Novagold Resources Inc 10-Q for FY2023 Q1
Novagold Resources Inc (NG)
About this 10-Q
Novagold Resources Inc filed this 10-Q on April 4, 2023, covering the quarter ended February 28, 2023 (FY2023 Q1).
Headline figures
Quarter ended February 28, 2023, as reported in this filing, compared with the same period a year earlier where the filing states it.
- Revenue
- $0
- Net loss
- $10.66M
- compared with a net loss of $10M a year earlier
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
For the Quarterly Period Ended
OR
For the Transition Period from to
Commission File Number:
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
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(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
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(Address of Principal Executive Offices) |
(Zip Code) |
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:
| Title of Each Class | Trading Symbol | Name of each exchange on which registered |
| Toronto Stock Exchange |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
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Non-accelerated filer ☐ |
Smaller reporting company |
| Accelerated filer ☐ | Emerging growth company |
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. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes
As of March 28, 2023, the Company had
NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements or information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 concerning anticipated results and developments in our operations in future periods, planned exploration activities, the adequacy of our financial resources and other events or conditions that may occur in the future. These forward-looking statements may include statements regarding perceived merit of properties, exploration results and budgets, mineral reserves and resource estimates, work programs, anticipated timing of updated reports and/or studies, capital expenditures, operating costs, cash flow estimates, production estimates and similar statements relating to the economic viability of a project, timelines, strategic plans, including our plans and expectations relating to the Donlin Gold project, permitting and the timing thereof, market prices for precious metals, or other statements that are not statements of fact. These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. Statements concerning mineral resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute “forward-looking statements” to the extent that they involve estimates of the mineralization that will be encountered if the property is developed.
Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, identified by words or phrases such as “expects”, “is expected”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “plans”, “projects”, “estimates”, “assumes”, “intends”, “strategy”, “goals”, “objectives”, “potential”, “possible” or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events, conditions or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “should”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material assumptions, including those listed below, which could prove to be significantly incorrect:
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our ability to achieve production at the Donlin Gold project; |
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estimated capital costs, operating costs, production and economic returns; |
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estimated metal pricing, metallurgy, mineability, marketability and operating and capital costs, together with other assumptions underlying our resource and reserve estimates; |
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our expected ability to develop adequate infrastructure and that the cost of doing so will be reasonable; |
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assumptions that all necessary permits and governmental approvals will be obtained and retained, and the timing of such approvals; |
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assumptions made in the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of our mineral deposits; |
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our expectations regarding demand for equipment, skilled labor and services needed for the Donlin Gold project; |
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our activities will not be adversely disrupted or impeded by development, operating or regulatory risks; and |
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our expectations regarding the timing and outcome of the appeals to the Donlin Gold 401 Certification (as defined below), the appeals to the State ROW (as defined below) agreement and lease; and the application for water rights. |
Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation:
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uncertainty of whether there will ever be production at the Donlin Gold project; |
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our history of losses and expectation of future losses; |
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risks related to our ability to finance the development of the Donlin Gold project through external financing, strategic alliances, the sale of property interests or otherwise; |
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uncertainty of estimates of capital costs, operating costs, production and economic returns; |
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commodity price fluctuations; |
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risks related to market events and general economic conditions; |
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risks related to the coronavirus global health pandemic (COVID-19) or other endemics/pandemics; |
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risks related to the third parties on which we depend for Donlin Gold project activities; |
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dependence on cooperation of the co-owner of Donlin Gold in exploration and development of the project; |
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risks related to opposition to our operations at our mineral exploration and development properties from non-governmental organizations or civil society; |
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the risk that permits and governmental approvals necessary to develop and operate the Donlin Gold project will not be available on a timely basis, subject to reasonable conditions, or at all; |
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risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of our mineral deposits; |
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uncertainties relating to the assumptions underlying our resource and reserve estimates, such as metal pricing, metallurgy, mineability, marketability and operating and capital costs; |
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risks related to the inability to develop or access the infrastructure required to construct and operate the Donlin Gold project; |
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uncertainty related to title to the Donlin Gold project; |
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mining and development risks, including risks related to infrastructure, accidents, equipment breakdowns, labor disputes or other unanticipated difficulties with, or interruptions in, development, construction or production; |
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competition in the mining industry; |
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risks related to governmental regulation and permits, including environmental regulation; |
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risks related to our largest shareholder; |
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risks related to conflicts of interests of some of the directors and officers of the Company; |
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risks related to the need for reclamation activities on our properties and uncertainty of cost estimates related thereto; |
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credit, liquidity, interest rate and currency risks; |
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risks related to increases in demand for equipment, skilled labor and services needed for exploration and development of the Donlin Gold project, and related cost increases; |
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our need to attract and retain qualified management and technical personnel; |
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uncertainty as to the outcome of potential litigation; |
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risks related to information technology systems; |
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risks related to the Company’s status as a “passive foreign investment company” in the United States; and |
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risks related to the effects of global climate change on the Donlin Gold project. |
This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of our forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements about the future and are inherently uncertain, and our actual achievements or other future events or conditions may differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, without limitation, those referred to in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2022 and this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q under the heading “Risk Factors” and elsewhere.
