NovaGold Files Replacement Preliminary Base Shelf Prospectus

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA–(Marketwire – Dec. 16, 2011) – NovaGold Resources Inc. (TSX:NG)(NYSE Amex:NG), consistent with normal market practice, is moving to replace its current short form base shelf prospectus originally filed on December 30, 2009, and which expires on January 30, 2012. As such, it has today filed a preliminary short form base shelf prospectus with the securities commissions in each of the provinces of Canada, except Quebec, and a corresponding registration statement with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.