First Samples of HPQ Produced Commercial Grade Fumed Silica Delivered to Third Party


MONTREAL, Aug. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HPQ Silicon Inc. (“HPQ” or the “Company”) (TSX-V: HPQ) (OTCQB: HPQFF) (FRA: O08), a technology company specializing in green engineering processes for silica and silicon material production is pleased to provide shareholders with an update on an ongoing third-party commercial validation of HPQ produced Fumed Silica samples.

The sample material was produced by the Fumed Silica Reactor ('FSR'), which is currently a standalone project under HPQ’s wholly-owned subsidiary, HPQ Silica Polvere Inc. ('HPQ Polvere'), in partnership with PyroGenesis Canada Inc. (TSX: PYR) (NASDAQ: PYR) (FRA: 8PY) (“Pyrogenesis”) as technology and plasma expertise partner.

PRODUCING AT LAB-SCALE COMMERCIAL GRADE FUMED SILICA

By using a lab-scaled model of HPQ Polvere’s proprietary Fumed Silica Reactor ('FSR') technology, PyroGenesis was successful in producing fumed silica. Preliminary tests and examination confirm that the produced material has the structural characteristics similar to commercially available fumed silica.

This milestone signifies that HPQ Polvere has the only technology capable of using raw quartz (SiO2) as feedstock to produce commercial grade fumed silica—in one step.

IMAGES OF MATERIAL UNVEILED
HPQ SILICON FSR Produced Fumed Silica samples

THIRD-PARTY TESTING OF HPQ POLVERE FSR PRODUCED FUMED SILICA UNDERWAY

Currently, a first batch samples of this material was shipped, received, and is already undergoing material quality evaluation by a third party under a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). We are also engaged in active conversations with another party on the signing of an NDA and the subsequent shipment of samples.

Third-party interests in our produced material have the potential to develop into partnership in our venture which could materialize in the form of offtake agreements, positioning them as prospective buyers of our material on commercial scale,” said Mr. Bernard Tourillon, President and CEO of HPQ Silica Polvere Inc and HPQ Silicon Inc. “Furthermore, this evaluation phase could extend to encompass our innovative production process, piquing their interest in adopting our technology as well.”

HPQ POLVERE FUMED SILICA INITIATIVE - FROM LAB-SCALE TO COMMERCIAL SCALE

Fumed silica, also known as Pyrogenic Silica, is a fine white powder characterized by its high surface area and low bulk density.

This is precisely where HPQ Polvere's strategy comes into play. By establishing a scalable production capability for fumed silica, ranging from 250 tonnes per year (TPY) to 2,500 TPY, we are well-aligned with both current and future market dynamics.

We are committed to a diligent expansion of our Fumed Silica production capacity. Currently, at 50 kg per year at lab scale, we aim to achieve 50 TPY within 12 months and subsequently exceed 250 TPY per reactor within the next 36 months.

FUMED SILICA: BACKGROUND AND GLOBAL MARKET

Fumed Silica is a crucial material used in various industries due to its unique properties. Its commercial applications encompass various industries including personal care, pharmaceuticals, agriculture (food & feed), adhesives, sealants, construction, batteries gel, automotive and more.

Worldwide demand for fumed silica in 2017 was 317,000 tonnes (t) worth US$ 1.6 Billion (B). The market was estimated to grow at 6% CAGR and reach an estimated volume of 424,300 t, worth about US $ 2.2 B in 2022 [1].

HPQ Polvere holds a distinctive competitive edge through its Fumed Silica Reactor. This advantage stems from our ability to directly transform quartz into fumed silica, resulting in energy requirements as low as 15,000 kWh per tonne produced [2]. This process not only enhances efficiency but also minimizes environmental impact and associated carbon taxes [3].

In contrast, conventional manufacturing processes for fumed silica depend on 2N purity Silicon Metal (Si) as feedstock. These processes entail substantial CO2 emissions, intricate procedures, and high energy consumption (approximately 115,000 kWh per tonne produced). Moreover, they give rise to hazardous by-products like Hydrogen Chloride Gas (HCl) [4].