Our forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are based on the beliefs, expectations, and opinions of management as of the date of this report. We do not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management’s beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, except as required by law. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
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Financial Statements |
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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. |
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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM BALANCE SHEETS |
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(Unaudited, US dollars in thousands) |
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As of February 28, 2023 |
As of November 30, 2022 |
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| ASSETS | ||||||||
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Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | $ | ||||||
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Term deposits |
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Notes receivable (Note 4) |
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Other assets (Note 6) |
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Current assets |
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Investment in Donlin Gold (Note 5) |
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Other assets (Note 6) |
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Total assets |
$ | $ | ||||||
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Accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
$ | $ | ||||||
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Accrued payroll and related benefits |
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Other liabilities (Note 8) |
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Current liabilities |
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Promissory note (Note 7) |
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Other liabilities (Note 8) |
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Total liabilities |
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| Commitments and contingencies (Notes 7 and 8) | ||||||||
| EQUITY | ||||||||
| Common shares | ||||||||
| Contributed surplus | ||||||||
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Accumulated deficit |
( |
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Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
( |
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Total equity |
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Total liabilities and equity |
$ | $ | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements.
These condensed consolidated interim financial statements are authorized for issue by the Board of Directors on April 4, 2023. They are signed on the Company’s behalf by:
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/s/ Gregory A. Lang |
/s/ Anthony P. Walsh |
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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. |
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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF LOSS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS |
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(Unaudited, US dollars in thousands except per share amounts) |
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Three months ended February 28, |
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2023 |
2022 |
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| Operating expenses: | ||||||||
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General and administrative (Note 10) |
$ | $ | ||||||
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Equity loss – Donlin Gold (Note 5) |
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Loss from operations |
( |
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Interest expense on promissory note |
( |
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Accretion of notes receivable |
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Other income (expense), net (Note 11) |
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Loss before income taxes |
( |
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Income tax expense |
( |
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Net loss |
( |
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| Other comprehensive income (loss): | ||||||||
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Foreign currency translation adjustments |
( |
) | ||||||
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Comprehensive loss |
$ | ( |
) | $ | ( |
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Net loss per common share – basic and diluted |
$ | ( |
) | $ | ( |
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| Weighted average shares outstanding | ||||||||
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Basic and diluted (thousands) |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements.
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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. |
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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS |
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(Unaudited, US dollars in thousands) |
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Three months ended February 28, |
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2023 |
2022 |
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| Operating activities: | ||||||||
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Net loss |
$ | ( |
) | $ | ( |
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| Adjustments: | ||||||||
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Equity loss – Donlin Gold |
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Share-based compensation |
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Interest expense on promissory note |
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Foreign exchange (gain) loss |
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Accretion of notes receivable |
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Gain on sale of mineral property |
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Change in fair value of marketable securities |
( |
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Other operating adjustments |
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Net change in operating assets and liabilities (Note 14) |
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Net cash used in operating activities |
( |
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Investing activities: |
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Funding of Donlin Gold |
( |
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Proceeds from sale of mineral property |
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| Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | ( |
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| Financing activities: | ||||||||
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Withholding tax on share-based compensation |
( |
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Net cash used in financing activities |
( |
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Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents |
( |
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Net change in cash and cash equivalents |
( |
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Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
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Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements.
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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. |
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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF EQUITY |
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(Unaudited, US dollars and shares in thousands) |
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Three months ended February 28, 2023 |
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Common shares |
Contributed |
Accumulated |
Total |
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Shares |
Amount |
surplus |
deficit |
AOCL* |
equity |
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November 30, 2022 |
$ | $ | $ | ( |
) | $ | ( |
) | $ | |||||||||||||||
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Share-based compensation |
— | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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Stock options exercised |
( |
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Net loss |
— | ( |
) | ( |
) | |||||||||||||||||||
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Other comprehensive income |
— | ( |
) | ( |
) | |||||||||||||||||||
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February 28, 2023 |
$ | $ | $ | ( |
) | $ | ( |
) | $ | |||||||||||||||
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Three months ended February 28, 2022 |
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Common shares |
Contributed |
Accumulated |
Total |
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Shares |
Amount |
surplus |
deficit |
AOCL* |
equity |
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November 30, 2021 |
$ | $ | $ | ( |
) | $ | ( |
) | $ | |||||||||||||||
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Share-based compensation |
— | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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Performance share units (PSUs) settled in shares |
( |
) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Stock options exercised |
( |
) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Withholding tax on PSUs |
— | ( |
) | ( |
) | |||||||||||||||||||
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Net loss |
— | ( |
) | ( |
) | |||||||||||||||||||
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Other comprehensive income |
— | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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February 28, 2022 |
$ | $ | $ | ( |
) | $ | ( |
) | $ | |||||||||||||||
* Accumulated other comprehensive loss
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements.
