Mining News: News Nuggets: Donlin video series talks Kuskokwim jobs

Novagold Resources Inc. Nov. 2 released the fourth and final segment of its Alaska Video Series, which tells the story of the people of the Yukon-Kuskokwim region, where the 40-million-ounce Donlin Gold project is located. Part four, “Economic Opportunity and Workforce Development,” speaks to how a mine like Donlin Gold provides the prospect of diversifying the economy of Southwest Alaska. The subsistence way-of-life that has sustained the communities in the Yukon-Kuskokwim region for millennia – fishing, hunting and gathering berries – does not provide the cash income needed to purchase fuel, supplies and pay for utilities. As a result, there is a tremendous need for economic development that offers wage employment and generates local revenue. Given the remote location of villages in the region, the cost of living is very high and cash employment opportunities are extremely limited. Youth move to cities to obtain education, work force training and to find employment, which further weakens local communities and their economies. In response to this trend, Novagold and its affiliates support local training programs designed to develop employable skills in the rural communities. These programs also provide ongoing development training so that residents are able to improve their skills. Through mentorships, as well as formal and informal education programs, residents are able to develop the skills they need to be effective, both at work as well as in the economic and social lives of their communities. “The kids are all excited. You can see that they are more into education now that we tell them that they have good job opportunities here if (Donlin Gold Mine) does open,” said Leonard Morgan, an Aniak resident and logistics supervisor for Donlin Gold.

- Shane Lasley