Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously
satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined
in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2).
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. ☐
On April 1, 2026, NOVAGOLD Resources Inc. (“we” or the “Company”)
issued a press release announcing our financial results for the fiscal quarter ended February 28, 2026. A copy of the press release is
furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this report and incorporated herein by reference.
In accordance with General Instruction B.2 of Form 8-K, the information
in this Current Report on Form 8-K, including Exhibit 99.1, shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) or otherwise subject to the liability of that section,
and shall not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document filed under Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.
On April 1, 2026, we issued a press release announcing our financial results
for the fiscal quarter ended February 28, 2026, and providing updates on the Donlin Gold project. A copy of the press release is furnished
as Exhibit 99.1 to this report and incorporated herein by reference.
In accordance with General Instruction B.2 of Form 8-K, the information
in this Current Report on Form 8-K, including Exhibit 99.1, shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of
the Exchange Act or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, and shall not be incorporated by reference into any registration
statement or other document filed under Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth
by specific reference in such filing.
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.
Exhibit 99.1
 |
NEWS
RELEASE
|
NOVAGOLD Files
First Quarter 2026 Report Highlighting GROWING MOMENTUM on key donlin gold workstreams
|  | Strengthened balance sheet: Completed upsized bought deal private placement for net proceeds of
approximately $294 million |
|  | Robust treasury: Ended quarter with ~$393 million in cash and term deposits |
|  | Bankable Feasibility Study (BFS) launched: Appointed Fluor Corporation (“Fluor”) as
lead engineering firm; technical workstreams underway |
|  | Strategic engineering contracts awarded: Retained WSP USA, Inc. (“WSP”), Worley Alaska,
Inc. (“Worley”), and Hatch Ltd. (“Hatch” and together with WSP and Worley, the “Specialist Contractors”)
for the on-site power plant, the natural gas pipeline, and the pressure oxidation circuit and oxygen plant respectively — all advancing
work toward completion of BFS expected in 2027 and supporting progression of financing and development workstreams |
|  | Energy infrastructure strategy under consideration: Donlin Gold signed a non-binding Letter
of Intent (LOI) with Glenfarne Alaska LNG, LLC (“Glenfarne”) to jointly evaluate natural gas supply from the Alaska LNG pipeline
and related infrastructure to power the proposed mine, potentially enhancing cost efficiencies and project economics |
April 1, 2026 – Vancouver, British Columbia – NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. (“NOVAGOLD”
or the “Company”) (NYSE American, TSX: NG) today filed its 2026 first quarter report and provided an update on its Tier One1
gold development project, Donlin Gold, which is owned 60% by NOVAGOLD and 40% by Donlin Gold Holdings, 100% wholly-owned by Paulson Advisers
LLC (“Paulson”) and its affiliates.
Details of the financial results for the quarter
ended February 28, 2026 are presented in the consolidated financial statements and quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed on April 1, 2026,
that is available on the Company’s website at www.novagold.com, on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca,
and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov.
All amounts are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated.
As detailed in the above-mentioned filings, NOVAGOLD held approximately $392.5 million in cash
and term deposits as of February 28, 2026, and reported net first quarter operational cash expenditures of $20.8 million — reflecting
$15.5 million to fund NOVAGOLD’s share of the Donlin Gold project and $5.3 million in corporate general and administrative costs.
As NOVAGOLD is a development-stage company with no production, the Company reported earnings
of ($15.4) million and earnings per share of ($0.04) for the first fiscal quarter of 2026. NOVAGOLD’s results for the first quarter
of 2026 reflect higher expenditures at Donlin Gold due to the commencement of BFS related activities including hiring for key roles on
the Donlin Gold project team and higher general and administrative expenses at NOVAGOLD, while remaining in line with our 2026 guidance.
New Technical Partnerships and Key Workstreams Propel Donlin Gold Forward
Following a transformational year for the Company and the Donlin Gold project, the first quarter
of 2026 has delivered growing momentum and meaningful progress across key workstreams. Donlin Gold is increasingly well-positioned for
the next phase of development, supported by several important milestones.