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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. |
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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
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(Unaudited, US dollars in thousands except per share amounts) |
NOTE 1 – NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. and its affiliates and subsidiaries (collectively, “NOVAGOLD” or the “Company”) operate in the mining industry, focused on the exploration for and development of gold mineral properties. The Company has realized revenues from its planned principal business purpose. The Company’s principal asset is a
The Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements (“interim statements”) of NOVAGOLD are unaudited. In the opinion of management, all adjustments and disclosures necessary for a fair presentation of these interim statements have been included. The results reported in these interim statements are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be reported for the entire year. These interim statements should be read in conjunction with NOVAGOLD’s Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended November 30, 2022. The year-end balance sheet data was derived from the audited financial statements and certain information and footnote disclosures required by United States generally accepted accounting principles (US GAAP) have been condensed or omitted.
The functional currency for the Company’s Canadian operations is the Canadian dollar and the functional currency for the Company’s U.S. operations is the United States dollar. References in these Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements and Notes to $ refer to United States dollars and C$ to Canadian dollars. Dollar amounts are in thousands, except for per share amounts.
NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. |
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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
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(Unaudited, US dollars in thousands except per share amounts) |
NOTE 3 – SEGMENTED INFORMATION
Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision-maker. The chief operating decision-maker, who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating segments, has been identified as the Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer considers the business from a geographic perspective considering the performance of our investment in the Donlin Gold project in Alaska, USA (Note 5).
NOTE 4 – NOTES RECEIVABLE
Galore Creek
On July 27, 2018, the Company sold its interest in the Galore Creek project to Newmont for cash proceeds of $
As of February 28, 2023, the carrying value of the $
A contingent note for $
NOTE 5 – INVESTMENT IN DONLIN GOLD
The Donlin Gold project is owned and operated by Donlin Gold, a limited liability company in which wholly-owned subsidiaries of NOVAGOLD and Barrick each own a
Changes in the Company’s Investment in Donlin Gold are summarized as follows:
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Three months ended February 28, |
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2023 |
2022 |
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Balance – beginning of period |
$ | $ | ||||||
| Share of losses | ||||||||
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Mineral property expenditures |
( |
) | ( |
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Depreciation |
( |
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Accretion |
( |
) | ( |
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| ( |
) | ( |
) | |||||
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Funding |
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Balance – end of period |
$ | $ | ||||||
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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. |
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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
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(Unaudited, US dollars in thousands except per share amounts) |
The following amounts represent the Company’s 50% share of the assets and liabilities of Donlin Gold LLC. Donlin Gold LLC capitalized the initial contribution of the Donlin Gold property as Non-current assets: Mineral property with a carrying value of $
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As of February 28, 2023 |
As of November 30, 2022 |
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Current assets: Cash, prepaid expenses, and other receivables |
$ | $ | ||||||
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Non-current assets: Right-of-use assets, property and equipment |
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Non-current assets: Mineral property |
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Current liabilities: Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and lease obligations |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
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Non-current liabilities: Reclamation and lease obligations |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
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Net assets |
$ | $ | ||||||
NOTE 6 – OTHER ASSETS
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As of February 28, 2023 |
As of November 30, 2022 |
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| Other current assets: | ||||||||
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Accounts receivable |
$ | $ | ||||||
| Interest receivable | ||||||||
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Receivable from Donlin Gold |
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Prepaid expenses |
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| $ | $ | |||||||
| Other long-term assets: | ||||||||
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Marketable equity securities |
$ | $ | ||||||
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Right-of-use assets |
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Office equipment |
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| $ | $ | |||||||
NOTE 7 – PROMISSORY NOTE
The Company has a promissory note payable to Barrick of $
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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. |
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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
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(Unaudited, US dollars in thousands except per share amounts) |
NOTE 8 – OTHER LIABILITIES
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As of February 28, 2023 |
As of November 30, 2022 |
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| Other current liabilities: | ||||||||
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Remediation liabilities |
$ | $ | ||||||
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Lease obligations |
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| $ | $ | |||||||
| Other long-term liabilities: | ||||||||
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Remediation liabilities |
$ | $ | ||||||
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Lease obligations |
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| $ | $ | |||||||
NOTE 9 – FAIR VALUE ACCOUNTING
Financial instruments measured at fair value are classified into one of three levels in the fair value hierarchy according to the significance of the inputs used in making the measurement. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;
Level 2 — Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; and
Level 3 — Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (supported by little or no market activity).
