[4] On July 20, 2021, the Alaska Department of Natural Resources granted Donlin Gold the right to lease state land to build a pipeline that will power its mine.

[11] According to the Yukon-Kuskokwim Region's Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2018–2013 report (187 pages) prepared for the United States Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration and published in July 2018, a potential Donlin gold mine could bring new employment opportunities and new infrastructure investment that could help lower energy and transportation costs.

If the project moves forward, initial construction will require 3,000 workers and a $300 million payroll; normal production will require 800-1,200 workers and a $100 million annual payroll; infrastructure would include a port in Bethel, a small river port, a camp, a timber mill, a natural gas pipeline and a fiber optic cable.

[14] One main concern, voiced in the public comment section of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) issued by Donlin Gold Project, is that it may exceed Alaska's water and air quality regulations.

[17] The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation said its clean water certificate is "supported by a reasonable basis in law and substantial evidence in the record."