PyroGenesis Provides Update on Fumed Silica Project

Core Viewpoint - PyroGenesis Inc. is advancing its Fumed Silica Reactor project, which aims to revolutionize the production of fumed silica by utilizing an all-electric plasma process, potentially offering significant environmental and economic benefits compared to traditional methods [1][2]. Group 1: Fumed Silica Overview - Fumed silica is a widely used industrial material found in various products, including personal care items, food, pharmaceuticals, and construction materials, serving primarily as a thickening and anti-caking agent [3]. - Traditional production methods for fumed silica are criticized for being expensive, dangerous, and environmentally harmful, involving lengthy multi-step processes and hazardous chemicals [4][6]. Group 2: New Production Process - PyroGenesis' Fumed Silica Reactor aims to simplify production by allowing semi-continuous production directly from quartz, eliminating the need for additional feedstock processing and reducing transportation and CO2 emissions [12][13]. - The new process is expected to require only 8-12 kWh/kg of energy, significantly lower than the 100-120 kWh/kg required by conventional methods [7]. Group 3: Development Progress - The project is currently in the pilot scale testing phase, with successful lab-scale assumptions being validated. The focus is on confirming the quality of fumed silica produced and ensuring it meets customer requirements [19][20]. - Key milestones include producing fumed silica from the product recovery unit and ensuring the absence of impurities in the final product [21][22]. Group 4: Economic Incentives - PyroGenesis holds a 50% interest in Polvere, an exclusive supply agreement for equipment related to the new process, a 10% royalty on certain revenues at the HPQ level, and ownership of shares and warrants in HPQ [25]. - The development of fumed silica aligns with PyroGenesis' broader strategy to enhance commodity security and optimize resource use in heavy industry [27].