The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, term deposits, accounts receivable, receivable from Donlin Gold, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and a promissory note. The fair value of the promissory note approximates its carrying value based on accrued interest at U.S. prime plus
NOTE 10 – GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE
| Three months ended February 28, | ||||||||
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2023 |
2022 |
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Share-based compensation (Note 12) |
$ | $ | ||||||
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Salaries and benefits |
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Office expense |
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Corporate communications and regulatory |
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Professional fees |
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Depreciation |
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| $ | $ | |||||||
|
NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. |
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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
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(Unaudited, US dollars in thousands except per share amounts) |
NOTE 11 – OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), NET
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Three months ended February 28, |
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2023 |
2022 |
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Interest and dividend income |
$ | $ | ||||||
|
Gain on sale of mineral property |
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Foreign exchange gain (loss) |
( |
) | ||||||
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Change in fair market value of marketable securities |
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| $ | $ | |||||||
Minas San Roque
In November 2021, the Company sold its
NOTE 12 – SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
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Three months ended February 28, |
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2023 |
2022 |
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Stock options |
$ | $ | ||||||
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Performance share unit plan |
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Deferred share unit plan |
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| $ | $ | |||||||
Stock options
A summary of stock options outstanding and activity during the three months ended February 28, 2023 are as follows:
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Number of stock options (thousands) |
Weighted- average exercise price per share |
Weighted- average remaining contractual term (years) |
Aggregate intrinsic value |
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November 30, 2022 |
$ | |||||||||||||||
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Granted |
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Exercised |
( |
) | ||||||||||||||
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Cancelled |
( |
) | ||||||||||||||
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February 28, 2023 |
$ | $ | ||||||||||||||
|
Vested and exercisable as of February 28, 2023 |
$ | $ | ||||||||||||||
The following table summarizes other stock option-related information:
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Three months ended February 28, |
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2023 |
2022 |
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| Weighted-average assumptions used to value stock option awards: | ||||||||
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Expected volatility |
% | % | ||||||
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Expected term of options (years) |
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Expected dividend rate |
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Risk-free interest rate |
% | % | ||||||
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Expected forfeiture rate |
% | % | ||||||
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Weighted-average grant-date fair value |
$ | $ | ||||||
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Intrinsic value of options exercised |
$ | $ | ||||||
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Cash received from options exercised |
$ | $ | ||||||
As of February 28, 2023, the Company had $
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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. |
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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
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(Unaudited, US dollars in thousands except per share amounts) |
Performance share units
A summary of PSU awards outstanding and activity during the three months ended February 28, 2023 are as follows:
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Number of PSU awards (thousands) |
Weighted- average grant day fair value per award |
Aggregate intrinsic value |
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November 30, 2022 |
$ | |||||||||||
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Granted |
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Vested |
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Performance adjustment |
( |
) | ||||||||||
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February 28, 2023 |
$ | $ | ||||||||||
As of February 28, 2023, the Company had $
The following table summarizes other PSU-related information:
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Three months ended February 28, |
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2023 |
2022 |
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Performance multiplier on PSUs vested |
% | % | ||||||
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Common shares issued (thousands) |
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Total fair value of common shares issued |
$ | $ | ||||||
|
Withholding tax paid on PSUs vested |
$ | $ | ||||||
NOTE 13 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company provided management and administrative services to Donlin Gold for $
NOTE 14 – NET CHANGE IN OPERATING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
|
Three months ended February 28, |
||||||||
|
2023 |
2022 |
|||||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
|
Other assets |
$ | ( |
) | $ | ( |
) | ||
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
|
Accrued payroll and related benefits |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
|
Remediation |
( |
) | ||||||
| $ | ( |
) | $ | ( |
) | |||
|
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
In Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, “NOVAGOLD”, the “Company”, “we,” “us” and “our” refer to NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. and its consolidated subsidiaries. The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations constitutes management’s review of the factors that affected our financial and operating performance for the three-month periods ended February 28, 2023 and 2022. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained elsewhere in this report and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2022, as well as other information we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission on EDGAR at www.sec.gov and with Canadian Securities Administrators on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. References herein to $ refer to United States dollars and C$ to Canadian dollars, in thousands, except for per share amounts.
Overview
We operate in the gold mining industry, primarily focused on advancing the Donlin Gold project in Alaska. The Donlin Gold project is held by Donlin Gold LLC (“Donlin Gold”), a limited liability company owned equally by wholly-owned subsidiaries of NOVAGOLD and Barrick.
