NOVAGOLD's Fluor Partnership Marks a Major Milestone for Donlin Gold’s Path to U.S. Mining Leadership
Fluor Chosen to Direct Bankable Feasibility Study for Donlin Gold
NOVAGOLD and Paulson have officially selected Fluor Corporation as the engineering leader for the Bankable Feasibility Study (BFS) at the Donlin Gold project in Alaska. This partnership supports the project’s ambition to become the largest single operating gold mine in the United States, with a disciplined approach to integration and cost control as Donlin Gold advances toward development and financing.
Integrated, Expert-Led Approach to Project Design
Fluor’s selection followed a competitive process involving top-tier engineering firms, setting the stage for a high-quality, investment-grade study aimed at supporting reliable financing decisions. The company will coordinate the integration of major project elements such as the power plant, natural gas pipeline, and processing facility, working with other specialist contractors to optimize both value and cost.
Extensive planning will take place at Fluor's Canadian offices and at Donlin Gold’s Alaska site. Fluor brings proven experience in complex mining infrastructure, especially under challenging conditions similar to those expected in Alaska.
Project Resource Highlights Reinforce World-Class Scale
The Donlin Gold project stands out for its sheer resource size and grade. The resource base includes approximately 40 million ounces of gold (Measured and Indicated categories), with a projected average annual production exceeding one million ounces over a 27-year mine life (on a 100% basis). This places the project among the world’s largest and highest-grade open-pit gold deposits.
| Category | Tonnes (Mt) | Grade (g/t Au) | Contained Gold (Moz) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Measured + Indicated Resources | 560 | 2.22 | ~40 |
| Proven Reserves | 9 | 2.29 | Reported in M+I Oz |
| Probable Reserves | 495 | 2.02 | Reported in M+I Oz |
| Annual Gold Production (Expected) | >1 million oz/year (avg. over 27 years) | ||
Both NOVAGOLD and Paulson collectively control 100% of Donlin Gold, with equal voting and operating authority, ensuring project alignment as development continues.
What’s Next? BFS, Specialist Contractor Awards, and Development Team Expansion
The BFS, anticipated to complete by 2027, remains the primary focus. Market participants can expect a more detailed schedule and budget release in the coming months, as additional specialist contractors are brought in for key infrastructure and process elements. Meanwhile, NOVAGOLD is ramping up recruitment for critical owner’s team roles and continuing essential site work, including geotechnical drilling and materials assessment along access routes. These steps prioritize seamless integration and risk mitigation for future project phases.
Key Takeaway: Technical Progress Bolsters Long-Term Value Prospects
This strategic move strengthens Donlin Gold’s positioning for the next cycle of project financing and development. As one of North America’s most significant unmined gold resources, the systematic and integrated nature of the BFS—now under Fluor’s stewardship—enhances credibility and could set new standards for investment readiness and operational execution. Investors, analysts, and sector followers will want to track upcoming milestones and market updates closely as NOVAGOLD pursues this long-term vision.
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