NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC

Current report

Increases in energy prices and inflationary pressures could materially increase our capital and operating costs and adversely affect the economic viability of our projects.

Current report

Global energy markets have experienced significant volatility, including increases in oil and fuel prices associated with geopolitical developments involving Iran and disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Prolonged disruptions in global energy supply or transportation routes may lead to sustained increases in oil and other energy prices.

Current report

Energy costs are a significant component of the cost of developing and operating mining projects. Sustained increases in the price of oil, fuel, power and other energy inputs may increase the cost of construction, transportation, equipment operation and the production and delivery of consumables used in mining operations. Higher energy prices may also contribute to broader inflationary pressures affecting the costs of labor, materials, equipment, reagents, contractors and other services required for the development and operation of our projects.

Current report

Estimated capital costs, operating costs, production levels and economic returns for the Donlin Gold project are based on assumptions regarding, among other things, input costs, energy prices, supply chains and inflation. If energy prices remain elevated or inflation persists, actual costs may be significantly higher than our current estimates. Higher costs or increased uncertainty regarding future costs could adversely affect project development decisions, reduce projected economic returns, require additional financing or result in delays in development or construction. Any of these factors could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and the economic viability of our projects.

Previous report

We are dependent on the cooperation of a third party in the exploration and development of our Donlin Gold project.

Previous report

Our success with respect to the Donlin Gold project depends on the cooperation of the co-owner of Donlin Gold. We currently hold a 60% economic interest in Donlin Gold and the remaining 40% economic interest is held by a third party that is not under our control or direction. However, governance of Donlin Gold is shared on an equal basis, so we will continue to be dependent on the cooperation of a third party for the progress and development of the Donlin Gold project. The third party may have different priorities which could impact the timing and cost of development of the Donlin Gold project. If the third party defaults on its agreements with us, with or without our knowledge, it may put the mineral property and related assets at risk. The existence or occurrence of one or more of the following circumstances and events could have a material adverse impact on our ability to achieve our business plan, profitability, or the viability of our interests held with the third party, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, future cash flows, earnings, results of operations and financial condition: (i) disagreement with the third party on how to develop and operate the Donlin Gold project efficiently; (ii) inability to exert influence over certain strategic decisions made in respect of the jointly-governed Donlin Gold project; (iii) inability of the third party to meet their obligations to Donlin Gold or other parties; and (iv) litigation with the third party regarding joint business matters.

Previous report

Despite our ownership of 60% of the membership interests of Donlin Gold, our voting interests are contractually reduced in the A&R LLC Agreement.

Previous report

Consistent with the Prior LLC Agreement, the funding for Donlin Gold is shared by both parties based on their percentage ownership. For example, since NGRA holds 60% of the membership interests of Donlin Gold, it will have the responsibility to fund 60% of the expenses of Donlin Gold; however, even though Paulson holds 40% of Donlin Gold, the parties have equal governance rights. This adjustment to the parties’ voting interests as set forth in the A&R LLC Agreement means that (i) NGRA’s voting percentage interests are defined as its participating interest from time to time less an absolute 10% and (ii) Paulson’s voting percentage interests are defined as its participating interest from time to time plus an absolute 10%. For this reason, even though NGRA holds 60% of the membership interests of Donlin Gold, the Company has a 50% voting interest at Donlin Gold, not 60%. These disproportionately reduced voting rights may reduce the value attributed to our interest in Donlin Gold and reduces our ability to assert our proportionate rights at the project.

Previous report

We identified a deficiency in our disclosure controls and procedures in the quarter ended August 31, 2025 which has been remediated. If we fail to maintain an effective system of disclosure controls, our ability to produce timely and accurate public disclosure or comply with applicable laws and regulations could be impeded.

Previous report

During the quarter ended August 31, 2025, we did not timely file a Current Report on Form 8-K with respect to the resignation of a member of our Board of Directors. During the quarter, the Company took remedial action, as discussed in more detail in Part II, Item 4 “Controls and Procedures”. We cannot be certain that the measures we have taken to date, and actions we may take in the future, will be sufficient to prevent or avoid potential future disclosure failures. Our current controls and any new controls that we develop may become inadequate because of changes in conditions in our business or otherwise. Further, weaknesses in our disclosure controls may be discovered in the future. Any failure to develop or maintain effective controls or any difficulties encountered in their implementation or improvement could harm our operating results or cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations and may impact our ability to access capital markets on a timely basis, which may result in investors losing confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our periodic reports and adversely affect the market price of our common shares. As a result of the delinquent filing of the Form 8-K, we will not be eligible to use Form S-3 to register our securities with the SEC until July 2026.