, while confirm - ing multiple high-grade extensions in both the intrusive (igneous) and sedi - mentary rocks.” Mr. Lang added, “We are proud to be bringing a federally permitted proj- ect up the value chain in one of the world’s most desirable jurisdictions where socially and environmentally responsible mining projects are wel- come – the great State of Alaska. I would like to extend my gratitude to the Donlin Gold and contractor teams as well as our Alaska Native Corpo - ration Partners, Calista Corporation (“Calista”) and The Kuskokwim Cor - poration (TKC) for their reinforcement of our unwavering commitment to the highest standards of safety, social re- sponsibility and environmental stew- ardship, despite the challenges posed by COVID-19.” COVID-19 Response & Community Engagement Update In 2020, 80% of Donlin Gold direct hires for the drill program were Alas- ka Natives. Extensive communication and the application of health and safe- ty protocols resulted in zero COVID-19 cases on site during the year. There were also no lost-time injuries; a tes- tament to the team’s focus on oper - ating safely and effectively. Enhanced
COVID-19 health protocols will remain in place at Donlin Gold, with the objec- tive of protecting the health of Donlin Gold’s employees, contractors, along with their families and home commu- nities. Donlin Gold has worked with its Alaska Native partners Calista, TKC and other key representatives of the communities in the region, responding to needs arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as in other areas such as environmental management, training and education, and cultural initiatives in the Yukon-Kuskokwim region as featured below: n COVID-19 – Established a part - nership with Bethel Community Ser - vices Foundation to support the Y-K Resiliency Fund and Covenant House Alaska for homeless and at-risk youth services in Bethel. Supplies were pro-
vided to 766 families and meals served to 3,700 participants in the Elders and Youth program. n Environmental - Worked with TKC, the State of Alaska and Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium in an initiative to upgrade and improve health & safety standards of water and sewer services in Middle Kuskokwim area communities. n Training & Education – Hosted two virtual Alaska Resource Education camps for Y-K and Doyon students, and Donlin Gold Scholarships were awarded to students selected by Calista and TKC to improve access to educa - tion in the region. Calista has awarded a total of 225 scholarships, with 158 students attending schools in Alaska and the balance having gone to schools out of state, with more than 10 villages in the Y-K region represented.
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Winter 2021
The Alaska Miner
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