NOVAGOLD Announces Appointment of Project Director to Lead Advancement of the Donlin Gold Project

Press Release

January 13, 2026 – Vancouver, British Columbia – NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. (“NOVAGOLD” or the “Company”) (NYSE American, TSX: NG) is pleased to announce the appointment of Frank Arcese as Project Director to Donlin Gold LLC (“Donlin Gold”), bringing more than four decades of global project leadership to Donlin Gold. This hiring further strengthens the team as we prepare to launch the work on the Bankable Feasibility Study (BFS) and progress the project toward development.

Mr. Arcese has deep experience in the execution of large-scale mining capital projects in both the U.S. and international jurisdictions. Most recently, he served as Capital Projects Business Leader for North American mining operations at WSP Global Inc., an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Management (EPCM) firm. Prior to that, he acted as Project Director on multiple large mining and power plant projects for Rio Tinto across the U.S., Mongolia, and Argentina, and brings extensive expertise in managing projects in remote environments.

His expertise spans feasibility planning, project execution strategy, risk management, and building high‑performance technical and project management teams capable of delivering world‑class mining assets responsibly and efficiently. Select credentials of successful projects include Teck Resource’s original Quebrada Blanca in Chile, BHP’s Escondida Phase 3 and SX-EW Plant in Chile, and recently Rio Tinto’s Rincon 3000 Lithium Project in Argentina where Mr. Arcese set-up the project.

“I am thrilled to have joined Donlin Gold at such a pivotal moment,” said Mr. Arcese. “Donlin is one of the most outstanding development-stage gold deposits in the world, and I feel privileged to contribute to the decades of diligent work that have set the stage for what has the potential to become the largest single gold mine in the U.S. As we advance toward a BFS, my focus will be on ensuring the technical rigor, collaboration, and disciplined planning required to position the project for a future construction decision. Alaska is a truly wonderful place to be a miner, and I am excited to start working closely with our partners, stakeholders, and local communities.”

“We are delighted to welcome Frank as we continue to advance Donlin Gold toward development,” said Greg Lang, President and CEO of NOVAGOLD. “His exceptional track record in delivering major mining projects safely, on time and on budget, combined with his proven expertise in complex engineering projects and environments, will be invaluable as we strengthen Donlin Gold’s execution capabilities. With the winds now at our backs, his hiring marks an important internal milestone for Donlin Gold as we continue to build on the team to help ensure full preparedness for the next steps ahead.”

In his new role, Mr. Arcese will oversee project planning, project execution strategy, project organizational readiness, and project alignment with NOVAGOLD’s long‑term objectives for Donlin Gold.

About NOVAGOLD

NOVAGOLD is a well-financed precious metals company focused on the development of the Donlin Gold project, which is owned 60% by NOVAGOLD and 40% by Paulson Advisers LLC (“Paulson”), located in Alaska, one of the safest mining jurisdictions in the world¹. With approximately 39 million ounces of gold in the Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource categories (541 million tonnes at an average grade of approximately 2.24 grams per tonne, on a 100% basis)², 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 2021 Technical Report and the S-K 1300 Technical Report Summary, 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, with 1.4 million ounces annually in the first decade.

About Paulson

Paulson is a private global investment management advisory firm based in Palm Beach, Florida. Through its affiliates, Paulson owns 100% of Donlin Gold Holdings, which owns a 40% stake in Donlin Gold. Paulson, 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

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