ADVOCACY

Donlin Gold

Community Relations & Stakeholder Engagement

Introduction - The Why

Donlin Gold is advancing one of the world’s largest undeveloped gold deposits, located in a remote region of southwest Alaska. The project has the potential to bring significant economic opportunity to the region, but with that potential comes the responsibility to communicate clearly and transparently with a wide range of stakeholders — from Alaska Native leaders and rural residents to state officials, business partners, and an interested public.

The company turned to Blueprint for support in designing and delivering messaging that resonates across diverse audiences, builds trust, and supports meaningful dialogue.

Two people, a man and a woman, standing in a grassy area near a river, having a conversation. The man is wearing a red waterproof suit and a brown cap, holding a device with a cord. The woman is wearing a beige chest wader and glasses, with her hands on her hips, engaging in the conversation.

The Approach

Thompson & Co. supports Donlin Gold’s community relations and stakeholder engagement efforts by creating public-facing materials that make complex project details digestible and accessible. From crafting plain-language messaging to developing visually compelling graphics, our work ensures that information is not only accurate, but also understandable and useful to the people most affected by the project.

Recognizing that stakeholders consume information in different ways, T&C also bolsters Donlin Gold’s digital presence through a comprehensive social media plan. This extends the company’s reach, strengthens its transparency, and reinforces consistent messaging across platforms.

A man in a safety vest giving a presentation to several seated individuals inside a tent-like structure. A screen displays a slide with a photo and the word 'Comments.' There are construction helmets on a table at the front, and the room has windows and a fire escape sign.

Tactics & Execution

Messaging support: Translate technical project details into plain-language content that resonates with local communities and stakeholders.

Graphic design: Create visuals that simplify complex topics and enhance understanding.
Community materials: Develop presentations, newsletters, fact sheets, and handouts for use at town halls, industry events, conventions, and government/official visits.
Stakeholder engagement tools: Support Donlin Gold with tailored content for community meetings, events, and regional gatherings, ensuring messages are clear, accessible, and culturally respectful.
Robust social media presence: Manage and grow Donlin Gold’s digital channels with consistent, accessible content, highlighting community partnerships, sharing educational resources, and promoting transparency

Two construction workers, a man and a woman, are talking on a construction site, both wearing safety vests. The woman holds a walkie-talkie and wears a white hard hat, while the man wears sunglasses, a historian black hard hat, and a gray hoodie.

Results & Conclusion

Through ongoing collaboration, Blueprint helps Donlin Gold sustain trust-based relationships with stakeholders across Alaska. Our communications products provide clarity on a highly technical project, making it easier for communities, officials, and partners to understand and engage with the company’s plans.

Two construction workers wearing safety helmets and reflective vests working together on a ladder.