PyroGenesis talks latest fumed silica test results

Mr. P. Peter Pascali reports PYROGENESIS' LATEST FUMED SILICA TEST RESULTS POST 3X INCREASE IN MATERIAL SURFACE AREA Further to PyroGenesis Inc.'s news release dated July 28, 2025, and further to a recent press release from the company's client, HPQ Silicon Inc., the August performance trials and modifications of its fumed silica reactor pilot plant (FSR) have resulted in significant progress across a number of essential product parameters, bringing the system closer to commercial readiness. The results were provided by a third party, a global manufacturer of fumed silica, which conducted analysis on fumed silica sample material submitted by PyroGenesis after the latest series of FSR operational tests. Key test results The results of August testing (test series No. 6) reflect: A three-times increase in surface area measurement versus previous test to 136 square metres per gram, up from the 44-square-metre-per-gram surface area of previously announced test 5, and a five-times increase from test 4 (26 square metres per gram); Surface area of 136 square metres per gram now meets the requirement for commercial grades 90 (75 to 105 square metres per gram) and 130 (105 to 155 square metres per gram) and enters the lower range of grade 150 fumed silica products, which have a surface area range of 135 to 165 square metres per gram; Total elimination of carbon impurity, now measured at 0 per cent, down from 0.32 per cent in test 5 and 2.32 per cent in test 4. Note: For fumed silica, performance and market value are closely linked to specific surface area measurements. Continuing system modifications to PyroGenesis's fumed silica reactor over the past few months have progressively increased the surface area from an initial recorded result of 26 square metres per gram to the current 136 square metres per gram, with an eventual target of 300 square metres per gram. Commercial fumed silica products are sold at a variety of different surface area measurements, including 90 square metres per gram, 130 square metres per gram, 150 square metres per gram, 200 square metres per gram and 300 square metres per gram. "The results of test 6 are a major step forward toward commercialization of the fumed silica reactor," said P. Peter Pascali, president and chief executive officer of PyroGenesis. "As we've mentioned before, the goal of these ongoing test cycles is to successfully close the gap between the results produced by our initial lab-scale version and our full-size pilot plant. These latest results indicate we are meeting that goal faster than anticipated while also proving the scale-up potential of the FSR. We are replicating lab-scale results to 20-times scale at an almost unheard-of pace for an industrial application of this size, and we are very excited for what's to come." Additionally, the latest results showcased the following: Rapid progress in yield: In test 6, the system produced 10 test batches in 50 per cent less time than was required to produce only five batches during test 5. Proof no chemicals are used: Test 6 showed a pH of 8.3 -- well above neutral -- confirming no acid is present. This proves the FSR process is plasma based and chemical-free and produces no HCl, unlike conventional methods that yield acidic byproducts with a pH below 7 (often in the range of 3.7 to 4.7). Significant progress made to purity levels versus test 4, such as: TiO2 (titanium dioxide) decreased from 0.01 per cent to 0.0025 per cent, within a commercial target of less than 0.03 per cent. Al2O3 (aluminum oxide) decreased from 0.35 per cent to 0.0422 per cent, toward an eventual target of less than 0.03 per cent. Fe2O3 (iron oxide) decreased from 0.14 per cent to 0.0339 per cent, toward an eventual target of less than 0.003 per cent. The SiO2 (silicon dioxide) content increased to 97.92 per cent, from 53.59 per cent, toward an eventual target of less than 99.5 per cent. Test 6 achieved a loss on drying of 0.6 per cent, which surpasses the desired 1-per-cent and 1.5-per-cent targets for commercial grades 90 and 130 to 300, respectively. Improvements to the fumed silica produced by PyroGenesis's FSR are occurring at a rate that suggests that none of the above target values provide cause for concern. The company considers all listed targets well within reach and continues to modify and improve the FSR with additional tests already planned for the immediate future. Industry and market context: Fumed silica is one of the most widely used industrial materials and can be found in thousands of products, including cosmetics, toothpaste, pet litter, powdered food, milkshakes, instant coffee, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, adhesives, paints, inks, photocopy toner, sealants, fibre optic cables, thermal insulation, construction materials and batteries, to name a few. It is often used in these products as a thickening/anti-caking agent and used to stabilize and improve the texture, consistency and flow of the end product. Fumed silica is often combined with other materials to enhance performance. For example, in tires, it is blended with carbon black to improve wear and efficiency; in batteries, it is blended with graphite to enhance slurry uniformity and conductivity. PyroGenesis has been engaged to develop and build the FSR pilot plant for HPQ Polvere Inc., a subsidiary of HPQ. PyroGenesis has: (i) a 50-per-cent interest in Polvere; and (ii) an exclusive arrangement to be the sole supplier of equipment relating to any commercialization of this new process. PyroGenesis's involvement in developing fumed silica from quartz is part of its three-vertical solution ecosystem that aligns with economic drivers that are key to global heavy industry. Fumed powders are part of PyroGenesis's commodity security and optimization vertical, where the development of advanced material production techniques and the use of technology such as plasma to recover viable metals, chemicals, and minerals from industrial waste help to maximize raw materials and improve the availability of critical minerals. The company's other verticals are energy transition, emission reduction and waste remediation. About PyroGenesis Inc. PyroGenesis, a high-technology company, is a proud leader in the design, development, manufacture and commercialization of advanced plasma processes and sustainable solutions that reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs) 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-square-metre and 2,940-square-metre 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 (International Organization for Standardization) certified since 1997. PyroGenesis's shares are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange in Canada (TSX: PYR), the OTCQX in the United States (OTCQX: PYRGF) and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in Germany (FRA: 8PY1). We seek Safe Harbor.