NovaGold Resources Inc. On Track To Complete NovaCopper Spin-Out On April 30

NovaGold Resources Inc. announced that it will be implementing the previously approved spin-off of NovaCopper Inc. on schedule and as planned, April 30, 2012 to NovaGold shareholders of record as of the close of business on April 27, 2012. NovaGold expects that a 'when-issued' public trading market for NovaCopper common shares will commence on both the Toronto Stock Exchange ('TSX') and the NYSE Amex LLC ('NYSE-AMEX') on or after April 25, 2012 under the symbols NCQ and NCQ WI, respectively, and will continue through to the date that NovaCopper Shares are distributed, which will take place during the day on April 30, 2012. Therefore, no action is required by NovaGold shareholders in order to receive shares of NovaCopper, and NovaGold shareholders will retain their NovaGold share certificates. Shareholders entitled to receive NovaCopper shares will receive a book-entry account statement or share certificate reflecting their ownership of NovaCopper shares, or their brokerage account will be credited with the shares. Beginning on or after April 25, 2012, and through the Distribution Date, it is expected that there will be two ways to trade NovaGold common shares - either with or without the right to receive shares of NovaCopper.