“As our process gains more industry visibility, HPQ Silica Polvere anticipates significant interest in fumed silica production technology, benefiting both the Company and the industries that rely on this essential material, and this should lead in increase demand for samples from third parties eager to evaluate the characteristics of our material for the own needs,” added Mr. Tourillon.

REFERENCE SOURCES

[1]        Worldwide Sales data from MarketsandMarkets 2017 "fumed silica market – global forecast to 2022” page 70.

[2]        PyroGenesis Canada Inc.

[3]        HPQ Silicon Inc July 13, 2023, release.

[4]      Barthel, H., Rösch, L., & Weis, J. (2005). Fumed silica‐production, properties, and applications. Organosilicon Chemistry Set: From Molecules to Materials, 761-778.

About PyroGenesis Canada Inc.

PyroGenesis Canada Inc., a high-tech company, is a leader in the design, development, manufacture and commercialization of advanced plasma processes and sustainable solutions which reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) and are economically attractive alternatives to conventional “dirty” processes. PyroGenesis has created proprietary, patented, and advanced plasma technologies that are being vetted and adopted by multiple multibillion dollar industry leaders in three massive markets: iron ore pelletization, aluminum, waste management, and additive manufacturing. With a team of experienced engineers, scientists and technicians working out of its Montreal office, and its 3,800 m2 and 2,940 m2 R&D and manufacturing facilities, PyroGenesis maintains its competitive advantage by remaining at the forefront of technology development and commercialization. The operations are ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D certified, having been ISO certified since 1997. For more information, please visit: www.pyrogenesis.com

About HPQ Silicon

HPQ Silicon Inc. (TSX-V: HPQ) is a Quebec-based TSX Venture Exchange Tier 1 Industrial Issuer.

HPQ is developing, with the support of world-class technology partners PyroGenesis Canada Inc. (TSX: PYR) (NASDAQ: PYR) and NOVACIUM SAS, new green processes crucial to make the critical materials needed to reach net zero emissions.

HPQ activities are centred around the following five (5) pillars:

      1)   Becoming a zero CO2 low-cost (Capex and Opex) producer of High Purity Silicon (2N+ to 4N) using our proprietary PUREVAPTM “Quartz Reduction Reactors” (QRR) being developed for HPQ by PyroGenesis.

      2)   Becoming a producer of silicon-based anode materials for battery applications with the assistance of NOVACIUM SAS.

      3)   Becoming a green low-cost (Capex and Opex) producer of Fumed Silica using our proprietary FUMED SILICA REACTOR being developed by PyroGenesis.

      4)   Developing a small and compact process for the on-demand production of hydrogen via hydrolysis of Silicon and other materials.

      5)   Working to become the first producer of nano silicon materials from High Purity Silicon chunks using our proprietary PUREVAPTM Nano Silicon Reactor (NSiR) being developed by PyroGenesis.

For more information, please visit HPQ Silicon web site.

Disclaimers:

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements containing the words "may", "plan", "will", "estimate", "continue", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "in the process" and other similar expressions which constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current expectation and assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, our expectations regarding the acceptance of our products by the market, our strategy to develop new products and enhance the capabilities of existing products, our strategy with respect to research and development, the impact of competitive products and pricing, new product development, and uncertainties related to the regulatory approval process. Such statements reflect the current views of the Company with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties and other risks detailed from time-to-time in the Company's ongoing filings with the security’s regulatory authorities, which filings can be found at www.sedar.com. Actual results, events, and performance may differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements either as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This News Release is available on the company's CEO Verified Discussion Forum, a moderated social media platform that enables civilized discussion and Q&A between Management and Shareholders. 

Source: HPQ Silicon Inc.
For further information contact:
Bernard J. Tourillon, Chairman, President, and CEO Tel +1 (514) 846-3271
Patrick Levasseur, Director Tel: +1 (514) 262-9239
Email: Info@hpqsilicon.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1571be37-6b27-4c89-a7ee-dd97d5c1ac62