NG 10-Q Quarter ended Aug. 31, 2021

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

			Page
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION			1
	Item 1.	Financial Statements	1
	Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	10
	Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	14
	Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	14
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION			15
	Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	15
	Item 1A.	Risk Factors	15
	Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	15
	Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	15
	Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	15
	Item 5.	Other Information.	15
	Item 6.	Exhibits	15

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, 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, timing relating to challenges to prior permitting decisions, 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:

	●	our ability to achieve production at any of our mineral exploration and development properties;
	●	estimated capital costs, operating costs, production and economic returns;
	●	estimated metal pricing, metallurgy, mineability, marketability and operating and capital costs, together with other assumptions underlying our resource and reserve estimates;
	●	our expected ability to develop adequate infrastructure and that the cost of doing so will be reasonable;
	●	assumptions that all necessary permits and governmental approvals will be obtained and the timing of such approvals;
	●	assumptions made in the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of our mineral deposits;
	●	our expectations regarding demand for equipment, skilled labor and services needed for exploration and development of mineral properties; and
	●	our activities will not be adversely disrupted or impeded by development, operating or regulatory risks.

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:

	●	uncertainty of whether there will ever be production at our mineral exploration and development properties;
	●	our history of losses and expectation of future losses;
	●	risks related to our ability to finance the development of our mineral properties through external financing, strategic alliances, the sale of property interests or otherwise;
	●	uncertainty of estimates of capital costs, operating costs, production and economic returns;
	●	commodity price fluctuations;
	●	risks related to market events and general economic conditions;
	●	risks related to the coronavirus global health pandemic (COVID-19);
	●	risks related to the third parties on which we depend for our exploration and development activities;
	●	dependence on cooperation of joint venture partners in exploration and development of properties;
	●	risks related to opposition to our operations at our mineral exploration and development properties from non-governmental organizations or civil society;

	●	the risk that permits and governmental approvals necessary to develop and operate mines on our properties will not be available on a timely basis, subject to reasonable conditions, or at all;
	●	risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of our mineral deposits;
	●	uncertainties relating to the assumptions underlying our resource and reserve estimates, such as metal pricing, metallurgy, mineability, marketability and operating and capital costs;
	●	risks related to lack of infrastructure required to develop, construct, and operate our mineral properties;
	●	uncertainty related to title to our mineral properties;
	●	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;
	●	competition in the mining industry;
	●	risks related to governmental regulation and permits, including environmental regulation;
	●	risks related to our largest shareholder;
	●	risks related to conflicts of interests of some of the directors and officers of the Company;
	●	risks related to the need for reclamation activities on our properties and uncertainty of cost estimates related thereto;
	●	credit, liquidity, interest rate and currency risks;
	●	risks related to increases in demand for equipment, skilled labor and services needed for exploration and development of mineral properties, and related cost increases;
	●	our need to attract and retain qualified management and technical personnel;
	●	uncertainty as to the outcome of potential litigation;
	●	risks related to information technology systems; and
	●	risks related to global climate change.

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, 2020 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

Item 1.

Financial Statements

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited, US dollars in thousands)

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 September 29, 2021. They are signed on the Company’s behalf by:

/s/ Gregory A. Lang, Director

/s/ Anthony P. Walsh, Director

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF LOSS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

(Unaudited, US dollars in thousands except per share amounts)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements.

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited, US dollars in thousands)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements.

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

(Unaudited, US dollars and shares in thousands)

* Accumulated other comprehensive loss

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements.

NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(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 no realized revenues from its planned principal business purpose. The Company’s principal asset is a 50 % interest in the Donlin Gold project in Alaska, USA. The Donlin Gold project is owned and operated by Donlin Gold LLC, a limited liability company that is owned equally by wholly-owned subsidiaries of NOVAGOLD and Barrick Gold Corporation (“Barrick”).

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, 2020. 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

Recently adopted accounting pronouncements

Fair Value Disclosure Requirements

In August 2018, Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2018 - 13 was issued to modify and enhance the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. The Company adopted this standard on December 1, 2020. Adoption of this guidance did not impact the Company’s note disclosures.

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 as a single segment considering the performance of our investment in the Donlin Gold project in Alaska, USA (Note 5 ).

