HPQ Fumed Silica Reactor Pilot Plant Achieves First Important Morphological Validation Milestone

/EIN News/ -- MONTREAL, March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HPQ Silicon Inc. (“HPQ” or the “Company”) (TSX-V: HPQ, OTCQB: HPQFF, FRA: O08), a technology company specializing in green engineering of processes would like to update shareholders on an important milestone regarding the ongoing pilot-scale testing of HPQ Silica Polvere Inc. (“HSPI”) ^[1] proprietary Fumed Silica Reactor (FSR) process.

HSPI’s technology provider, PyroGenesis Inc. (TSX: PYR, OTCQX: PYRGF, FRA: 8PY1) (“PyroGenesis”), has reported the completion of a detailed examination and analysis of material produced during the first batch test of the Fumed Silica Reactor (FSR) pilot plant (February 27, 2025). The results confirm morphological characteristics and overall appearance are closely consistent with those first observed in the initial series of lab-scale tests. This validation enables HSPI to confidently plan the implementation of the necessary pilot plant process improvements needed to produce commercial-grade fumed silica.

“During our lab-scale testing, we implemented crucial process improvements that enabled us to achieve commercial-quality material,” said Bernard Tourillon, President & CEO of HPQ Silicon and HPQ Silica. “With the pilot plant now producing material with visual morphological characteristics align with our earlier lab-scale results, we’re more confident than ever in our ability to replicate—and even accelerate—this success. Having clearly identified how to refine our approach, we’re positioned to quickly advance toward commercial-grade production with the FSR.”

This milestone directly supports the advancement of the FSR by establishing a clear technical foundation for the next phase of development. This detailed analysis will inform the process enhancements required to produce commercial-grade fumed silica consistently. Also, the validation is integral to HSPI’s structured approach to scaling its proprietary technology from lab-scale experimentation to pilot-scale implementation.

"Since 1944, the fumed silica industry has relied on conventional, fossil-fuel-intensive production methods. PyroGenesis is committed to breaking that cycle through innovation," said P. Peter Pascali, President and CEO of PyroGenesis Inc. "Our Fumed Silica Reactor technology represents a revolutionary shift—scaling up a plasma-based process that eliminates carbon emissions while maintaining superior product quality. By decarbonizing this industry, we are enhancing efficiency, thereby setting a new standard for sustainable, commercially viable fumed silica production. This empowers HSPI’s clients with a cleaner and more reliable process."

Other news

HPQ would like to inform shareholders that M. Robert Robitaille, a director of the Corporation since June 2008, has made the difficult decision to resign due to health reasons, effective immediately.

M. Robitaille has been a valued member of HPQ’s Board of Directors for 17 years, playing a significant role in the company’s transformation from a mining company into a technology company.

“We are deeply grateful for M. Robitaille’s contributions to HPQ over the years. His vision and leadership have left a lasting impact, and we fully support his decision to prioritize his health. We wish him a full and speedy recovery so that he may enjoy his well-deserved retirement,” said Bernard Tourillon, Chairman and CEO of HPQ Silicon Inc.

REFERENCE SOURCES

[1]	A wholly owned subsidiary of HPQ Silicon Inc. when technology supplier PyroGenesis announced its intention to exercise its option to acquire a 50% stake in HSPI in May 2024.

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. 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 green low-cost (Capex and Opex) manufacturer of Fumed Silica using the FUMED SILICA REACTOR, a proprietary technology owned by HPQ Silica Polvere Inc being developed for HSPI by PyroGenesis.
	2)	Becoming a producer of silicon-based anode materials for battery applications with the assistance of NOVACIUM SAS.
	3)	HPQ SILICON affiliate NOVACIUM SAS is developing a low carbon, chemical based on demand and high-pressure autonomous hydrogen production system.
	4)	HPQ SILICON affiliate NOVACIUM SAS is developing a new process to transform black aluminium dross into a valuable resource.
	5)	Becoming a zero CO2 low-cost (Capex and Opex) producer of High Purity Silicon (2N+ to 4N) using our PUREVAPTM “Quartz Reduction Reactors” (QRR), a proprietary technology owned by HPQ being developed for HPQ by PyroGenesis.

For more information, please visit HPQ Silicon web site.

About PyroGenesis Inc.

PyroGenesis, a high-tech company, is a proud 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 four 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 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. PyroGenesis’ shares are publicly traded on the TSX in Canada (TSX: PYR), the OTCQX in the US (OTCQX: PYRGF), and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in Germany (FRA: 8PY). www.pyrogenesis.com 

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
Email: Info@hpqsilicon.com