Partnerships

Who Is Doyon Limited?

Doyon, Limited is one of the largest Alaska Native Regional Corporations, representing over 20,000 shareholders and covering 12.5 million acres in Alaska’s Interior, making it the largest private landholder in the state. Established under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) of 1971, Doyon operates across various industries, including natural resource development, tourism, oilfield services, and government contracting, with a 20-year history of mineral, oil, and gas exploration agreements. The corporation is dedicated to responsible land stewardship, economic development, and long-term value creation for its shareholders while preserving Alaska Native culture and traditions.

Tectonic & Doyon Milestone Partnership

Flat consists of 92,160 acres of Native-owned land belonging to Doyon, Limited, one of Alaska’s largest Native Regional Corporations and private landholders. Doyon and Tectonic have formed a mutually beneficial mineral lease property agreement covering all aspects of exploration through to production, including royalties and ESG provisions. The resulting agreement aligns the interests and expectations of both parties involved, reduces risk, and creates a process that can advance a project from discovery through development and production to final reclamation.  

The mineral lease agreement between Tectonic and Doyon (the “Agreement”) grants Tectonic a 100% interest in the Flat property.  In line with Tectonic’s business model and risk management strategy, the Agreement covers all aspects of exploration, development, production, reclamation and royalties. Read more

Doyon is a Leader in Advancing & Developing Alaska’s Natural Resources: “The Beast”

Doyon supports responsible resource development that delivers long-term value to Alaska Native communities. A standout example is Rig 26, the largest land-based extended-reach drilling (ERD) rig in North America. Developed in partnership with ConocoPhillips, this 9.5-million-pound rig (nicknamed “The Beast”) was transported over 2,400 miles from Nisku, Alberta to Alaska’s North Slope in 2020.

Rig 26 is capable of drilling more than 35,000 feet and accessing up to 154 square miles from a single pad, nearly three times the reach of conventional rigs. Since its deployment, Rig 26 has set a North American record by drilling 35,526 feet and helped deliver first oil from the Fiord West Kuparuk reservoir, all while reducing environmental impact and generating long-term economic benefits for Doyon shareholders.

The partnership established between Doyon and Tectonic Metals exemplifies a meaningful and values-driven approach to Indigenous–industry partnership in resource development. Together, the two have established production and impact benefit agreements that lay the foundation for a values-based partnership. These agreements are designed to ensure that if a mine is developed, it will deliver long-term, shared benefits for both Doyon shareholders and Tectonic stakeholders.

This approach follows in the footsteps of successful models such as the Red Dog Mine, a collaboration between Teck Resources and the NANA Regional Corporation. Since 1989, NANA has received over $2.4 billion in royalties, with approximately $1.5 billion redistributed to other Alaska Native villages and regional corporations through the 7(i) revenue-sharing provision; demonstrating the lasting value that can be created through strong Indigenous partnerships.

Figure Caption: Doyon 26 is nicknamed “The Beast” for a reason. This 9.5-million-pound rig is among the largest mobile land rigs in North America, capable of reaching 154 square miles of reservoir. Source: Conoco Phillips

 

Values in Action

Tectonic Metals Supports Alaska’s Next Generation of Geoscientists

Since 2018, Tectonic Metals has proudly partnered with the Doyon Foundation to fund scholarships that support Alaska Native students pursuing careers in natural resources. Our contributions directly support non-degree-seeking students through the Level Up Scholarship and help fund the Foundation’s natural resources competitive award.

We are especially proud to support GEOFORCE Alaska, a transformative outreach program at the University of Alaska Fairbanks that introduces rural high school students from the North Slope, Northwest Arctic, and Interior regions to the world of geoscience. Students join the program in 8th or 9th grade and embark on a four-year journey that includes summer geology academies in places like Denali National Park, the Grand Canyon, and Yellowstone. The goal: to spark and sustain interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, boost high school graduation rates, and build a more diverse, homegrown technical workforce in Alaska.

With an annual operating budget of approximately $225,000, GEOFORCE Alaska is made possible through gifts and sponsorships. Tectonic is proud to contribute financially and to champion programs that shape the future of Alaska’s resource sector by investing in the next generation of leaders.

Geology students at Spencer Glacier, Alaska. Tectonic supports Doyon and GeoForce by funding 15 rural kids from Doyon villages to learn about geology. Participants attend the program each summer they are in high school with the University of Alaska Fairbanks and travel to a different location and state to learn geology. Today’s students are tomorrow’s geologists, and Tectonic is proud to support their learning journey!

From Classrooms to Courts: Supporting Alaska’s Youth

In addition to supporting educational programs, Tectonic is proud to back youth sports in the communities where we work. We sponsor the Lady Warriors basketball team from Walter Northway School in Alaska, recognizing the important role athletics play in fostering confidence, leadership, and community spirit among young people.

Tectonic believes that responsible mineral exploration and development should directly and indirectly benefit the communities in which we operate. We continuously evaluate our efforts to improve and enhance our social performance. We recognize that maintaining a high standard of social responsibility is essential to earning our social license, strengthening stakeholder relationships, and managing risk effectively.

Tectonic Metals is a proud sponsor of the Lady Warriors basketball team from the Walter Northway School in Alaska.

FOOTNOTE:
*Donlin 2021 NI 43-101 Technical Report. Tonnage: 541,337kt at 2.24g/t Au. Measured & Indicated: 39,007koz Au. Assuming an average recovery of 89.5% and average 5% grade of 1.07, the marginal gold cut-off grade is 0.47 g/t. Gold price of $1,200/oz is assumed.