Technical Corner4

Face to Face2

Opportunities5

Safety3

ProjeCt UPdateMarCh 2011

doNLIN CreeK PreSeNtS ProjeCt UPdateS at CaLISta SharehoLder MeetINGS

History5

Throughout February, Donlin Creek has been attending Calista Shareholder meetings in the Yukon Kuskokwim region as part of our continuing effort to give the people of the region an update on the project and to answer all questions and concerns. Meetings will continue through March.

Donlin Creek is providing food and door prizes for those who attend and a Yup’ik translator will be present at most meetings. Donlin Creek encourages all families to attend an upcoming meeting. Community input will help us build a safe and responsible project.

February MeeTingSNapaskiak: February 3, 12:00-4:00 pmNapakiak: February 4, 12:00-4:00 pmKwethluk: February 10, 12:00-4:00 pmAkiak: February 11, 12:00- 4:00 pmAniak: February 14, 12:00 4:00 pmChuathbaluk: February 15, 12:00-4:00 pmKalsags: February 16, 12:00-4:00 pm (cancelled due to weather)Bethel: February 18th 4:00-8:00 pm

MarCH MeeTingSAtmautluak: March 8, 12:00-4:00 pmNunapitchuk: March 9, 12:00-4:00 pmChefornak: March 10, 12:00-4:00 pmTuntutuliak: March 15, 12:00-4:00 pmEek: March 16, 12:00-4:00 pmQuinhagok: March 17, 12:00-4:00 pmSt. Mary’s: March 29, 12:00-4:00 pmMountain Village: March 30, 12:00-4:00 pmRussian Mission: March 31, 12:00-4:00 pm

april MeeTingSCrooked Creek: April 1, 12:00-4:00 pm

Donlin Creek is attending Calista Shareholder meetings throughout the Yukon Kuskokwim region.

2

with Stan FooFace to Face

permit applications submitted permit decision

timel ine

oNGoING MINe SIte aNd Water MoNItorING

Up to 5 jobs

MINe CLoSUre aNd

reCLaMatIoN

Up to 22 jobs

Agencies define the scope of the NEPA process.

The findings of NEPA processes

are drafted.

The final NEPA findings are submitted.

nepa process - 3+ years REgioNAl AND TRiBAl CoNSUlTATioN wiTh STATE

AND FEDERAl REgUlAToRY AgENCiESNational Environmental Policy Act will require an

Environmental impact StatementThere will be opportunities for formal public comment

during the NEPA process.

oPeratIoN

600 to 1,000 jobs 25+ years

CoNStrUCtIoN

Up to 3,000 jobs 3-4 Years

continuing exploration

The proposed project is defined by

Donlin Creek llC.

gas Pipeline Studies are conducted.

Feasibility Studies are conducted.

Donlin is

here

16 years of exploration and environmental studies

on February 24, as allowed in the Donlin llC partners’ agreement, Barrick elected to appoint a new general Manager to the project, replacing Doug Nicholson. As Doug’s replacement, i am both humbled and excited to be rejoining the Donlin Creek team and i look forward to becoming reacquainted with the people of the Yukon Kuskokwim region.

The Donlin Board and i are thankful for Doug’s dedication and loyalty to the project and the team, as well as the great strides made under his direction. we wish him well in his future endeavors.

As we enter 2011, one of our biggest goals is to complete our updated feasibility study. This study will objectively identify all of the technical and environmental parameters and processes required by the project, as well as the project economics. A decision on whether to submit permit applications will be made based on this updated study. There are numerous state and federal regulatory agencies involved in the permitting process for large mines. we hope to begin permitting later this year, which is a process that will take three or more years to complete. There will be numerous opportunities for public comment during the permitting process and we encourage you to participate.

over the past few years, the Donlin team has conducted hundreds of scientific and engineering studies to evaluate the project and the surrounding lands and waterways. This year we will be conducting additional environmental studies, firming up river port locations and identifying the costs to construct and operate a natural gas pipeline running from Cook inlet that would help supply a clean source of power to the project.

our years of research and the ongoing studies will allow us to answer the essential questions of how to build a mining project that will enrich the lives of those living in the Yukon Kuskokwim region in an environmentally responsible way.

This February and March we have been conducting project update briefings at 18 villages in the region during Calista Shareholder Meetings. we hope you can join us so we can answer any questions you have. Your active participation is an important part of the planning process.

it is great to be back with the Donlin team. we look forward to seeing you soon.

Stan Foo general Manager Donlin Creek llC

Feasibility stuDy incluDes:• Technical design of

all facilities

• Required manpower, machinery and heavy equipment

• Costs and economics to build and operate

• Environmental permitting and compliance requirements

• Construction and production schedules

Safety

CoLd Weather ProteCtIoNProtecting ourselves from the extreme impacts of cold weather is very important.

