Permitting Work Continues as Project Moves Closer to Construction
Storyknife, January/February 2026 edition
By the time this newsletter appears in your mailbox, the Donlin Gold Project may have reached a new benchmark in its progression toward a construction decision.
In early 2026, Donlin Gold expects to begin work on a bankable feasibility study. This type of study is done before a construction decision, to demonstrate a project is technically feasible and economically viable, with risks identified and managed.
Some important hurdles remain for the project but if they are overcome, construction could be just a couple of years away, with the mine operating three or four years after that.
In the coming months, Donlin Gold expects to begin hiring for increased activity at the project site. The positions include hiring preference for Shareholders and Descendants, and many positions do not require prior experience.
“As a partner in the project, we encourage Calista Shareholders and Descendants to pursue workforce training opportunities available right now—through Calista and many other Alaska organizations—that can lead to well-paying jobs with Donlin Gold during construction and mine operations,” says Tisha Kuhns, Calista Corp. Vice President for Land and Natural Resources.
EFFICIENT AND TRANSPARENT PROCESS
In recent months, two of the Donlin Gold Project’s permits were reaffirmed by the Alaska Supreme Court, and the project was accepted into a federal permitting initiative called “FAST-41.”
The “FAST-41” moniker—which refers to Title 41 of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act—is an unfortunate acronym because the word “FAST” could be interpreted as rushing review. However, there will be no regulatory shortcuts to make the project go faster, Donlin Gold officials say.
“The name came from a Congressional act during the Obama Administration that created some tools to make the permitting system more efficient and transparent. It was so successful for transportation projects, the federal government decided to add in more projects, like mining. It’s basically a project management system,” explains Donlin Gold General Manager Todd Dahlman.
A pending regulatory requirement of the project— a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for a larger tailings release scenario—will be trackable through the FAST-41 public permitting website: www.permits.performance.gov. This transparency allows the public to be informed about the SEIS process.
In late December, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provided the following target dates for the SEIS:
- Notice of Intent to prepare an SEIS – January 26, 2026
- Notice of Availability to review the Draft SEIS
- September 23, 2026 – This begins the public comment period
- Notice of Availability of the Final SEIS – April 23, 2027
STAKEHOLDER INPUT
While Donlin Gold continues to move closer to a construction decision, it is also increasing its public outreach in the Calista Region.
The project hosted several community meetings this fall and winter, in Crooked Creek, Aniak and Bethel, as well as a virtual meeting open to anyone to attend.
The project’s Subsistence Community Advisory Committee (SCAC) also met in December to receive updates and provide feedback on topics including barging and dam safety to the Donlin Advisory Technical Review and Oversight Committee (DATROC) composed of key leaders at Donlin Gold, Calista and The Kuskokwim Corporation.
With the project gaining momentum, the SCAC expressed interest in additional engagement and participation. They also encouraged the companies to help prepare the Region’s residents for jobs in construction and operations.
“Who else better than our own people to take care of the land we live on,” stated Julie Zaukar, an SCAC member from Crooked Creek. “Our children are our future and Donlin is right there.”
Kuhns says, “Input from communities was built into the design of the Donlin Gold Project and doesn’t end when the project is moving toward a construction decision. We want to hear from Shareholders and community members. This is part of what makes the project better.”