1NOVAGOLD defines a Tier One gold development project as one with a projected production
life of at least 10 years, annual projected production of at least 500,000 ounces of gold, and average projected cash costs over the
production life that are in the lower half of the industry cost curve.
| | www.novagold.com Page | 1 |
These milestones include the selection of Fluor as the lead engineering firm to direct and integrate
all specialist workstreams for the BFS, expected to be completed in 2027, to support project financing and development. Specialized contracts
were also awarded to WSP, Worley, and Hatch to advance critical infrastructure and processing components, including the on-site power
plant, natural gas pipeline, and the pressure oxidation circuit and oxygen plant.
Fluor and the Specialist Contractors have commenced work on the BFS under the leadership of
the newly appointed Project Director Frank Arcese — who has extensive experience in delivering large-scale mining projects. With
major contractors now on board and ongoing progress on the BFS workstreams, the Company expects to review the schedule and budget for
the next phase of development by mid-2026 and provide any update to guidance as required.
Furthermore, with the successful completion of an upsized bought deal private placement in February,
the Company is well positioned to support critical activities, including expenditures related to Donlin Gold, settlement of the prepayment
option on the promissory note with Barrick Mining Corporation (“Barrick”), and general corporate purposes.
During the first quarter, as part of Donlin Gold’s infrastructure and energy strategy,
Donlin Gold signed a non-binding LOI with Glenfarne, majority owner and developer of the Alaska LNG project, to explore the potential
supply of natural gas for Donlin Gold’s on-site power generation.
Donlin Gold’s exceptional scale, high-grade open-pit mineralization, long mine life,
competitive estimated operating costs, significant exploration upside2, and location in an excellent mining
jurisdiction, place it among a rare class of global gold assets. The project hosts approximately 40 million ounces of Measured and
Indicated Mineral Resources, inclusive of Mineral Reserves, at an average grade of 2.22 grams per tonne3 —more
than twice the industry average4. Importantly, these resources represent only a portion of an eight-kilometer
mineralized trend that covers less than 5% of the broader land package, highlighting substantial exploration potential. Donlin Gold
continues to advance district-wide exploration aimed at expanding existing resources and identifying new discoveries across the
largely underexplored property.
Sustaining Strategic Engagement with Local Communities, Government and Regional Stakeholders
as Donlin Gold Enters Its Next Phase of Development
Donlin Gold LLC continues to prioritize meaningful engagement with local communities, stakeholders,
and government representatives in the Yukon-Kuskokwim (Y-K) region, Alaska, and Washington, D.C., in support of project development and
permitting. Decades of consistent outreach across 62 Y-K communities have fostered strong relationships, facilitated knowledge exchange,
and reinforced the project’s social license while building lasting trust. The Donlin Gold team remains dedicated to advancing the
project responsibly through open, respectful, and transparent communication at every stage.
2 Donlin Gold data as per the report 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”) and
the report titled “S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary on the Donlin Gold Project, Alaska, USA” (the “2025 Technical Report
Summary”), dated November 30, 2025.
3 Donlin Gold possesses Measured Resources of approximately 9 Mt grading 2.67 g/t
and Indicated Resources of approximately 551 Mt grading 2.21 g/t, each on a 100% basis and inclusive of Mineral Reserves, of which
approximately 6 Mt of Measured Resources and approximately 330 Mt of Indicated Resources inclusive of Mineral Reserves is currently attributable
to NOVAGOLD through its 60% ownership interest in Donlin Gold LLC. Exclusive of Mineral Reserves, Donlin Gold possesses Measured Resources
of approximately 1.4 Mt grading 1.18 g/t and Indicated Resources of approximately 175 Mt grading 1.32 g/t, of which approximately
0.9 Mt of Measured Resources and approximately 105 Mt of Indicated Resources exclusive of Mineral Reserves is currently attributable to
NOVAGOLD. Donlin Gold possesses Proven Reserves of approximately 9 Mt grading 2.29 g/t and Probable Reserves of approximately 495 Mt grading
2.02 g/t, each on a 100% basis, of which approximately 6 Mt of Proven Reserves and approximately 297 Mt of Probable Reserves is attributable
to NOVAGOLD. Mineral Reserves and Resources have been estimated in accordance with NI 43-101 and S-K 1300.
