NovaGold says Alaska Supreme Court affirms Donlin Gold’s water rights

On November 14, 2025, Donlin Gold welcomed the Alaska Supreme Court’s decision affirming both the project’s water rights permits for the mine and the Department of Natural Resources’ approval of the State’s ROW for the state-owned lands portion of the proposed 316-mile natural gas pipeline. The ruling validates the State of Alaska’s thorough review process and reinforces that the project can move forward in a manner that safeguards the lands, waters, and communities of the Yukon-Kuskokwim and southcentral regions. The company said, “We continue to support the State of Alaska in defending the Department of Environmental Conservation’s Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certification, which is the only remaining challenge to Donlin Gold’s permits in state court. On May 6, 2025, the Alaska Superior Court upheld ADEC’s issuance of the 401 Certification. Earthjustice filed an appeal in the Alaska Supreme Court and filed their opening brief on September 16, 2025. Donlin Gold’s and the State of Alaska’s briefs are due before year-end.”