Contango Announces Acceptance of the Johnson Tract Critical Metals Project to the Covered Projects FAST-41 Program

Core Viewpoint - Contango ORE, Inc. has successfully integrated the Johnson Tract Critical Metals Project into the FAST-41 program, which aims to enhance the federal permitting process for large infrastructure projects, ensuring improved coordination and transparency [1][2]. Group 1: Project Announcement - The Johnson Tract Critical Metals Project has been accepted as a "covered project" under the FAST-41 program as of December 1, 2025 [1]. - The President & CEO of Contango expressed gratitude to the Permitting Council and the US Army Corps of Engineers for their support in advancing the project through the permitting process [1]. Group 2: FAST-41 Program Overview - FAST-41, established in 2015, aims to streamline the federal permitting process for large infrastructure projects by increasing transparency, coordination, and accountability [2]. - The program includes a public-facing Permitting Dashboard to track projects and set public timetables for environmental reviews and authorizations [2]. - A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed on August 27, 2025, between the Permitting Council and the State of Alaska to provide federal permitting assistance through the FAST-41 program [2]. Group 3: Company Background - Contango ORE, Inc. is listed on NYSE American and focuses on the exploration of gold and associated minerals in Alaska [3]. - The company holds a 30% interest in the Peak Gold Joint Venture, which encompasses approximately 675,000 acres for exploration and development [3]. - Contango also has leases on the Johnson Tract and Lucky Shot projects, along with 100% ownership of approximately 8,600 acres of peripheral mining claims in Alaska [3].