In December 2023, the Donlin board meeting witnessed a divergence in proposals, with Novagold advocating for an updated feasibility study, while Barrick pressed for an ongoing drilling campaign, Novagold said in its financial year-end results for the year ended 2023. Despite the lack of agreement on the proposals, both parties identified common ground in value-adding activities that could propel the project forward. As discussions continue, the Donlin board has approved a budget of $28.5-million for 2024 for resource modelling, mining planning work, metallurgical testwork (pilot plant), regional infrastructure support planning, geoscience hydrology and closure planning, and the advancement of the dam safety certificate applications. It also includes continued support in terms of pending litigation, government affairs, community engagement activities and sponsorships.