Mr. Hill wrote in a note that, We believe the Galore shut-in fundamentally impairs NovaGold, and derails an investment thesis based on ‘de-risking’ in-ground resource value through achieving development milestones.
He expects the company to face pressure for strategic change and suggested Barrick Gold Corp. could revive its failed takeover offer.
NovaGold has a 50/50 joint venture with Barrick at the Donlin Creek gold project in Alaska, considered - one of the world’s largest gold deposits.
When asked if he was now worried about a takeover, on Monday NovaGold CEO Rick Van Nieuwenhuyse told the Financial Post, “We think we’ve made the right decision here looking at the long-term interest of our shareholders, and I don’t think that’s a reason to speculate on what might happen in the M&A world.”