4As of March 2026, S&P Global Market Intelligence reports that the global industry
average grade for open-pit and underground gold deposits with over 1 million ounces in Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources, inclusive
of Mineral Reserves, is 1.04 g/t. In comparison, Donlin Gold’s grade is 2.22 g/t, more than double the industry average.
| | www.novagold.com Page | 2 |
In that spirit, Donlin Gold participated in important strategic government activities in the
first quarter to increase its presence and broaden our reach, including the Alaska Chamber of Commerce and Resource Development Council
Legislative fly-in, providing project updates, meetings with Congressional delegation state directors, and holding discussions with the
Alaska Department of Natural Resources Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner. Donlin Gold also conducted two multi-day visits to Juneau,
Alaska, during the State Legislature’s session to hold 11 legislative meetings and engage with numerous state representatives and
senators.
In addition, during the first quarter, Donlin Gold and NOVAGOLD staff participated in the 4th
annual Juneau Mining Forum and a joint legislative reception for the Alaska Miners Association, Trucking Association and Alaska General
Contractors Association. Donlin Gold staff also attended Senator Lisa Murkowski’s holiday luncheon and co-sponsored an event for
Speaker Bryce Edgmon, Senator Cathy Giessel, and Representative Louise Stutes.
As part of an ongoing commitment between Donlin Gold, Calista Corporation (“Calista”),
and The Kuskokwim Corporation (TKC) to seek input and share knowledge on subsistence matters, Donlin Gold hosted its bi-annual Subsistence
Community Advisory Committee (SCAC) meeting in Anchorage. The SCAC members represent a range of perspectives on the project that are important
to consider as we advance development. Donlin Gold also held its first virtual SCAC session, which included participation from both SCAC
and Donlin Gold Project Community Advisory Committees. The meetings focused on the Barge Communications Plan, providing SCAC members with
an opportunity to review the project approach, ask questions, and provide feedback that informs ongoing planning.
Donlin Gold also provided a project update at a town hall meeting in Bethel, the largest city
downriver from the project.
Supporting Social, Cultural, and Environmental Priorities in the Y-K Region
NOVAGOLD and Donlin Gold actively contributed to a wide range of programs and community events
across the Y-K region, supporting cultural preservation, strengthening stakeholder relationships, advancing economic and social well-being,
and promoting youth engagement. These efforts included collaborating with Calista’s Shareholder Relations Committee and traveling
to four Y-K communities to engage directly with Calista shareholders on topics including the Donlin Gold project.
In the first quarter of 2026, Donlin Gold continued its support of local stakeholders across
education, sports, and cultural initiatives. Key programs included the Cook Inlet Tribal Council’s Native Youth Olympics, the Alaska
School Activities Association/First National Bank Alaska Wrestling State Championships, the Girl Scouts of Alaska, the Lower Yukon School
District Career Fair, the Kusilvak Career Academy, and the University of Alaska Foundation’s Rural Alaska Honors Institute —
a six-week, tuition-free program helping rural and Alaska Native students earn college credits and develop academic skills. Donlin Gold
also hosted and supported the “Donlin Gold Classic” Invitational Basketball Tournament at Bethel Regional High School, bringing
together varsity teams and community members from across the Y-K region.
Donlin Gold also engaged with municipal leaders and community stakeholders across Alaska by
participating in and supporting the Alaska Municipal League Conference, discussing regional priorities and development opportunities.
In addition, Donlin Gold pursued its support for the Alaska Safe Riders winter safety program, promoting the safe use of snowmachines,
all-terrain vehicles, and other recreational off-road vehicles.
These various efforts are also aligned with Donlin Gold’s long-term objectives to support
workforce development and regional economic participation as the project advances.
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Regulatory Approvals in Hand, Safeguarding Donlin Gold’s Permitting Position
Donlin Gold continues to support the State of Alaska in defending the Department of Environmental
Conservation’s Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 401 Water Quality Certification, which is the only remaining challenge to Donlin Gold’s
permits in State court. Briefing before the Alaska Supreme Court is complete and oral argument is scheduled for April 8, 2026.