Our corporate goals include continuing to advance the Donlin Gold project toward a construction decision; maintaining support for Donlin Gold among the project’s stakeholders; promoting a strong safety, sustainability, and environmental culture; maintaining a favorable reputation of NOVAGOLD; and preserving a healthy balance sheet. Our operations primarily relate to the delivery of project milestones, including the achievement of various technical, environmental, sustainable development, economic and legal objectives, obtaining necessary permits, completion of pre-feasibility and feasibility studies, preparation of engineering designs and the financing to fund these objectives.
First quarter highlights
Stakeholder and government engagement
Donlin Gold is fortunate to have time-tested partnerships with Calista Corporation (“Calista”) and The Kuskokwim Corporation (TKC), owners of the mineral and surface rights, respectively. The project’s location on private lands specially selected for mineral development potential pursuant to the 1971 Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act is a key attribute that distinguishes it from most other mining assets in Alaska. Donlin Gold’s commitment to meaningful tribal engagement throughout project development and permitting has been reinforced by decades of reliable and dependable engagement with the community.
Donlin Gold continues to work with Calista and TKC in all aspects of outreach and engagement throughout the Yukon-Kuskokwim (“Y-K”) region. Crooked Creek, the closest community to the project site in the Y-K region, recently struggled with access to reliable power and water, which shut down the school, health clinic, and post office. In response, Donlin Gold, Calista and TKC provided support to Crooked Creek by purchasing and delivering a generator, alerting the State of Alaska’s emergency response team for additional assistance, and helping the local authorities to identify a longer-term solution for their infrastructure needs as well as assisting with access to available government funding.
Environment and social investments
Environmental stewardship, education, community wellness, and cultural preservation constitute key focus investments for Donlin Gold in the Y-K region. The project supports these initiatives through fisheries studies and other environmental activities, subsistence and cultural preservation efforts, and educational grants. A wide range of activities and projects were carried out in the first quarter with Calista and TKC.
Donlin Gold was the premier sponsor for the McGrath Iron Dog community safety presentation as part of the Alaska Safe Riders program, promoting safety for snowmachines, all-terrain vehicles and recreational off-road vehicles. The non-profit organization is dedicated to reducing deaths and injuries from tragic accidents.
In partnership with Covenant House Alaska and Bethel Community Services, Donlin Gold is working on an action plan to address the chronic and ongoing youth food security issues within the Y-K region. To date, the three entities have successfully leased space from Bethel Winter House with the goal of developing a housing and service hub for 18 to 24 year-olds.
Donlin Gold in partnership with Bethel Community Services Foundation and the Aruqutet Project, a regional program to address food insecurity, throughout the Bethel community. Over 550 local households are enrolled in the program to date, with approximately 200 of them receiving food on any given month. Employing local staff and committed volunteers has proven critical for the program’s success.
In partnership with TKC, the village of Crooked Creek, the Akiak Native Community and the Napaimute Tribe, Donlin Gold sponsored a program to construct and maintain the ice roads to allow for winter travel between the remote Kuskokwim River communities. The ongoing development and maintenance of these roads allow for increased participation in community events, cultural activities, sports, and provided access for emergency services, law enforcement and travel. On average a total of 300 miles of ice road is constructed and maintained annually.
Advancing education opportunities in Alaska is another high priority for the Company. NOVAGOLD recently awarded the first University of Alaska scholarship to an undergraduate student in mining or geological engineering. Donlin Gold supports the Excel Alaska program which is a non-profit providing supplemental academic, career and technical education intensives for rural youth and young adults across the Y-K region. Student interview preparation sessions took place in the first quarter with four more planned over the next two quarters. Through this preparation, the students receive high school credit towards graduation and concurrent college credits.
Permitting
Permitting in Alaska has been a tremendous achievement to date and a substantial undertaking over many years to ensure a diligent, thorough, transparent, and inclusive process for all involved, including stakeholders from the Y-K region. Donlin Gold, its owners, and its partners Calista and TKC are intimately familiar with the permitting and regulatory processes applicable to the project and will continue to support the State in its defense of the thorough and diligent permitting process. Together, they will also continue working to secure the various remaining state-level permits and certificates required for the project. Calista and Donlin Gold continued their proactive, bipartisan outreach to the State Administration and new legislature in Alaska and with the Federal Administration and U.S. Congress in Washington, D.C. to highlight the thoroughness of the project’s environmental review and permitting processes as well as the benefits the project would deliver to all Native Alaskans. Alaska’s U.S. Senators and Governor have consistently expressed their long-term support of the Donlin Gold project.
The Donlin Gold camp re-opened in the first quarter of 2023 to continue fieldwork to collect geotechnical and hydrological information toward finalizing the next step in the design documentation required for the Alaska Dam Safety certificates, with anticipated field completion in 2023 and issuance of the certificates expected in 2026. In 2022, Donlin Gold applied for a new air quality permit based on updated air quality modeling and emissions controls information, and the regularly scheduled re-issuance of its Alaska Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (APDES) permit from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC). The new air quality permit is expected to be issued by June 30, 2023, which corresponds to the expiration date of the current permit. ADEC has extended the existing APDES permit indefinitely until a new permit is finalized.