Cold temperatures can severely damage any exposed skin, and lower our core body temperature if we are not dressed appropriately for the outdoors.

FroStbIteFrostbite happens when flesh becomes frozen. the skin will look white, feel hard and cold, and will no longer have any pain sensation. If you think you may have frostbite, you need to seek medical attention immediately.

TipS FOr COld WeaTHer prOTeCTiOn• Dress in loose layers that can easily

be removed if you get too hot.

• Use wool or synthetic clothing such as polyester. Do not wear cotton.

• Protect commonly exposed parts of the body including: ears, face, hands and feet.

hyPotherMIahypothermia occurs when our body’s core temperature lowers to less than 95 °F and it can be fatal. once our bodies become this cold, our bodily functions begin to shut down, including our brain.

TipS FOr prevenTing HypOTHerMia• Dress in layers. Your outer layer

should be wind and water-resistant. Your inner layers should consist of wool or synthetic fabrics.

• Keep your body fueled with high carbohydrate foods, and drink water; plenty of water helps your body turn calories into heat.

Victims of hypothermia often can’t care for themselves so it’s important for people in their group to be aware of the signs and treatment methods. Signs of having hypothermia include: intense shivering, fatigue, stumbling, slurred speech and irrationality.

TipS FOr TreaTing HypOTHerMia• Shelter the victim from wind

and weather.

• Remove any wet clothing and replace with dry clothes or a sleeping bag.

• If the victim is alert, give them warm liquids and food.

• Handle the victim gently. Rough handling can cause a heart attack.

• For advanced hypothermia, get medical help immediately.

it’s important to protect yourself, family and friends from the cold this winter, and it all starts with prevention. Donlin Creek encourages everyone to have warm and safe winter outings.

Information extracted from: http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/safety/wintcold.htm.

3

Stan Peters, Shop Foreman, at the Donlin Creek Camp.

Donlin Creek camp under snow.

4

Technical Corner

Researchers place gold on DNA strands to study the hybrid genetic material of cells.

Commercial airplanes rely on gold-bonded compressor vanes to cool their turbines.

ModerN day USeS oF GoLdThousands of years ago, our ancestors cherished gold for its mystical qualities, believing it warded off evil spirits and healed the sick. Since this time, it has been a highly sought-after precious metal for coinage, jewelry, and other arts.

Now in the 21st Century, non-toxic and biologically benign gold is used in modern medicine to help us live longer, healthier lives. with a reserve estimate at more than 33 million ounces of gold, the Donlin Creek mine could greatly support all of the different mediums in which gold is used.

MediCinal uSeS• With gold-plated interiors,

lasers give off a more focused beam, helping save the lives of heart patients suffering from once-inoperable heart conditions and tumors.

• Gold-plated thermometers give accurate body temperatures of newborns and unconscious patients.

• Biochemists use gold to bond with complex and compound materials such as proteins to create needed drugs.

• Researchers place gold on DNA strands to study the hybrid genetic material of cells.

an everyday liFeSaveroutside the world of medicine, gold is at work, usually unseen, helping make people’s lives safer.

• In cars, airbags depend on gold-coated contacts and electronic sensors for reliability, saving hundreds of thousands of lives in the past 15 years.

• In the air, commercial airplanes rely on gold-bonded compressor vanes to cool their turbines from exhaust that can reach up to 1150°F.

• At work, gold-coated infrared equipment is used to detect a dangerous build-up of carbon monoxide and other air pollutants.

• Below ground, miners rely on gold-activated sensors to warn of low levels of oxygen and trigger an automatic replenishment in seconds.

uSeS in glObal COMMuniCaTiOnSSince the first basic computer, gold has been at the frontline of digital technologies. Today’s information Age is dependent on gold, making possible the free exchange of ideas from every corner of the world.

• Computers, the heart of the digital revolution, depend on gold circuitry.

• Electronics and telecommunications equipment count on gold for reliable performance, as it does not corrode in normal atmospheric conditions.

• Trading in securities and other financial instruments depends on gold for static-free transmissions worth billions of dollars.

• National security is aided through the major role gold plays guaranteeing the reliability of sophisticated electronic monitoring and communications.

looking at gold consumption on a global level, China is now the leading producer of gold, while india is the world’s largest consumer of gold.

Article Extracted from Barrick Website: http://www.barrick.com/Investors/AboutGold/HowGoldisUsed/default.aspx.

Telecommunications equipment counts on gold for reliable performance, as it does not corrode in normal atmospheric conditions.