NOTE 4 – NOTES RECEIVABLE

On July 27, 2018, the Company sold its interest in the Galore Creek project to a subsidiary of Newmont Corporation (“Newmont”) for cash proceeds of $ 100,000 , a $ 75,000 note receivable due on the earlier of the completion of a Galore Creek pre-feasibility study or July 27, 2021, a $ 25,000 note receivable due on the earlier of the completion of a Galore Creek feasibility study or July 31, 2023, and a contingent note for $ 75,000 upon approval of a Galore Creek project construction plan by the owner(s). The Company received $ 75,000 from Newmont on July 27, 2021.

As of August 31, 2021, the carrying value of the $ 25,000 note receivable was $ 23,363 including $ 2,415 of accumulated accretion. The carrying value of the note receivable is being accreted to $ 25,000 over five years at a discount rate of 3.6 % based on quoted market values for Newmont debt with a similar term.

A contingent note for $ 75,000 is receivable upon approval of a Galore Creek project construction plan by the owner(s). No value was assigned to the final $ 75,000 contingent note receivable. The Company determined that Galore Creek project construction approval was not probable as of the closing of the Galore Creek sale. The Company’s assessment did not change as of August 31, 2021.

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited, US dollars in thousands except per share amounts)

NOTE 5 – INVESTMENT IN DONLIN GOLD

The Donlin Gold project is owned and operated by Donlin Gold LLC, a limited liability company in which wholly-owned subsidiaries of NOVAGOLD and Barrick each own a 50 % interest. Donlin Gold LLC has a board of four members, with two members selected by Barrick and two members selected by the Company. All significant decisions related to Donlin Gold LLC require the approval of at least a majority of the Donlin Gold LLC board members.

Changes in the Company’s investment in Donlin Gold LLC are summarized as follows:

		Three months ended August 31,								Nine months ended August 31,
		2021				2020				2021				2020
Balance – beginning of period		$	4,572			$	3,462			$	2,614			$	1,840
Share of losses:
Mineral property expenditures			( 6,650	)			( 6,111	)			( 12,680	)			( 11,319	)
Depreciation			( 98	)			( 39	)			( 234	)			( 99	)
			( 6,748	)			( 6,150	)			( 12,914	)			( 11,418	)
Funding			6,901				6,693				15,025				13,583
Balance – end of period		$	4,725			$	4,005			$	4,725			$	4,005

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 $ 64,000 , resulting in a higher carrying value of the mineral property for Donlin Gold LLC than that of the Company.

		At August 31, 2021				As of November 30, 2020
Current assets: Cash, prepaid expenses and other receivables		$	6,618			$	2,654
Non-current assets: Property and equipment			1,411				1,339
Non-current assets: Mineral property			32,586				32,615
Current liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities			( 3,223	)			( 1,271	)
Non-current liabilities: Reclamation and lease obligations			( 667	)			( 723	)
Net assets		$	36,725			$	34,614

NOTE 6 – OTHER ASSETS

		As of August 31, 2021				As of November 30, 2020
Other current assets:
Accounts and interest receivable		$	45			$	577
Prepaid expenses			484				1,292
		$	529			$	1,869
Other long-term assets:
Marketable equity securities		$	1,755			$	1,402
Right-of-use assets			453				600
Office equipment			28				34
		$	2,236			$	2,036

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited, US dollars in thousands except per share amounts)

NOTE 7 – PROMISSORY NOTE

The Company has a promissory note payable to Barrick of $ 114,221 , comprised of $ 51,576 in principal, and $ 62,645 in accrued interest at U.S. prime plus 2 %. The promissory note resulted from the agreement that led to the formation of Donlin Gold LLC, where the Company agreed to reimburse Barrick for a portion of their expenditures incurred from April 1, 2006 to November 30, 2007. The promissory note and accrued interest are payable from 85 % of the Company’s share of revenue from future mine production or from any net proceeds resulting from a reduction of the Company’s interest in Donlin Gold LLC. The carrying value of the promissory note approximates fair value.

NOTE 8 – 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 marketable equity securities are valued using quoted market prices in active markets and as such are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the marketable equity securities was $ 1,755 at August 31, 2021 ( $ 1,402 at November 30, 2020), calculated as the quoted market price of the marketable equity security multiplied by the quantity of shares held by the Company.

