Johnson Tract Project

The Johnson Tract project is a polymetallic (gold, zinc, copper, silver, lead) deposit in advanced exploration. The project is operated by J T Mining Inc. (J T Mining), a subsidiary of Contango Ore Inc. The Johnson Tract project is located near tidewater, 125 miles (200 kilometers) southwest of Anchorage, Alaska. J T Mining acquired the project through a lease agreement with Cook Inlet Region, Inc. (CIRI).

The Johnson Tract covers 20,942 acres of land and is composed of two blocks: 1) the South Tract totals 11,342 acres of a fee simple land package, hosting the known J T Deposit, the existing airstrip, and camp; 2) the North Tract totals 9,600 acres of mineral estate and hosts several prospects. The Tracts are an inholding in Lake Clark National Park and the property was conveyed to CIRI under the terms of the Alaskan Native Claims Settlement Act and the Cook Inlet Land Exchange.

J T Mining is entering the advanced exploration phase to assess the development and economic potential of the J T Deposit. Plans include advancing engineering, technical studies, and permitting in support of the construction of an underground exploration drift for infill drilling to both expand and upgrade the resource, expansion of the airstrip to accommodate aircraft that can carry large equipment, and construction of an access road to a barge landing at the coast that allows for direct shipping opportunity. The locations of the proposed port site and transportation corridor within Lake Clark National Park to access the Johnson Tract are being evaluated.

Public Notice: Johnson Tract Project Amendment Request for their Reclamation Plan Approval (A20243253RPA) to begin Stage II development for proposed underground exploration.

Public Notice Start: April 3, 2026, at 8:00 AM
Public Notice End: May 4, 2026, at 5:00 PM

On April 3, 2026, the State of Alaska released documents provided by J T Mining Inc. requesting approval to amend their current Reclamation Plan to begin development of limited underground access to the Johnson Tract Deposit. Tunnelling is required to provide direct access to the mineralized zone to support year-round exploration drilling. Groundwater and pore water encountered during tunnel excavation will be managed using a dewatering pipeline that conveys water from the portal to the Rapid Infiltration Basin (RIB) where it will be discharged into pipe bedding and backfill. This amendment outlines the proposed reclamation and financial assurance requirements to meet regulatory state standards upon closure of these facilities. Closure will require the portal to be plugged and sealed to prevent groundwater seepage to the surface, removal of the dewatering pipeline from the portal, and all components of the RIB.

Public Notice with all posted associated documents can be found in the State of Alaska Online Public Notices .

Financial assurance in the amount of $726,000 has been received from J T Mining Inc.

James Hyun
Large Project Coordinator
Alaska Department of Natural Resources
Office of Project Management and Permitting
Phone: (907) 334-2185
Fax: (907) 269-5673
Email

Mail to:
550 W. 7th Ave. Suite 1430
Anchorage, AK 99501

Visit at:
550 W. 7th Ave. Suite 1430
Anchorage, AK 99501