HP(US:HPQ) Globenewswire·2025-10-23 11:00Core Viewpoint - HPQ Silicon Inc. has successfully completed Test Series 7 of its proprietary Fumed Silica Reactor pilot plant, marking significant progress towards commercializing a direct-quartz-to-fumed-silica manufacturing process that reduces energy consumption and carbon footprint [1][2][3]. Group 1: Test Series and Process Development - The pilot plant, developed by HPQ's subsidiary HPQ Silica Polvere Inc., utilizes a plasma-based reactor to convert quartz directly into fumed silica, a high-value product used in various applications [2][3]. - Test Series 7 aims to achieve a surface area exceeding 150 m²/g, building on previous tests that improved surface area from 28 m²/g in Test 4 to 136 m²/g in Test 6 [4]. - The enhancements made before Test Series 7 include preparing the Fumed Silica Reactor for multi-day continuous operation, targeting the production of 200 kilograms of material for potential customers [4][5]. Group 2: Future Goals and Market Positioning - The company anticipates that results from the third-party laboratory certification will inform the goals for Test Cycle 8, aiming for the highest fumed silica surface area grades of 300 m²/g [7]. - HPQ's broader objective is to create low-energy, high-value materials that can compete globally while supporting North American supply-chain resilience [7][10]. - The company is also focused on becoming a low-cost, zero-CO₂ producer of fumed silica and high-purity silicon, positioning itself to capture growth opportunities in energy storage and advanced materials markets [10].