In 2025, the U.S. Alaska District Court directed the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (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. The USACE, in consultation with BLM, will lead the Supplemental
Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) process to conduct this analysis. 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 and coordinated by the Federal
Permitting Improvement Steering Council (the “Permitting Council”). The USACE has submitted a schedule for completing the
SEIS by mid-2027 to the Permitting Council. A Notice of Intent to prepare a SEIS was issued in January 2026, and the public comment period
for the scoping process closed in February 2026. The USACE and cooperating agencies will now review and consider comments received and
proceed with preparation of the draft SEIS which is anticipated to be published in September 2026, in accordance with the coordinated
FAST-41 permitting schedule.
These milestones demonstrate the project’s solid regulatory foundation, the successful
defense to date of its permits by Federal and State agencies, and the ongoing progress being made toward future development.
NOVAGOLD Outlook
With a pivotal year behind us — which, among other achievements, included the acquisition
of Barrick’s 50% interest in Donlin Gold together with Paulson, as well as key financings — the Company enters 2026 with strong
momentum and is well positioned to responsibly advance into the next phase of development, maximizing the project’s value proposition
and its exceptional leverage to gold prices.
In 2026, Donlin Gold’s primary focus remains on progressing the BFS and enhancing the
project’s long-term potential. Core priorities include advancing engineering and technical workstreams, pursuing exploration to
identify district-wide opportunities, and evaluating potential financing options. Engineering efforts, led by Fluor, are advancing workstreams
and integrating inputs from Specialist Contractors into a comprehensive framework for engineering, cost, and schedule, targeted for completion
in 2027.
In parallel, Donlin Gold is building a project team and advancing critical site and technical
activities to support the BFS, including geotechnical drilling and materials assessments along the planned upriver port and access road.
Donlin Gold will continue to support permitting activities and maintain deep engagement with Alaska Native Corporation landowners, local
communities, and government stakeholders as it moves toward BFS completion and the project’s next stage of development.
NOVAGOLD remains focused on delivering on every single commitment made, advancing the Donlin
Gold project responsibly, and achieving critical milestones. We extend our sincere appreciation to our shareholders, stakeholders, and
Board of Directors for their ongoing support and trust. We are also grateful to the Donlin Gold team for their hard work and commitment,
and we look forward to a year of continued progress and opportunity.
Sincerely,
Gregory A. Lang
President and CEO
| | www.novagold.com Page | 4 |
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of February 28, 2026, the Company had cash resources comprising cash and cash equivalents
and term deposits totaling approximately $392.5 million, which are sufficient to cover the anticipated funding costs to complete the Donlin
Gold BFS and to exercise its option to prepay the Barrick promissory note.
Cash used in operating activities during the first quarter of 2026 was $5.3 million, $0.2 million
lower than the comparative prior year period. Cash used in investing activities during the first quarter of 2026 increased by $278.7 million
from the comparative prior year period primarily due to $270.0 million in net purchases of term deposits and $11.9 million in incremental
Donlin Gold funding partially offset by $3.2 million in proceeds from the sale of marketable securities. Funding of Donlin Gold was
higher in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025 due to increased activity following the commencement of the Donlin
Gold BFS in early February 2026 and due to the Company’s share of Donlin Gold funding increasing by 10% from 50% to 60% starting
in the third quarter of 2025.
Cash provided by financing activities during the first quarter of 2026 increased by $294.1 million
from the comparative prior year period primarily due to $310.2 million in proceeds from a private placement offering less $16.2 million
of issuance costs.
| | |
As of | | |
As of | |
| | |
February 28, 2026 $ | | |
November 30, 2025 $ | |
| Cash and term deposits | |
| 392,493 | | |
| 115,143 | |
| Total assets | |
| 619,434 | | |
| 335,913 | |
| Total liabilities | |
| 175,192 | | |
| 172,119 | |
2026 Outlook
NOVAGOLD’s anticipated operating expenditures during fiscal year 2026 are unchanged from
previously issued guidance at approximately $98.5 million, including $78.8 million to fund the Donlin Gold project and to continue to
advance the BFS, and $19.7 million for corporate general and administrative costs.
