Definitive Kerrs Agreement Executed
First Class Metals PLC has executed a binding Site Programme and Alternative Land Use Rights Agreement with nGRND Inc. for its Kerrs Gold project, which will provide a non-diluting funding stream while FCM retains full ownership of the mineral title and future exploration upside. This agreement is expected to be transformational, supporting exploration objectives across the portfolio and maintaining exposure to future resource growth at Kerrs, with closing anticipated before the end of June 2026.
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First Class Metals PLC (LSE:FCM), ("First Class Metals", "FCM" or the "Company"), a UK-listed gold exploration company with assets in Ontario, Canada, is pleased to provide the following update regarding the proposed monetisation of one of its assets, originally announced on 5 June 2025.
As announced on that date, the Company entered into a non-binding Letter of Intent ("LOI") in relation to the proposed monetisation of one of its Ontario gold assets. The Company now confirms that it has executed a definitive Site Programme and Alternative Land Use Rights Agreement (the "Agreement") in respect of the Kerrs Gold project, 100% owned by FCM, with nGRND Inc.
Highlights
- FCM has entered into a binding agreement to monetise assets on the Kerrs property
- The agreement will provide a (non-diluting) funding stream
- FCM retains full ownership of the Kerrs Gold project and all underlying mineral title.
- No disposal of the underlying mineral asset.
- Additional upside retained by FCM through future exploration success and future resource upgrades.
The legally binding Agreement establishes an innovative long-term monetisation framework linked to the Kerrs NI 43-101 gold resource, while importantly preserving FCM's ownership of the underlying mineral title and future exploration upside.
Commercial terms have been agreed and are outlined in the Agreement and the payment schedule will be announced on closing which is anticipated before the end of June 2026.
The successful implementation of the programme provides the Company with access to an additional source of non-dilutive funding. Management firmly believes the transaction has the potential to be transformational for First Class Metals, supporting the advancement of its exploration objectives across the portfolio, while maintaining full exposure to future resource growth at Kerrs.
Marc J Sale, CEO of First Class Metals PLC, commented:
"The proceeds from the successful implementation of this deal will materially strengthen the Company's stature as a leading, innovative exploration company.
The enhanced balance sheet will provide the flexibility to advance our exploration plans not only at Kerrs but across the Company's portfolio. In particular, and specifically it will enable us to maintain increased level of exploration at Sunbeam. This momentum in the exploration effort has already commenced on the back of the recent placement.
The resource review of Kerrs with an aim of expanding both the resource based on the higher gold price as well as identifying zones where it might be possible to increase the confidence level has been reinitiated. Progress will be reported as and when."
FCM acquired the Zigzag Project near Armstrong, Ontario in March 2023. The property features Li-Ta-bearing pegmatites in the same belt as Green Technology Metals' Seymour Lake Project, which contains a Mineral Resource estimate of 9.9 Mt @ 1.04% Li2O. Zigzag was successfully drilled prior to Christmas 2023.
The Kerrs Gold property, acquired under option by First Class Metals in April 2024, is located in northeastern Ontario within the Abitibi Greenstone Belt, one of the world's most prolific gold-producing regions. The project holds a historical inferred resource of approximately 386,000 ounces of gold, underscoring its potential as a meaningful addition to FCM's expanding gold portfolio. Kerrs Gold complements the Company's exploration strategy and provides exposure to a well-established mining district. FCM is currently reviewing plans to advance the project and further unlock its value.
Cleaned text: letterheads, contacts and legal notices removed. View the original announcement ↗ · Company filings. Not investment advice.