NOTE 9 – GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

		Three months ended August 31,								Nine months ended August 31,
		2021				2020				2021				2020
Share-based compensation (Note 11)		$	2,050			$	1,783			$	6,187			$	5,259
Salaries and benefits			1,625				1,483				4,948				4,722
Office expense			595				461				1,798				1,644
Professional fees			409				669				1,416				1,251
Corporate communications and regulatory			202				347				849				964
Depreciation			2				2				6				6
		$	4,883			$	4,745			$	15,204			$	13,846

NOTE 10 – OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), NET

		Three months ended August 31,								Nine months ended August 31,
		2021				2020				2021				2020
Change in fair market value of marketable securities		$	( 168	)		$	372			$	316			$	662
Interest income			80				391				338				1,422
Foreign exchange gain (loss)			906				( 1,745	)			( 620	)			( 485	)
		$	818			$	( 982	)		$	34			$	1,599

NOTE 11 – SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

		Three months ended August 31,								Nine months ended August 31,
		2021				2020				2021				2020
Stock options		$	1,157			$	1,095			$	3,557			$	3,196
Performance share unit plan			831				636				2,456				1,913
Deferred share unit plan			62				52				174				150
		$	2,050			$	1,783			$	6,187			$	5,259

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited, US dollars in thousands except per share amounts)

Stock options

A summary of stock options outstanding as of August 31, 2021 and activity during the nine months ended August 31, 2021 are as follows:

		Number of stock options (thousands)				Weighted- average exercise price per share				Weighted- average remaining contractual term (years)				Aggregate intrinsic value
November 30, 2020			10,403			$	4.59
Granted			1,218				9.96
Exercised			( 1,221	)			4.27
August 31, 2021			10,400				5.29				2.03			$	24,122
Vested and exercisable as of August 31, 2021			7,076			$	4.34				1.41			$	20,629

The following table summarizes other stock option-related information:

		Nine months ended August 31,
		2021				2020
Weighted-average assumptions used to value stock option awards:
Expected volatility			47.3	%			46.2	%
Expected term of options (years)			4				4
Expected dividend rate			—				—
Risk-free interest rate			0.3	%			1.5	%
Expected forfeiture rate			3.0	%			3.1	%
Weighted-average grant-date fair value		$	3.66			$	2.71
Intrinsic value of options exercised		$	6,837			$	15,198
Cash received from options exercised		$	—			$	—

As of August 31, 2021, the Company had $ 3,630 of unrecognized compensation cost related to 3,325,000 non-vested stock options expected to be recognized and vest over a period of approximately 2.25 years.

Performance share units

A summary of PSU awards outstanding as of August 31, 2021 and activity during the nine months ended August 31, 2021 are as follows:

		Number of PSU awards (thousands)				Weighted- average grant day fair value per award				Aggregate intrinsic value
November 30, 2020			1,684			$	4.59
Granted			331				10.07
Vested			( 648	)			3.85
Performance adjustment			216				3.85
August 31, 2021			1,583			$	5.94			$	11,972

As of August 31, 2021, the Company had $ 4,201 of unrecognized compensation cost related to 1,583,000 non-vested PSU awards expected to be recognized and vest over a period of approximately 2.25 years.

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NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited, US dollars in thousands except per share amounts)

The following table summarizes other PSU-related information:

		Nine months ended August 31,
		2021				2020
Performance multiplier on PSUs vested			150	%			150	%
Common shares issued (thousands)			574				410
Total fair value of common shares issued		$	5,723			$	2,855
Withholding tax paid on PSUs vested		$	731			$	1,652

NOTE 12 – NET CHANGE IN OPERATING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

		Nine months ended August 31,
		2021				2020
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Other assets		$	1,403			$	667
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities			( 286	)			70
Accrued payroll and related benefits			( 473	)			( 470	)
		$	644			$	267

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Item 2.

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- and nine-month periods ended August 31, 2021 and August 31, 2020. 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, 2020, 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.

Overview

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 feasibility studies, preparation of engineering designs and the financing to fund these objectives.

Our goals for 2021 include:

●

Continue to advance the Donlin Gold project toward a construction decision.

●

Maintain/increase support for Donlin Gold among native entities and other stakeholders.