With the commencement of the Donlin Gold BFS during the first quarter of 2026, NOVAGOLD’s
pro-rata share of Donlin Gold expenditures is expected to increase over the next 18 to 24 months from fiscal 2025 levels.
NOVAGOLD’s catalysts in the coming year include completing the BFS and moving to a subsequent
Final Investment Decision; maintaining a favorable reputation of NOVAGOLD and the Donlin Gold project among shareholders and stakeholders;
promoting strong community outreach and a sustainability culture; upholding strong safety and environmental performance; and managing
the Company’s treasury effectively and efficiently.
| | www.novagold.com Page | 5 |
Conference Call & Webcast Details
NOVAGOLD’s conference call and webcast to discuss these results will take place April
1, 2026, at 8:00 am PT (11:00 am ET). The webcast and conference call-in details are provided below.
| |
Video Webcast: |
www.novagold.com/investors/events |
| |
North American callers: |
1-833-752-3655 |
| |
International callers: |
1-647-846-8520 |
About NOVAGOLD
NOVAGOLD is a well-financed precious metals company focused on the
development of the Donlin Gold project in Alaska, one of the safest mining jurisdictions in the world. With approximately 40 million ounces
of gold in the Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource categories (560 million tonnes at an average grade of approximately 2.22 grams
per tonne, in the Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource categories on a 100% basis)5, inclusive of Proven and Probable Mineral
Reserves, the Donlin Gold project is regarded to be one of the largest, highest-grade, and most prospective known open-pit gold deposits
in the world. According to the 2025 Technical Report and the 2025 Technical Report Summary (as defined below), the Donlin Gold project
is expected to produce an average of more than one million ounces per year over a 27-year mine life on a 100% basis once in production.6
About Donlin Gold Holdings
Donlin Gold Holdings, 100% wholly-owned by Paulson Advisers LLC and its affiliates, is the 40%
owner of the Donlin Gold project. Donlin Gold Holdings, together with NOVAGOLD, owns 100% of Donlin Gold and shares equal voting and operating
control with NOVAGOLD through its operating agreement.
NOVAGOLD Contacts:
Mélanie Hennessey
Vice President, Corporate Communications
Frank Gagnon
Manager, Investor Relations
604-669-6227 or 1-866-669-6227
info@novagold.com
www.novagold.com
5 Donlin Gold data as per the 2025 Technical Report and the 2025 Technical Report
Summary. Donlin Gold possesses Measured Resources of approximately 9 Mt grading 2.67 g/t and Indicated Resources of approximately 551
Mt grading 2.21 g/t, each on a 100% basis and inclusive of Mineral Reserves, of which approximately 6 Mt of Measured Resources and approximately
330 Mt of Indicated Resources inclusive of Mineral Reserves is currently attributable to NOVAGOLD through its 60% ownership interest in
Donlin Gold LLC. Exclusive of Mineral Reserves, Donlin Gold possesses Measured Resources of approximately 1.4 Mt grading 1.18 g/t and
Indicated Resources of approximately 175 Mt grading 1.32 g/t, of which approximately 0.9 Mt of Measured Resources and approximately 105
Mt of Indicated Resources exclusive of Mineral Reserves is currently attributable to NOVAGOLD. Donlin Gold possesses Proven Reserves of
approximately 9 Mt grading 2.29 g/t and Probable Reserves of approximately 495 Mt grading 2.02 g/t, each on a 100% basis, of which approximately
6 Mt of Proven Reserves and approximately 297 Mt of Probable Reserves is attributable to NOVAGOLD. Mineral Reserve and Resources have
been estimated in accordance with NI 43-101 and S-K 1300.
6 Anticipated average annual gold production during full life of mine if put
into production as contemplated in the 2025 Technical Report and the 2025 Technical Report Summary.
| | www.novagold.com Page | 6 |
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This media release includes certain “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking
statements” (collectively “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, including
the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include future-oriented financial information
or financial outlook within the meaning of securities laws, including information regarding NOVAGOLD’s anticipated expenditures.
