HPQ Silicon receives order for 50 kg of fumed silica

Executive Summary

• HPQ Silicon Inc.'s subsidiary, HPQ Silica Polvere Inc., received its first purchase order for 50 kg of fumed silica from a strategic industrial partner for advanced customer qualification testing.
• The order was fulfilled using HPQ's proprietary Fumed Silica Reactor (FSR) pilot plant operated in semi-continuous mode, generating critical engineering data to support the design of a proposed 1,000-tonne-per-year commercial facility.
• Independent laboratory testing has confirmed the material meets fundamental chemical and compositional specifications, validating the technology's viability for commercial deployment.

Key Details

• Purchase Order: First order for 50 kilograms of fumed silica from a strategic industrial partner previously disclosed on Feb. 12, 2026.
• Production Method: Material produced by technology supplier PyroGenesis Inc. utilizing the FSR pilot plant.
• Operational Mode: FSR operated in semi-continuous mode for extended production runs beyond prior test campaigns.
• Data Generated: Extended operations provided critical process and engineering data for scale-up modeling and commercial design.
• Facility Plan: Data supports the design of a proposed 1,000-tonne-per-year facility under a previously announced non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU).
• Technical Validation: Independent specialty laboratory in the United States confirmed the material meets fundamental specifications for targeted commercial applications (chemical composition and material characteristics).
• Market Context: Fumed silica is a high-value industrial material used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, paints, coatings, and construction.
• Technology Advantage: The FSR uses a plasma-based approach with quartz (SiO2) feedstock, aiming to reduce process complexity and eliminate hazardous chemical intermediates compared to conventional energy-intensive methods.
• Joint Venture Status: Formation of the joint venture under the MOU is subject to negotiation of definitive agreements.
• Timeline: Parties anticipate completing definitive agreements by the end of the second quarter of 2026, with no assurance that a joint venture will be formed or be commercially viable.

Notable Quotes

• Bernard Tourillon, Chairman, President and CEO of HPQ Silicon: "This first purchase order marks an important operational milestone... It demonstrates that our pilot plant is transitioning from technical validation toward commercial engagement. Equally important, the extended production runs are providing the engineering data required to responsibly design and derisk the proposed commercial-scale facility."
• P. Peter Pascali, President and CEO of PyroGenesis: "The ability to operate the FSR in extended semi-continuous mode while meeting core material specifications reinforces the engineering viability of this plasma-based approach... These production runs represent another step in validating that the process can support commercial deployment parameters."
• Bernard Tourillon: "We are advancing methodically... Our focus remains on aligning technical performance, engineering scalability and market demand before moving to definitive agreements."