The Donlin Gold pipeline project advances with the award of the engineering contract to Worley Alaska, which will be responsible for the technical design and feasibility study of the key energy system for this mining project in Alaska.
A Key Contract for Energy Supply
Worley Alaska has been selected by NOVAGOLD Resources Inc. and Donlin Gold Holdings to carry out the bankable feasibility study and preliminary engineering design for the natural gas pipeline. This infrastructure will enable the supply of power to the Donlin Gold project, one of the most ambitious gold developments in the United States.
Furthermore, the contract includes comprehensive system planning, from pipeline routing to the integration of disciplines such as civil engineering, environmental, and regulatory permitting.
The Donlin Gold Pipeline Will Be 508 Kilometers Long with Arctic Design
The project includes the construction of an underground pipeline approximately 508 kilometers long that will connect Cook Inlet to the power generation plant at the deposit.
Additionally, the design must adapt to complex geographical conditions, traversing mountainous areas and remote regions. This demands specific solutions for arctic and subarctic environments, as well as advanced constructability strategies.
Likewise, the system will incorporate technologies for gas handling and control, ensuring a stable energy supply for future mining operations.
Donlin Gold, a Strategic Project in Gold Mining
The Donlin Gold project is located in the Kuskokwim gold belt and is positioned as one of the largest gold mines in the country. It is currently in the bankable feasibility study phase, with completion scheduled for 2027.
According to technical estimates, the deposit could produce over one million ounces of gold per year during a mine life of nearly three decades, reinforcing the need for robust energy infrastructure.
Technical Expertise in Remote Environments
Worley brings over 60 years of experience in Alaska, with capabilities in engineering, procurement, logistics, and construction. This track record is crucial for executing complex projects in hard-to-access locations.
In this context, the company will combine its regional knowledge with its global reach to ensure the efficient development of the pipeline, considered a fundamental piece for the project’s operational viability.