●

Promote a strong safety, sustainability, and environmental culture.

●

Maintain a favorable reputation of the Company, its governance practices, and its project among shareholders.

●

Manage the Company treasury effectively and efficiently, including streamlining the corporate structure.

Third quarter highlights

COVID-19 response

The Company has implemented policies at its offices in Salt Lake City and Vancouver designed to ensure the safety and well-being of all employees and the people associated with them. In that regard, to reduce risk, our employees have been encouraged to get fully vaccinated against COVID-19, asked to work remotely, avoid all non-essential business travel, adhere to good hygiene practices, and engage in physical distancing. Donlin Gold continues to provide COVID relief support in collaboration with Calista Corporation (“Calista”), The Kuskokwim Corporation (TKC), and many tribal governments.

Prior to opening the camp this year, Donlin Gold consulted with its partners Calista and TKC, as well as the home communities of Donlin Gold employees regarding COVID-19 health and safety precautions to protect the workforce and the people of the Yukon-Kuskokwim (Y-K) region. Following a successful 2020 season with zero COVID-19 cases on site, employees and contractors again have mandatory testing for the 2021 season prior to traveling to the Donlin Gold project camp and upon arrival must follow social distancing and other protective requirements. The Donlin Gold office in Anchorage has recently been closed in response to two positive cases discovered in employees there. All Donlin Gold employees who may have been exposed have been tested, are quarantining, and are currently working remotely in accordance with the Donlin Gold COVID-19 Mitigation Plan protocols.

Continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 and beyond could impact employee health, workforce productivity, insurance premiums, ability to travel, the availability of industry experts, personnel and equipment, restrictions or delays to field work, studies, and assay results, and other factors that will depend on future developments that may be beyond our control.

Community engagement

To date, Donlin Gold LLC has made progress in formalizing its community relationships with Shared Value Statements covering eight villages from the Y-K region (Akiak, Sleetmute, Napaimute, Crooked Creek, Napaskiak, Nikolai, Tuluksak and Kalskag) that formalize current engagement with key local communities. These agreements include educational, environmental, and social initiatives to help provide support for these villages.

For the 2021 season, Donlin Gold LLC hired employees from 20 Y-K communities. In an area with high unemployment and fewer job choices than in urban environments, the work experience and skills training that Donlin Gold provides is attractive and employees are encouraged to bring their safety knowledge into their home village. Local community involvement in the project is core to both Barrick’s and NOVAGOLD’s philosophy, and approximately 70% of Donlin Gold direct hires for this year’s drill program are Alaska Natives.

As a neighbor to others in the Y-K region and as a team largely made up of people from the area, Donlin Gold strives to aid communities with support and resources, particularly when health and safety are of concern. Donlin Gold is committed to support the needs of its community partners. In August, Donlin Gold held the fourth annual “In It For The Long Haul” backhaul project with approximately 180,000 pounds of hazardous and electronic waste removed from 26 villages throughout the Y-K region.

Permitting

The State’s Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 401 certification (the “401 Certification”) of the Federal CWA Section 404 permit was formally appealed to the Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation in June 2020, and the ADEC Commissioner referred the appeal to an Administrative Law Judge for review. The appeal focused on three narrow issues related to compliance with the State’s water quality standards near the mine site. On April 12, 2021, the Administrative Law Judge 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’s Superior Court by Earthjustice, a San Francisco-based activist law firm, on behalf of Orutsararmiut Native Council (ONC).

In April 2020, the Alaska Department of Natural Resources’ (ADNR) Division of Oil and Gas agreed to reconsider its decision on the State Right-of-Way (ROW) agreement and lease authorization for the buried natural gas pipeline. Under the reconsideration, on September 10, 2020, the ADNR issued for additional public comment a revised Consideration of Comments document. This document describes how the ADNR considered public input that was solicited in the ROW review, including how cumulative effects are addressed in the decision. The comment period on the document ended on November 9, 2020. On July 19, 2021, the ADNR Commissioner completed the reconsideration and upheld the ROW agreement and lease authorization. On August 9, 2021, two parties requested that the Commissioner conduct a further reconsideration. The first party was Earthjustice representing ONC, Cook Inletkeeper, and three villages. The second party was an individual who operates an outdoor guiding business around the pipeline route. The Commissioner rejected both further reconsideration requests on August 19, 2021. On September 20, 2021, Earthjustice, representing ONC, Cook Inletkeeper, and three villages, filed an appeal of the State ROW in Alaska Superior Court. An appeal was also filed by the second party on September 20, 2021.

