HPQ Receives First Purchase Order for 50 kg of Fumed Silica for Advanced Customer Testing

Executive Summary

• HPQ Silica Polvere Inc. (HSPI) received its first purchase order for 50 kg of fumed silica from a strategic industrial partner, marking the transition of the Fumed Silica Reactor (FSR) pilot plant from pure technical validation to commercial engagement.
• Extended semi‑continuous runs on the FSR generated critical process and engineering data that will be used to model and de‑risk the design of a proposed 1,000 t/yr commercial facility under the existing non‑binding MOU.
• Independent laboratory analysis confirmed that the pilot‑produced material meets required chemical specifications, supporting further customer qualification testing and advancing negotiations toward a joint‑venture agreement expected by Q2 2026.

Key Details

• Purchase Order: 50 kg of fumed silica supplied to the strategic partner for advanced qualification testing.
• Pilot Plant Operations: FSR operated in semi‑continuous mode for extended runs beyond prior test campaigns, producing engineering data for scale‑up modeling.
• Technical Validation: Independent laboratory (Covalent Metrology) confirmed that production samples meet fundamental chemical and compositional specifications.
• Commercial Implications: Data from the extended runs will inform capital cost, operating cost, CO₂ emissions, and energy‑footprint estimates for a planned 1,000 t/yr facility.
• MOU Status: Final agreements remain contingent on successful third‑party testing; parties aim to finalize definitive JV agreements by end of Q2 2026, though no guarantee of formation or commercial viability is provided.
• Strategic Partner: Previously disclosed on 12 Feb 2026; partner’s identity not restated in this release.
• Technology Supplier: PyroGenesis Inc., which is exercising an option to acquire a 50 % interest in HSPI (first announced May 2024).
• Quotes:
• “This first purchase order marks an important operational milestone… It demonstrates that our pilot plant is transitioning from technical validation toward commercial engagement.” – Bernard Tourillon, Chairman, President & CEO, HPQ Silicon Inc. / HSPI.
• “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.” – P. Peter Pascali, President & CEO, PyroGenesis Inc.

Notable Quotes

• Bernard Tourillon: “Independent validation, extended pilot production, and customer qualification testing are all required steps before commercial commitments are finalized… We are advancing methodically.”

All forward‑looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties detailed in HPQ Silicon’s Annual Information Form on SEDAR+.