On June 3, 2020, Earthjustice joined by Orutsararmiut Native Council (ONC), Chevak, Kasigluk, Eek, Kwinhagak, Marshall, Nightmute, Tununak, Kwethluk, Kotlik, SalmonState, and the Alaska Community Action on Toxics filed a formal appeal with the ADEC Commissioner of the State’s water quality certification under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act. The appeal process consists of an Administrative Hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) appointed by the ADEC Commissioner. The ALJ was subsequently appointed. On April 12, 2021, the ALJ issued his opinion for the Commissioner’s consideration recommending the 401 Certification be vacated. The Commissioner issued his decision to uphold the 401 Certification on May 27, 2021. The decision was appealed on June 28, 2021 in Alaska Superior Court by Earthjustice, on behalf of ONC. On September 27, 2021, Donlin Gold filed a motion requesting a short term stay in the case to allow the State to fully consider additional technical materials on mercury and temperature; the State indicated to the Court that they do not oppose the motion. On October 22, 2021, Donlin Gold submitted to ADEC expert technical reports on mercury and temperature. On November 22, 2021, ADEC filed an additional motion asking to remand the 401 certification back to ADEC to determine how the additional information affects the certification. Earthjustice did not oppose the motion although had comments on the remand process. On December 29, 2021, the Court granted the remand request, dismissed the case without prejudice, and left in place existing certification. On May 13, 2022, the ADEC Water Division Director reaffirmed the 401 certification. On June 13, 2022, Earthjustice appealed the elements of the decision related to temperature to the Commissioner and requested an adjudicatory hearing with an ALJ. On July 14, 2022, the Commissioner granted the request for the hearing and a new ALJ was assigned. On September 14, 2022, Earthjustice filed their initial brief. Donlin Gold and ADEC filed response briefs on October 14, 2022. Earthjustice filed their final reply brief on October 21, 2022. The Commissioner’s decision, which he will make in collaboration with the ALJ, is expected in the first half of 2023. It is then subject to further review in Alaska Superior Court.
On September 20, 2021, Earthjustice, representing ONC, Cook Inletkeeper, and three villages, filed an appeal of the State pipeline ROW authorization in Alaska Superior Court. An appeal was also filed by a second party, the owner of an outdoor guiding business located near the pipeline route, on September 20, 2021. On April 5, 2022, Earthjustice filed its opening brief, which related to the scope of the cumulative effects analysis required by the Alaska Constitutional, statutory, and regulatory provisions, and related previous litigation. Alaska Department of Natural Resources (ADNR), Donlin Gold, and Calista filed response briefs on June 15-16, 2022. Earthjustice filed its reply on July 18, 2022, and requested oral arguments. The second appellant filed his initial brief on June 8, 2022. ADNR’s and Donlin Gold’s response briefs were submitted on August 22, 2022, and the second appellant filed their reply brief on November 9, 2022. The request for oral arguments was granted by the Court and they were held on January 11, 2023. Decisions in both cases are expected in 2023.
On May 25, 2022, Earthjustice, on behalf of ONC and five villages, filed an appeal of the final Water Rights in Alaska Superior Court. The appellants filed their initial brief on November 21, 2022. ADNR and Donlin Gold submitted their response briefs on March 8, 2023 and the appellants are preparing their final brief. A decision is expected within the next year.
In September 2022, 13 tribes sent a letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (“Corps”) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requesting that the Corps consider requiring a supplemental environmental impact statement (EIS) on the Donlin Gold project and revoking the Clean Water Act Section 404 permit in light of what the tribes consider "new information” since the final EIS was issued in 2018. Also in September 2022, the same tribes submitted a separate letter to EPA requesting that they initiate a Clean Water Act Section 404(c) veto process for the Donlin Gold project. A Section 404(c) veto has recently been applied to the Pebble Project in Alaska but is rarely used by EPA. In early January 2023, Donlin Gold and Calista both submitted responses to the Corps on why the requests to prepare a supplemental EIS or revoke the 404 permit should not be granted. In mid-January 2023, Donlin Gold also provided a response to EPA describing why the agency should not initiate a 404(c) process.
Donlin Gold project
The focus at Donlin Gold is to update the geologic and resource models with the data derived from the extensive drill program that took place over the last three years; reviewing key project assumptions, inputs, and design components for optimization (mine engineering, metallurgy, hydrology, and infrastructure); advancing remaining permits through the regulatory process and supporting the State in maintaining the existing permits; and, through continued engagement, sustaining and expanding project support in the Y-K region.
