HPQ Completes Latest Fumed Silica Pilot Test, Moves Closer to Achieving Highest Material Grades

Executive Summary

• HPQ Silicon Inc. announced the successful completion of Test Series #7 for its proprietary Fumed Silica Reactor (FSR) pilot plant, demonstrating progress toward commercial‑scale low‑energy fumed silica production.
• The test targeted a surface area >150 m²/g and aimed to produce 200 kg of material for third‑party evaluation; surface‑area improvements have progressed from 28 m²/g in early tests to 136 m²/g in Test #6.
• Samples have been sent to an accredited laboratory for certification, with results expected within ten business days, informing the next test cycle (Test #8) that aims for surface areas up to 300 m²/g.

Key Details

• Pilot Plant Partner: Engineering and construction performed by PyroGenesis Inc. (TSX: PYR).
• Test Series #7 Objectives:
• Achieve fumed silica surface area >150 m²/g (target range 150‑200 m²/g aligns with premium market specifications).
• Produce 200 kg of material for distribution to multiple potential customers under NDAs for independent evaluation.
• Performance Progression:
• Test #4: 28 m²/g surface area.
• Test #5: 44 m²/g.
• Test #6: 136 m²/g.
• Test #7 target: >150 m²/g (actual result pending laboratory certification).
• Laboratory Certification: Samples shipped to an accredited third‑party lab; results expected within ten business days.
• Future Plans – Test Cycle #8:
• Define goals and engineering upgrades based on forthcoming lab results.
• Target surface area up to 300 m²/g, moving toward highest‑grade premium fumed silica.
• Strategic Significance: Demonstrates scalability of HPQ’s direct quartz‑to‑fumed‑silica process, reducing energy use and carbon footprint, supporting North American supply‑chain resilience and market traction for low‑carbon advanced materials.

Notable Quotes

“Each test series brings us closer to proving that low‑energy‑low‑carbon, direct‑from‑quartz fumed silica can be produced reliably and competitively,” – Bernard Tourillon, President & CEO, HPQ Silicon Inc.
“Once these results are received, we will be able to define the goals and engineering upgrades for Test Cycle #8… moving from proof‑of‑concept toward measurable market traction.” – Bernard Tourillon