Permitting Process On The Donlin Gold Project

VANCOUVER, BC - Novagold Resources reported on its permitting activities regarding the Donlin Gold project. Permitting of the Donlin Gold project and associated key infrastructure commenced in 2012, a process well advanced into the expected time frame of approximately five years under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Donlin Gold continues to work closely with Alaska regulators to advance the numerous state permits required for the project. Donlin Gold's two-decade long constructive engagement with the Calista Corporation, The Kuskokwim Corporation (owners of the mineral and surface rights, respectively) and local communities continues to be a core asset for the Company, and strong source of support, as the p roject progresses through permitting toward a construction decision.

Since commencement of the public comment period in November 2015, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), the lead agency for the Donlin Gold Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), has conducted 17 meetings in communities across the Yukon-Kuskokwim (Y-K) region and in Anchorage. At each meeting, the Corps presented an overview of the draft EIS, which evaluates the potential environmental, social and economic impacts of the proposed project and alternatives, and has encouraged local residents to communicate what the project means to them and their families. We continue to urge as many stakeholders as possible to present their views and suggestions on the Donlin Gold draft EIS to the Corps, as we seek to build what will be one of the most important new gold mines in the world.

"We are encouraged by the level of engagement we received from various stakeholders during the public comment period to-date," said Greg Lang, NOVAGOLD's President and Chief Executive Officer. "Our company strongly believes that the best outcome is always achieved in the atmosphere of openness, constructive discussion and mutual respect from all the interested parties. That's why we support the Corps' decision to give the process some extra time to achieve an orderly completion of this important stage in the permitting process."