Ultimately, subject to a formal decision by the Donlin Gold LLC board the comprehensive work we are completing should lead to the commencement of a new Donlin Gold feasibility study which, in turn, would initiate the detailed engineering work necessary to advance the project design before reaching a construction decision. The owners will advance the Donlin Gold project in a financially disciplined manner with a strong focus on engineering excellence, environmental stewardship, a strong safety culture and continued community engagement.
Our share of funding for the Donlin Gold project in the first quarter of 2023 was $5,744. In 2023, we continue to expect our share of Donlin Gold LLC funding to be $17,000, including $8,000 for external affairs, permitting, environmental, land, and legal activities and $9,000 for project planning and fieldwork.
The Donlin Gold LLC board must approve a construction program and budget before the Donlin Gold project can be developed. The timing of the required engineering work and the Donlin Gold LLC board’s approval of a construction program and budget, the receipt of all required governmental permits and approvals, and the availability of financing, commodity price fluctuations, risks related to market events and general economic conditions among other factors, will affect the timing of and whether to develop the Donlin Gold project. Among other reasons, project delays could occur as a result of co-owner disagreements, public opposition, litigation challenging permit decisions, requests for additional information or analysis, limitations in agency staff resources during regulatory review and permitting, or project changes made by Donlin Gold LLC.
We record our interest in the Donlin Gold project as an equity investment, which results in our 50% share of Donlin Gold’s expenses being recorded in the income statement as an operating loss. The investment amount recorded on the balance sheet primarily represents unused funds advanced to Donlin Gold.
Consolidated Financial Results
|
Three months ended February 28, |
||||||||||||
|
2023 |
2022 |
Change |
||||||||||
|
Net loss |
$ | (10,659 | ) | $ | (9,995 | ) | $ | (664 | ) | |||
|
Net loss per common share, basic and diluted |
$ | (0.03 | ) | $ | (0.03 | ) | — | |||||
Net loss increased by $664 from 2022 to 2023, primarily due to an increase in interest expense on the promissory note, increased permitting costs at Donlin Gold and higher corporate legal expenses, partially offset by increased interest income and other income related the 2021 sale of the Company’s interest in the San Roque mineral property.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity overview
At present, we believe we have sufficient working capital available to cover anticipated funding of the Donlin Gold project and corporate general and administrative costs through completion of an updated Donlin Gold feasibility study. Further, we believe we have sufficient working capital available to cover anticipated costs and expenses for at least the next three years. Substantial additional capital will be required once a decision to commence engineering and construction is reached by the Donlin Gold board for the Donlin Gold project. Future financings to fund construction are anticipated through debt, equity, project specific debt, and/or other means. Our continued operations are dependent on our ability to obtain additional financing or to generate future cash flows. However, there can be no assurance that we will be successful in our efforts to raise additional capital on terms favorable to us, or at all. For further information, see section Item 1A, Risk Factors – Our ability to continue the exploration, permitting, development, and construction of the Donlin Gold project, and to continue as a going concern, will depend in part on our ability to obtain suitable financing.
Our anticipated expenditures in fiscal year 2023 are approximately $31,000, including $17,000 to fund the Donlin Gold project, $13,000 for corporate general and administrative costs, and $1,000 for working capital and other items.
Our financial position includes the following as of February 28, 2023:
|
● |
Cash and cash equivalents of $54,161, primarily held at three large Canadian domestic chartered banks with high credit ratings. |
|
● |
Term deposits of $62,000 denominated in U.S. dollars and held at two large Canadian domestic chartered banks with high credit ratings and maturities of less than one year. |
|
● |
Notes receivable of $25,000 due on the earlier of the completion of a Galore Creek feasibility study or July 27, 2023, and a note for $75,000 fully contingent upon approval of a Galore Creek project construction plan by the owner(s). |
|
● |
Promissory note payable to Barrick of $126,629, including accrued interest at U.S. prime plus 2%. The promissory note and accrued interest are payable from 85% of the Company’s share of revenue from future Donlin Gold project production or from any net proceeds resulting from a reduction of the Company’s interest in Donlin Gold. |
Cash flows
In the first quarter of 2023 cash and cash equivalents decreased by $9,721, primarily to fund our share of Donlin Gold and for corporate administrative expenses. The decrease in cash used in the first quarter of 2023 compared to 2022 was due to the timing of corporate liability insurance payments in 2022, withholding tax paid on share-based compensation in 2022 (no PSUs vested in 2023) and proceeds received from the sale of the San Roque mineral property.
