Donlin Gold is advancing the BFS using a disciplined, execution-focused approach informed by longstanding experience in delivering large, multi-disciplinary projects. The emphasis is on fully integrating scope, engineering, cost, and schedule to support a high-quality, investment-grade study, while continuing to make steady and deliberate progress toward development. The BFS is expected to be completed in 2027. A more detailed schedule and budget for the BFS are expected to be released in the coming months following full-scope alignment with other contractors selected to work on discreet portions of the overall project scope ('Specialist Contractors').
Fluor is a global leader in engineering, mining, processing, and large-scale infrastructure delivery. The company portfolio includes extensive experience executing complex, large-scale gold and copper projects across North America and internationally in challenging environments including cold-weather and remote locations.
The bidding process for the Donlin Gold BFS was thorough and competitive, with participation from top-tier engineering firms. Fluor will integrate the other major work packages into the overall project and coordinate with other Specialist Contractors on key pieces of infrastructure and process unit operations. These include the power plant, the natural gas pipeline, and the pressure oxidation circuit and oxygen plant. Fluor will also bring substantial technical, engineering, and execution capabilities, supporting the design of what is anticipated to become the largest single operating gold mine in the US. The BFS work will be primarily conducted at Fluor’s offices in Canada, utilise high value centres (HVC), with coordination from the Donlin Gold office and project site in Alaska.
“Fluor is pleased to be appointed as Donlin Gold’s partner to lead the BFS,” said Harish Jammula, Fluor’s President, Mining & Metals Business. “Our focus is on delivering an integrated, high-quality study, with an emphasis on safety, sustainability, quality, cost accuracy, constructability, and execution readiness as the project advances.”
“The selection of Fluor marks an important step in advancing the Donlin Gold project,” said Greg Lang, NOVAGOLD’s President and CEO. “They bring a proven track record of delivering complex projects on schedule and within budget, which is critical at this stage as we position Donlin Gold for development,” added John Paulson.