Non-binding MoU with First Class Metals Plc

Valereum PLC

14 July 2025

 

14/07/25

Valereum Plc

("Valereum", "VLRM" or the "Company")

Valereum Plc Announces Non-binding MoU with First Class Metals Plc (FCM)

to Explore the Tokenisation of Mineral Exploration Projects

Valereum Plc (AQSE: VLRM) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") with First Class Metals Plc ("FCM"), a UK-listed mineral exploration company focused on projects in Ontario, Canada. The MOU sets out a framework to explore the tokenisation of mineral exploration projects across FCM's portfolio.

This MOU sets out the initial intentions of both parties regarding their collaboration to explore opportunities for the application of regulated tokenisation to mineral exploration assets and projects, with a view to potentially enhancing project funding options, expanding investor access, and promoting ESG-aligned investment structures.

This collaboration, if successful aims to create a new digital pathway for asset-backed tokens, representing real-world mineral resources. The initiative aims to evaluate how blockchain technology and tokenisation may be used to enhance transparency, liquidity, and access to traditionally illiquid natural resource assets.

Under the terms of the MOU, Valereum Plc (the initiator) and FCM will work together with VLRM Markets to assess the feasibility of tokenising specific mineral interests in Canada, starting with selected assets from FCM's highly prospective land holdings. The goal is to explore a regulated and structured token framework that offers investors digital exposure to the underlying value of these mineral assets.

The initiative aims to explore a digital pathway for project-level funding that may:

-       Unlock non-dilutive capital at the asset level

-       Offer global investors exposure to high-potential mineral resources

-       Enhance market access, transparency, and liquidity for traditionally illiquid natural resource assets

-       Support ESG-aligned, responsible investment structures.

The parties believe this represents one of the first serious attempts by a UK-listed resource company to apply regulated tokenisation to the mineral exploration sector, a development that could transform how early-stage projects are financed and advanced.

Specific project selection remains under review, with further announcements to follow once assets are formally identified.

Unlocking global market potential in Mineral Projects

Tokenisation of real-world assets is a rapidly expanding global market, forecast to exceed US$16 trillion by 2030^[1], with commodities such as gold and critical minerals expected to be at the forefront of this growth. Simultaneously, demand for sustainable, responsible, transparent exposure to resource projects is accelerating, with ESG-focused investment forecast to surpass US$40 trillion over the same period.^[2]

By applying tokenisation to mineral exploration projects, Valereum, First Class Metals and VLRM Markets aim to be at the forefront of these global trends, creating an innovative, market-leading structure that enhances access to resource sector investment and transforms the capital-raising landscape for exploration companies.

Pete Sekhon, Business Development, commented:

"I have known James for a number of years, and when this opportunity presented itself, it made sense on so many levels. We are excited about exploring what can be done together. I believe this collaboration is a pivotal moment in the evolution of both mining and blockchain. Bringing together Valereum's expertise in digital assets with FCM's high-quality exploration portfolio in Canada opens the door to a new era of capital markets access for mining. Tokenisation offers a route to release the value of mineral exploration projects in a regulated and accessible way."

James Knowles, Chairman of First Class Metals, commented:

"This collaboration represents a bold, forward-thinking approach to unlocking the value ofour highly prospective portfolio, while preserving shareholder value at the PLC level. By partnering with Valereum Plc, a recognised innovator in regulated digital assets, 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".

For more information, and the chance to have your questions directly answered, please head to our interactive investor hub via: Investor Hub.

For further information, please contact:

Valereum Plc Peter Sekhon, Investor Relations / Business Development Manager Engage with the company directly	Tel: [phone]  Investor Hub
Fortified Securities Guy Wheatley	Tel: [phone]
AQSE Corporate Adviser    First Sentinel Corporate Finance     Brian Stockbridge	Tel: [phone]

The Directors of the Company accept responsibility for the contents of this announcement.

For more information, please visit the Company's website at www.vlrm.com or to engage with the Valereum Plc management team:

Navigate to our Interactive Investor
hub here: Sign Up

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^[1] https://medium.com/predict/tokenizing-real-world-assets-how-to-unlock-16-trillion-in-opportunity-by-2030-37ca23479c4a

^[2] https://www.bloomberg.com/company/press/global-esg-assets-predicted-to-hit-40-trillion-by-2030-despite-challenging-environment-forecasts-bloomberg-intelligence/

 

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