5

Opportunities

History

Recognizing her strong commitment and involvement in the community of Bethel, Environmental Specialist Tisha woolley is the recipient of Barrick‘s Corporate Social Responsibility Champion award.

For the past three years, Tisha has organized the “great Clothes giveaway,” a winter clothing drive that generates 20 to 30 large boxes of items for low-income school children in the Bethel region annually.

Throughout the year, Tisha collects unwanted winter gear such as hats, coats, boots, and scarves from numerous schools in the Anchorage area. She then coordinates with Anchorage-based Donlin employees to have the items washed and sorted.

in September, just when temperatures begin to drop, the clothes are shipped to Bethel and passed out at the school.

Joshua gill, the Principal of Mikeinguut Elitnaurviat Elementary School, said this year they had the

largest community response ever for the clothing drive, with families lined up outside the door.

“Many who came were folks that could really benefit from the giveaway,” said gill. “in less than an hour all but a few items were left.”

By volunteering her time and motivating others to volunteer, the only small cost associated with the project is shipping charges.

Tisha’s coworkers are thankful for her volunteer efforts, which help build a positive identity for Donlin Creek in the community and encourages other employees to get involved.

“Tisha has made all of us at Donlin a bit more socially responsible by providing children in the Bethel area with clothing they otherwise would not have,” said Donlin Accounting Supervisor Jan Montgomery.

Tisha, who has strong family ties to Bethel, was the first professional

employee of Yup’ik Eskimo descent hired by the Donlin Creek project.

“Tisha’s work ethic, along with her selfless commitment to the community makes her a fine member of the Donlin Creek team,” wrote former Donlin Creek President and general Manager Doug Nicholson.

while expanding her commitment of stabilizing the environment to stabilizing a community, Donlin Creek is proud Tisha was selected for the CSR award, recognizing her leadership and commitment to bettering the community of Bethel.

doNLIN eMPLoyee reCoGNIzed For WarMING the heartS oF otherS

Tisha woolley traveled to Nevada in mid-January to receive her Barrick CSR Champion award.

Battling blizzards, whiteouts and wind-chill temperatures up to -80°F every January some of the world’s most experienced mushers gather in Bethel to compete in the Kuskokwim 300. The 300-mile sled dog race from Bethel to Aniak and back is a real test of strength, especially for the mushers who go on to compete in the iditarod six weeks later.

The race trail passes through the six Yup’ik Eskimo villages of Kwethluk, Akiachak, Akiak, Tuluksak and Upper and lower Kalskag.

hIStory: THe KuSKOKWiM 300

continued on page 6

POstal custOMeR

prst StandarduS postage

PAiDpermit no. 630anchorage, aK

eCrWSS

(888) 225-7590 www.donlincreek.com

6

Material rejected from a mill after most of the recoverable valuable minerals have been extracted. At the Donlin Creek mine, wet tailings resembling silt would be left over from the milling process. An engineered dam with a synthetic liner would be built to contain the tailings and protect it from seepage. The dam would be able to withstand strong earthquakes. The ultimate size of the tailings storage facility would be about 1.75 miles long by 1 mile wide. over time, the tailings compact to a clay-like consistency. The thin layer of water covering the tailings would be removed and rocks, soil and natural vegetation would be placed on top to reclaim the area.

Mining vOcabulaRy: tailings

long before snowmachines and telephones arrived, residents in the Kuskokwim Delta region communicated by mail, which was delivered by dog sled. An official monthly mail route between Bethel and holy Cross was started in 1906. The Kuskokwim 300 was started in 1980 to commemorate this early mail route.

During the summer of 1979, Bethel mushers gathered at the home of iditarod veteran Myron Angstman to discuss the possibility of hosting a mid-distance dog race. Angstman thought

a race not quite as long as the iditarod could be put together in the Yukon Kuskokwim Delta region. Angstman, Beverly hoffman and John McDonald were among the early organizers of the first Kuskokwim 300.

At the start of the 1980 inaugural race, low temperatures and blizzard conditions forced the wind-chill factor to -100°F for the first 36 hours. But that didn’t keep 17 mushers from starting and finishing the first K300. Rick Swenson finished in first place with a time just over 71 hours, winning $3,500.

This year’s race was a close one with musher Mike williams Jr. finishing in second place just one minute behind musher Paul gebhardt. williams Jr. will be competing in this year’s iditarod with the sponsorship of Donlin Creek.

Donlin Creek is also a proud sponsor of the Kuskokwim 300 and iditarod; two amazing races that help keep tradition and culture alive in Southwest Alaska.

Race history extracted from: http://www.k300.org/core/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/history-of-the-kuskokwim-3001.pdf.

hIStory: THe KuSKOKWiM 300continued FRoM page 5