First Class Metals - MOU with Valereum to Explore Tokenised Funding

First Class Metals Signs Strategic MOU with Valereum to Explore Tokenised Funding for Mineral Projects

First Class Metals PLC (LSE: FCM), a UK-listed exploration company with a growing portfolio in Ontario’s premier mining districts, has entered into a strategic, non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Valereum Plc (AQSE: VLRM) to evaluate tokenised project-level funding for its mineral exploration assets.

Transforming Exploration Finance Through Blockchain Innovation

The MOU paves the way for First Class Metals and Valereum—an innovator in regulated digital asset infrastructure—to assess the application of regulated tokenisation as a mechanism to fund early-stage mineral projects. This groundbreaking initiative aims to:

• Enable non-dilutive project-level financing via SPV participation models

• Open direct access to global investors through digital tokens

• Ensure compliant, KYC/AML-verified issuance under regulated structures

• Align with ESG-driven capital trends and responsible investment mandates

• Position FCM at the forefront of the rapidly growing Real-World Asset (RWA) tokenisation market, forecast to surpass US$16 trillion by 2030

This collaboration is believed to be one of the first serious moves by a UK-listed resources company to embrace regulated tokenisation for mining finance—setting the stage for a paradigm shift in how mineral exploration is capitalised.

Leadership Commentary

James Knowles, Chairman of First Class Metals, stated:

"By partnering with Valereum, we are positioning First Class Metals at the forefront of responsible, modern exploration finance. This has the potential to reshape how mineral projects like ours are funded, developed, and ultimately delivered."

Pete Sekhon, Business Development at Valereum, added:

"This collaboration represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of both mining and blockchain. Tokenisation offers a route to unlock the value of in-ground resources in a regulated and accessible way."

Next Steps and Commitment

While the MOU remains non-binding and exploratory, it reflects FCM’s strategic commitment to preserve shareholder value and innovate within the mineral exploration sector. Project selection for potential tokenisation is currently under review, with updates expected in due course.

First Class Metals reaffirms its core focus on gold, base, and critical metals exploration, with ongoing development across its North Hemlo, Sunbeam, Zigzag, and Kerrs Gold projects in Ontario.