Such information is intended to assist readers in understanding NOVAGOLD’s current expectations and plans relating to the future.
Such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words
such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “intends”, “estimates”, “potential”,
“possible”, and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results “will”, “may”,
“could”, “would” or “should” occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based
on several opinions, estimates and assumptions that management of NOVAGOLD considered appropriate and reasonable as of the date such statements
are made, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors that may cause the actual results, activity,
performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All statements,
other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include statements
regarding the anticipated timing of certain judicial and/or administrative decisions; statements regarding potential infrastructure development,
including but not limited to the natural gas pipeline; timing of the completion of the detailed design package, if at all; plans for and
the estimated timing of aspects of an updated Bankable Feasibility Study on the Donlin Gold project; our goals and planned activities
for 2026; our future exploration plans at Donlin Gold; ongoing support provided to key stakeholders including Alaska Native Corporation
landowners; Donlin Gold’s continued support for the state and federal permitting process; sufficiency of working capital; the potential
development and construction of the Donlin Gold project; the timing and ability for the Donlin Gold project to achieve critical milestones;
the ability for the Donlin Gold development project to achieve the anticipated projections; the sufficiency of funds to continue to advance
development of Donlin Gold; the anticipated use of net proceeds from previous offerings; perceived merit of properties; mineral reserve
and mineral resource estimates; Donlin Gold’s ability to secure the permits needed to construct and operate the Donlin Gold project
in a timely manner, if at all; legal challenges to Donlin Gold’s existing permits and the timing of decisions in those challenges;
plans to continue to advance the Donlin Gold project safely, socially and environmentally responsibly and to sustainably generate value
for our stakeholders; continued cooperation between the owners of Donlin Gold LLC to advance the project; the Company’s ability
to deliver on its strategy with the Donlin Gold project, increasing the value of the project; the success of the strategic mine plan for
the Donlin Gold project; the success of the Donlin Gold community relations plan; the anticipated timing and outcome of exploration drilling
at the Donlin Gold project and the timing thereof; and the completion of test work and modeling and the timing thereof. In addition, any
statement that refers to expectations, intentions, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking
statements. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts but instead represent the expectations of NOVAGOLD management’s
estimates and projections regarding future events or circumstances on the date the statements are made. Important factors that could cause
actual results to differ materially from expectations include the need to obtain additional permits and governmental approvals; the timing
and likelihood of obtaining and maintaining permits necessary to construct and operate; the need for additional financing to complete
an updated Bankable Feasibility Study and to explore and develop properties; availability of financing in the debt and capital markets;
the disparity between the economic and governance level at Donlin Gold and the Company; disease pandemics; uncertainties involved in the
interpretation of drill results and geological tests and the estimation of reserves and resources; changes in mineral production performance,
exploitation and exploration successes; changes in national and local government legislation, taxation, controls or regulations and/or
changes in the administration of laws, policies and practices, expropriation or nationalization of property and political or economic
developments in the United States or Canada; the need for continued cooperation between the owners of Donlin Gold LLC to advance the project;
the need for cooperation of government agencies and Native groups in the development and operation of properties; risks of construction
and mining projects such as accidents, equipment breakdowns, bad weather, non-compliance with environmental and permit requirements, unanticipated
variation in geological structures, ore grades or recovery rates; unexpected cost increases, which could include significant increases
in estimated capital and operating costs; fluctuations in metal prices and currency exchange rates; whether or when a positive construction
decision will be made regarding the Donlin Gold project; and other risks and uncertainties disclosed in NOVAGOLD’s most recent reports
on Forms 10-K and 10-Q, particularly the “Risk Factors” sections of those reports and other documents filed by NOVAGOLD with
applicable securities regulatory authorities from time to time. Copies of these filings may be obtained by visiting NOVAGOLD’s website
at www.novagold.com, or the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, or on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The forward-looking statements contained
herein reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections of NOVAGOLD on the date the statements are made. NOVAGOLD assumes no obligation to
update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.
www.novagold.com
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