LONDON: First Class Metals, a UK-listed mineral exploration company focused on Ontario, Canada, said Monday it has entered into a non-binding memorandum of understanding with Valereum Plc, a digital asset infrastructure firm listed on the Aquis Stock Exchange.
Under the agreement, the companies will assess the feasibility of applying regulated tokenisation to fund exploration and development across First Class Metals’ asset portfolio.
The initiative seeks to develop a compliant, ESG-aligned investment model allowing project-level funding via special purpose vehicle participation, potentially enabling global investor access without diluting shareholder value. It also aims to utilize established legal structures to issue regulatory-compliant tokens incorporating know-your-customer and anti-money-laundering standards.
Executives from both firms said the collaboration could reshape capital formation for mineral exploration by harnessing the expanding real-world asset tokenisation market, which is forecast to surpass $16 trillion by 2030.
“This bold, forward-thinking partnership positions First Class Metals at the forefront of responsible, modern exploration finance,” said Chairman James Knowles.
Valereum Business Development executive Pete Sekhon said the deal could mark a pivotal shift for mining and blockchain convergence.
Project selection is still under review. The company emphasized the MOU is exploratory and non-binding, with no guarantee of future transactions or tokenised offerings.