Outstanding share data
As of March 28, 2023, the Company had 333,982,678 common shares issued and outstanding. Also, as of March 28, 2023, the Company had: i) a total of 9,161,465 stock options outstanding; 7,930,333 with a weighted-average exercise price of $6.26 and the remaining 1,231,132 of those stock options with a weighted-average exercise price of C$8.10; and ii) 1,605,500 PSUs and 310,957 deferred share units outstanding. Upon exercise or pay out, as applicable, of the foregoing convertible securities, the Company would be required to issue a maximum of 11,880,672 common shares.
|
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk |
Our financial instruments are exposed to certain financial risks, including credit and interest rate risks.
Credit risk
Concentration of credit risk exists with respect to our cash and cash equivalents, term deposit investments and notes receivable. Cash and cash equivalents are primarily held at three of the largest Canadian domestic chartered banks with high deposit credit ratings (S&P: AA- or A-1(mid), Moody’s: Aa1 or Aa3). All term deposits are held through two of the largest Canadian domestic chartered banks with high deposit credit ratings (S&P: AA-, Moody’s: Aa1) and have maturities of less than one year. The notes are receivable from a subsidiary of Newmont, a publicly traded company with investment-grade credit ratings. The notes are guaranteed by Newmont.
Interest rate risk
The interest rate on the promissory note owed to Barrick is variable with the U.S. prime rate. Based on the amount owing on the promissory note as of February 28, 2023, and assuming all other variables remain constant, a 1% change in the U.S. prime rate would result in an increase/decrease of approximately $1.3 million in the interest accrued on the promissory note per annum.
|
Controls and Procedures |
Management, with the participation of our President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of February 28, 2023. On the basis of this review, our President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that the information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC and to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
There have not been any changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) promulgated by the SEC under the Exchange Act) during the Company’s most recently completed fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s internal controls over financial reporting are based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
|
Legal Proceedings |
From time to time, we are a party to routine litigation and proceedings that are considered part of the ordinary course of our business. We are not aware of any material current, pending, or threatened litigation.
|
Risk Factors |
There have been no material changes to the risk factors set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2022, as filed with the SEC on January 25, 2023. The risk factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2022, in addition to the other information set forth in this quarterly report, could materially affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we deem to be immaterial could also materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
|
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds |
None.
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Defaults Upon Senior Securities |
None.
|
Mine Safety Disclosures |
These disclosures are not applicable to us.
|
Other Information. |
None.
|
Exhibits |
See Exhibit Index.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
|
Date: April 4, 2023 |
NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. |
|
|
By: |
/s/ Gregory A. Lang |
|
|
Gregory A. Lang |
||
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President and Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) |
||
|
By: |
/s/ David A. Ottewell |
|
|
David A. Ottewell |
||
|
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial and accounting officer) |
EXHIBIT INDEX
|
Exhibit No. |
Description |
|
|
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) |
||
|
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) |
||
|
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 |
||
|
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 |
||
|
101 |
The following materials are filed herewith: (i) Inline XBRL Instance, (ii) Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema, (iii) Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation, (iv) XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels, (v) XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation, and (vi) Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition. |
|
|
104 |
Cover Page Interactive Data File – The cover page interactive data file does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document. |
Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
RULE 13a-14 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Gregory A. Lang, certify that:
|
1. |
I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of NOVAGOLD Resources Inc.; |
|
2. |
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
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3. |
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
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4. |
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: |
|
a. |
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; |
|
b. |
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
|
c. |
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and |
|
d. |
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. |
|
5. |
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
|
a. |
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and |
|
b. |
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: April 4, 2023
| By: | /s/ Gregory A. Lang | |
| Gregory A. Lang | ||
| President and Chief Executive Officer | ||
| (principal executive officer) | ||
Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
RULE 13a-14 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, David A. Ottewell, certify that:
|
1. |
I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of NOVAGOLD Resources Inc.; |
|
2. |
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
|
3. |
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
|
4. |
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: |
|
a. |
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; |
|
b. |
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
|
c. |
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and |
|
d. |
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. |
|
5. |
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
|
a. |
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and |
|
b. |
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: April 4, 2023
| By: | /s/ David A. Ottewell | |
| David A. Ottewell | ||
| Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | ||
| (principal financial and accounting officer) | ||
Exhibit 32.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. §1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of NOVAGOLD Resources Inc. (the “Registrant”) for the period ended February 28, 2023, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Gregory A. Lang, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Registrant, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
|
1. |
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and |
|
2. |
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. |
Date: April 4, 2023
| By: | /s/ Gregory A. Lang | |
| Gregory A. Lang | ||
| President and Chief Executive Officer | ||
| (principal executive officer) | ||
Exhibit 32.2
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. §1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of NOVAGOLD Resources Inc. (the “Registrant”) for the period ended February 28, 2023, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, David A. Ottewell, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Registrant, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
|
1. |
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and |
|
2. |
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. |
Date: April 4, 2023
| By: | /s/ David A. Ottewell | |
| David A. Ottewell | ||
| Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | ||
| (principal financial and accounting officer) | ||