In November 2020, the ADNR published an initial public notice for comment on Donlin Gold’s 12 applications for water rights for the mine site and transportation facilities, which closed on December 15, 2020. Water rights are for local surface water sources and groundwater to be used for process water, dust control, fire protection, and potable water. In March 2021, the ADNR held a second two-week public notice period, which closed on March 26, 2021. All the final Water Rights were issued on June 29, 2021 by ADNR’s Division of Mining Land and Water. In July, they were administratively appealed to the ADNR Commissioner by Earthjustice, ONC, and five villages. We anticipate a decision on the appeal by the Commissioner in 2022.

Donlin Gold, working with its Native Corporation partners, continues to support the State of Alaska to advance other permits and certificates needed for the project. The field work related to the issuance of the Alaska Dam Safety certificates, which is a multi-year commitment, was temporarily paused to concentrate on the 2020 and 2021 geological drill programs.

Donlin Gold is fortunate to have strong partnerships with Calista and TKC, owners of the mineral and surface rights, respectively. The project’s location on private land specially designated for mining activities through the 1971 Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Donlin Gold’s commitment to meaningful tribal consultation throughout project development and permitting has been proven over decades of reliable and dependable engagement with the community.

Donlin Gold project

The 2021 drilling program includes additional confirmation and extension drilling, focusing on further testing, orebody continuity, structural control, and geotechnical and geometallurgical data collection and analysis. In September, 2021, the drilling portion of the program was completed at the Donlin Gold project site in the ACMA and Lewis deposit areas. A total of 79 holes were drilled for a total of approximately 24,200 meters, including an additional 15 holes and 4,000 meters above the original 2021 plan. Assays are anticipated to be completed by early 2022. The newly obtained data will be incorporated into the geologic and resource model and should lead the owners to determine updated mining schedules and life of mine business plans. The focus will then shift to feasibility study work, subject to a formal decision by the Donlin Gold Board, and ultimately, to initiate the 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 nine months of 2021 was $15 million. We expect our total 2021 share of Donlin Gold LLC funding to be $19 million, including: $12 million for follow-up drilling, camp improvements, and studies and $7 million for permitting, community engagement and administration.

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 public opposition, litigation challenging permit decisions, requests for additional information or analysis, limitations in agency staff resources during regulatory review and permitting, project changes made by Donlin Gold LLC, or any impact on operations from COVID-19.

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.

Outlook

We do not currently generate operating cash flows. As of August 31, 2021, we had cash and cash equivalents of $117.8 million and term deposits of $55.5 million. Our anticipated expenditures in 2021 are $32 million, including $19 million to fund the Donlin Gold project and $13 million for corporate general and administrative costs. At present, we believe we have sufficient working capital available for the next twelve-month period to cover anticipated funding of the Donlin Gold project and corporate general and administrative costs.

Additional capital will be necessary if a decision to commence engineering and construction is reached 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 the risk factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2020, as filed with the SEC and the Canadian Securities Regulators on January 29, 2021.

Summary of Consolidated Financial Performance

		Three months ended August 31,								Nine months ended August 31,
($ thousands, except per share)		2021				2020				2021				2020
General and administrative		$	(4,883	)		$	(4,745	)		$	(15,204	)		$	(13,846	)
Equity loss - Donlin Gold			(6,748	)			(6,150	)			(12,914	)			(11,418	)
Loss from operations		$	(11,631	)		$	(10,895	)		$	(28,118	)		$	(25,264	)
Net loss		$	(11,790	)		$	(12,736	)		$	(30,267	)		$	(26,564	)
Net loss per common share – basic and diluted		$	(0.04	)		$	(0.04	)		$	(0.09	)		$	(0.08	)

Results of Operations

Third quarter 2021 compared to 2020

Loss from operations increased from $10.9 million in 2020 to $11.6 million in 2021 due to higher permitting and legal costs at Donlin Gold LLC.

