Project developer Novagold Resources has bolstered its development team for the Donlin Gold project in Alaska with the appointment of veteran mining executive Frank Arcese as project director, as the company prepares to launch work on a bankable feasibility study (BFS).

The Vancouver-based company said on Tuesday that Arcese would join Donlin Gold, the 60:40 joint venture (JV) between Novagold and Paulson Advisers, bringing more than 40 years of global experience in large-scale mining capital projects. His appointment comes as the partners look to advance one of the largest undeveloped gold deposits in the US towards a potential construction decision.

Arcese most recently served as capital projects business leader for North American mining operations at engineering group WSP Global, and previously held senior project director roles on major mining and power projects for Rio Tinto in the US, Mongolia and Argentina. His track record includes involvement in projects such as Teck Resources’ original Quebrada Blanca operation, BHP’s Escondida Phase 3 and SX-EW plant in Chile, and Rio Tinto’s Rincon 3000 lithium project in Argentina.

“We are delighted to welcome Frank as we continue to advance Donlin Gold toward development. His exceptional track record in delivering major mining projects safely, on time and on budget, combined with his proven expertise in complex engineering projects and environments, will be invaluable as we strengthen Donlin Gold’s execution capabilities. With the winds now at our backs, his hiring marks an important internal milestone for Donlin Gold as we continue to build on the team to help ensure full preparedness for the next steps ahead,” commented Novagold president and CEO Greg Lang.

Arcese said he was joining the project at a pivotal moment as the JV moved toward completion of a BFS.

“I am thrilled to have joined Donlin Gold at such a pivotal moment. Donlin is one of the most outstanding development-stage gold deposits in the world, and I feel privileged to contribute to the decades of diligent work that have set the stage for what has the potential to become the largest single gold mine in the US. As we advance toward a BFS, my focus will be on ensuring the technical rigour, collaboration, and disciplined planning required to position the project for a future construction decision. Alaska is a truly wonderful place to be a miner, and I am excited to start working closely with our partners, stakeholders, and local communities,” he said.

The Donlin Gold project, located in south-west Alaska, hosts about 39-million ounces of gold in the measured and indicated resource categories on a 100% basis, inclusive of reserves. According to the most recent technical studies, the proposed openpit operation is expected to produce more than one-million ounces of gold a year over a 27-year mine life once in production, making it one of the most significant undeveloped gold assets globally.