#United States #Chicago #Digital Assets #I-ON Digital Corp #gold claims

I-ON Digital Corp. Expands Its Gold Claims Portfolio in the U.S.

In a major move signaling its growth in the financial technology sector, I-ON Digital Corp. (OTCQB: IONI) has announced its acquisition of rights to 20 Bureau of Land Management (BLM) gold mining claims situated in the southwestern region of the United States. This strategic acquisition marks a pivotal expansion of the company’s already promising gold claims pipeline and bolsters I-ON's goal of establishing a robust digital asset infrastructure anchored in verified ownership of gold-bearing mineral assets.

The Purchase and Assumption Agreement is fully financed, relying on a blend of cash, Seller Financing, treasury-held IONau, and the issuance of I-ON common stock. The initial funding under this deal is planned to be executed in collaboration with Real Asset Acquisition Corp, highlighting the strategic partnerships that are essential for I-ON's growth trajectory. The acquisition is expected to significantly increase the number of mineral assets eligible for onboarding into its digital framework, which is part of a broader strategy to enhance the company's ecosystem of real-world assets.

I-ON's management team is optimistic that this acquisition will pave the way for the development of site-specific mineral processing, recovery, and storage capabilities in the future. This initiative is believed to maximize the long-term utility of the mineral assets acquired. Moreover, it opens new avenues for reserve monetization and further digitization efforts, which align with I-ON's overarching strategy of growth and innovation.

Currently, the company is in advanced stages of verification and diligence. Although the final geological review and reserve validation are still in progress, the substantial completion of I-ON's proprietary onboarding and verification processes by the Seller has enabled the company to progress through critical compliances efficiently. This advanced state of review minimizes execution risks and positions I-ON favorably for a smooth closing process targeted for the third quarter of 2026.

Beyond the acquisition of these claims, the agreement facilitates a joint venture option over additional mineral claims held by the Seller. This provision creates a structured pathway for future reserve expansions, allowing I-ON to consolidate its asset base without the complexities of renegotiating mineral rights on an individual claim basis.

Carlos Montoya, the CEO of I-ON Digital Corp., expressed his enthusiasm about this acquisition, stating, "This transaction reflects the continued execution of our long-term strategy to build a scalable pipeline of institutional-quality mineral assets for digitization and future financial innovation. By integrating a systematic reserve acquisition strategy with stringent onboarding and verification methods, we are establishing a distinct platform for real-world asset digitization. With financing secured and significant onboarding milestones achieved, this acquisition is a vital step toward further expanding our portfolio of digitization-eligible assets and enhancing our relationships with both individual and institutional clients."

Transaction Highlights

• - Binding Purchase and Assumption Agreement for 20 BLM gold mining claims.
• - Acquisition funded through cash, Seller Finance, IONau, and I-ON common stock.
• - Full funding sources secured, awaiting standard due diligence and closing conditions.
• - Accelerated escrow timeline due to completed onboarding and verification processes.
• - Anticipated closing of the acquisition and onboarding by Q3 2026.
• - Joint venture option in place for additional claims, ensuring pathways for future expansion.

I-ON Digital Corp. remains focused on innovating within the financial technology realm, with this acquisition aligning with the company's mission to digitize and tokenize assets across various sectors. As the landscape for digital financial instruments evolves, I-ON's strategic steps promise not only to enhance its portfolio but also to lay the groundwork for future iterations of asset digitization and management.