Net loss decreased from $12.7 million ($0.04 per share) in 2020 to $11.8 million ($0.04 per share) in 2021, primarily due to foreign exchange movements, partially offset by lower interest income and changes in the fair market value of marketable securities.

First nine months 2021 compared to 2020

Loss from operations increased from $25.3 million in 2020 to $28.1 million in 2021 due to higher general and administrative expense and higher costs at Donlin Gold LLC. General and administrative expense increased by $1.4 million primarily due to higher share-based compensation, salaries and benefits. At Donlin Gold, expenses increased by $1.5 million in 2021 due to higher permitting and legal costs.

Net loss increased from $26.6 million ($0.08 per share) in 2020 to $30.3 million ($0.09 per share) in 2021, primarily due to higher operating losses and lower interest income, partially offset by lower interest expense on the promissory note payable to Barrick.

Liquidity, Capital Resources and Capital Requirements

		As of				As of
($ thousands)		August 31, 2021				November 30, 2020				Change
Cash and cash equivalents		$	117,793			$	60,906			$	56,887
Term deposits			55,548				61,000				(5,452	)
		$	173,341			$	121,906			$	51,435

In the first nine months of 2021, total Cash, cash equivalents and Term deposits increased by $51.4 million due to the receipt of $75 million from Newmont, partially offset by $15.0 million used to fund Donlin Gold, $8.4 million used in operating activities for administrative costs and working capital changes, and $0.7 million related to withholding taxes paid on vested performance share units (PSUs). Effects of exchange rate changes increased cash by $0.6 million. The term deposits are denominated in U.S. or Canadian dollars and are held at Canadian chartered banks.

Under the terms of the sale of the Galore Creek project to Newmont, NOVAGOLD received $100 million on July 27, 2018. An additional $75 million was received on July 27, 2021. A further $25 million is due upon the earlier of: (i) completion of a project feasibility study prepared by or for Galore Creek project, or (ii) July 27, 2023. Also, an additional $75 million payment is contingent upon Galore Creek project construction approval.

		Three months ended August 31,								Nine months ended August 31,
($ thousands)		2021				2020				2021				2020
Net cash provided from (used in):
Operating activities		$	(1,877	)		$	(1,826	)		$	(8,139	)		$	(7,157	)
Investing activities			68,099			$	(6,693	)			65,176			$	(13,583	)
Financing activities		$	—			$	—				(731	)		$	(1,652	)

Third quarter 2021 compared to 2020

Net cash used in operating activities increased by $0.1 million, primarily due to lower interest income. Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities includes the $75.0 million note payment from Newmont, partially offset by a $0.2 million increase in Donlin Gold funding.

First nine months 2021 compared to 2020

Net cash used in operating activities increased by $1.0 million, primarily due to lower interest income. Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities includes the $75.0 million note payment from Newmont and net proceeds of $5.2 million from term deposits in 2021, partially offset by a $1.4 million increase in Donlin Gold funding. Net cash used in financing activities related to withholding taxes paid on vested performance share units.

Outstanding share data

As of September 22, 2021, the Company had 331,677,553 common shares issued and outstanding. Also, as of September 22, 2021, the Company had: i) a total of 10,435,803 stock options outstanding; 9,001,405 with a weighted-average exercise price of $5.27 and the remaining 1,434,398 of those stock options with a weighted-average exercise price of C$6.84; and ii) 1,583,100 PSUs and 306,321 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 13,116,774 common shares.

Item 3.

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. All term deposits are held through Canadian chartered banks with high investment-grade ratings and have maturities of one year or less. 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 August 31, 2021, and assuming all other variables remain constant, a 1% change in the U.S. prime rate would result in an increase/decrease of approximately $1.1 million in the interest accrued on the promissory note per annum.

Item 4.

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 August 31, 2021. 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.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.

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.

Item 1A.

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, 2020, as filed with the SEC on January 29, 2021. The risk factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2020, 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.

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

None.

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

These disclosures are not applicable to us.

Item 5.

Other Information.

None.

Item 6.

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: September 29, 2021	NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC.
	By:	/s/ Gregory A. Lang
		Gregory A. Lang
		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
31.1		Certification of the Chief Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a)
31.2		Certification of the Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a)
32.1		Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
32.2		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.