While U.S. Patented Land Claims offer a clear pathway for tokenization within the NatGold industry, given the presence of certified gold resources, the opportunity to obtain new Patented Land Claims was effectively closed in 1994. That year, the United States Congress enacted a moratorium that significantly restricted the issuance of new mineral patents, although it grandfathered existing claims that had fulfilled all requirements before its enactment.

To develop a truly global NatGold market, there is an urgent need for NatGold legislation that accommodates the digital mining of all certified gold resources. This legislation is critical not only at the federal and state levels in the United States but also internationally, aiming to establish a cohesive, globally recognized standard for the NatGold industry.

“Qualified Persons” (QPs) are integral to the Canadian National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101) standards for mineral project reporting. These professionals must have a minimum of five years of experience in the area of mineral exploration, mining, or project evaluation related to the deposit type and activity being reported on. Importantly, QPs are required to be members in good standing of a recognized professional association, such as the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (APEGBC), among others across Canada and internationally that uphold similar professional standards and ethical codes.

The independence of QPs is critical to maintaining the credibility of NI 43-101 reports. To ensure impartiality:

Professional Ethics and Standards: As members of reputable professional associations, QPs adhere to strict ethical codes that mandate integrity and objectivity in their assessments.

Regulatory Criteria for Independence: NI 43-101 defines clear criteria to prevent conflicts of interest, ensuring that QPs do not have a vested interest in the projects they report on, beyond their professional fees for services rendered.

Mandatory Disclosure: QPs must disclose any potential conflicts of interest in their reports, including financial interests or any relationships with the company that could be perceived as compromising their independence.These measures guarantee that mineral resource estimates and technical evaluations are conducted following the highest standards of professional conduct, offering a reliable and unbiased perspective to investors and the public.

At the International NatGold Council, maintaining good governance and a strong reputation is paramount. These principles ensure that we operate with transparency, accountability, and integrity—key to building trust among stakeholders such as industry sponsors, affiliates, partners, government legislators, and the broader community. This trust is essential for fostering collaborations and gaining regulatory and public support.

A strong reputation boosts our credibility and authority, promoting high standards within the NatGold industry. It attracts quality partnerships and encourages participation from key ESG industry players, enhancing our ability to effect positive changes and advocate for sustainable practices. Therefore, robust governance and a solid reputation are vital for advancing our mission to nurture a responsible and prosperous NatGold industry.

A NI 43-101 certified gold resource report is a comprehensive document independently prepared by “Qualified Persons” who serve as auditors of gold resource estimates, adhering to the standards set by the Canadian National Instrument 43-101 (Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects). This regulatory framework ensures that the public disclosure of scientific and technical information about the existence of gold resources is accurate, reliable, and follows consistent standards.

The report provides detailed information on a mineral project’s geology, exploration results, drilling data, and gold resource estimation. Specifically for gold, the report outlines the quantity, grade (quality), and other geological characteristics of the gold deposits within a project. It categorizes the resources into Measured, Indicated, and Inferred resources based on the level of geological certainty of the gold’s existence.

NI 43-101 certified gold resource reports are essential for investors and stakeholders in the mining industry, providing a trusted basis for investment decisions and ensuring transparency and accountability in public disclosures about mineral properties.

For the global expansion of the NatGold marketplace, ensuring NatGold mining titles can be transferred internationally to a designated NatGold tokenizer is crucial. This capability facilitates the conversion of titles into NatGold coins, significantly contributing to the growth of the NatGold ecosystem worldwide. It enables the seamless integration of gold resources from various jurisdictions into the NatGold economy, enhancing the diversity and liquidity of NatGold coins as a digital asset. International transferability supports the broader adoption and utility of NatGold, making it a truly global digital gold currency.