MONTREAL, July 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HPQ Silicon Inc. ("HPQ" or the "Company") (TSX-V: HPQ, OTCQB: HPQFF, FRA: O08), a technology company driving innovation in advanced materials and critical process development, is pleased to update shareholders on progress from its proprietary Fumed Silica Reactor (FSR) pilot project, developed in partnership with PyroGenesis Inc. (TSX: PYR, OTCQX: PYRGF, FRA: 8PY1). Following its July 3rd announcement, the Company has now received an independent Scanning Electron ...

Core Viewpoint - HPQ Silicon Inc. has announced the cancellation of 5,335,000 stock options and is facing claims for payment related to an unratified agreement, which the management believes it can dispute effectively [1][2][3][4]. Group 1: Stock Options Cancellation - The Board of Directors of HPQ Silicon has approved the cancellation of 5,335,000 stock options that were set to expire on December 20, 2026, with an exercise price of $1.00, and none of these options had been exercised [1]. Group 2: Claims and Disputes - HPQ has received a claim for €29,000 in cash and an additional claim for €180,000 to be paid in company shares, arising from a draft agreement from August 2022 that was never signed [2]. - The claims are linked to BeNear Deutschland GmbH, which failed to deliver promised services despite receiving CAD $338,882 from HPQ for unfulfilled commitments [3]. - Payments made were intended as advances against potential commissions contingent on a significant financing transaction that did not occur [4]. Group 3: Company Overview and Strategic Focus - HPQ Silicon is focused on innovation in advanced materials and critical process development, partnering with PyroGenesis Inc. and NOVACIUM SAS to achieve net-zero goals [6]. - Key projects include the development of METAGENE™, a low-carbon hydrogen production system, and a process to transform black aluminum dross into a valuable resource [6][7]. - The company aims to become a low-cost producer of high purity silicon and fumed silica, as well as silicon-based anode materials for battery applications [7][8].

Group 1: Core Strategy and Industry Focus - Jinan City is implementing an "Industrial Strong City Development Strategy" with a focus on the "13+34" industrial chain system by 2025, emphasizing three main industries: "new energy equipment, high-end CNC machine tools and robots, advanced materials," along with two characteristic industries: "integrated circuits and new building materials" [1] - The Tianqiao District aims to build a "3+2" modern industrial system to accelerate the cultivation of new productive forces [1] Group 2: Traditional Industry Revitalization - Tianqiao District is committed to monitoring and providing precise services to traditional industries, focusing on optimizing layout, adjusting structure, and promoting transformation to enhance quality [2] - The district is leveraging advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and industrial internet to empower key enterprises like Tianhe Cotton Machine in building digital workshops and smart factories [2] - A tailored approach is being implemented for key enterprises, providing customized service plans to address equipment updates, process optimization, and technology upgrades [2] Group 3: Emerging Industry Development - The district is focusing on strategic emerging industries, particularly in new energy equipment, high-end CNC machine tools and robots, and advanced materials, to promote high-end, intelligent, and green industrial development [3] - In the new energy equipment sector, Tianqiao is working with key companies like Deyuan Electric and Xianze Electric to enhance the industrial chain and attract upstream and downstream enterprises [3] - The district is developing an intelligent manufacturing (robotics) industrial park to create a cluster of intelligent manufacturing equipment, while nurturing key enterprises in the robotics sector [3] Group 4: Advanced Materials Industry - The advanced materials industry in Tianqiao is focusing on key enterprises like Jianbang Colloid and Yinfeng Nano, extending the layout of new energy materials, energy-saving and environmental protection materials, and electronic information materials [4] - The district aims to enhance industrial agglomeration by attracting "filling-type" and "supplementary-type" projects [4]

Core Viewpoint - HPQ Silicon Inc. has successfully closed a non-brokered private placement financing, raising a total of $907,979.58, which reflects strong market confidence in the company's value proposition despite challenging market conditions [1][4]. Financing Details - The company closed an additional 1,886,331 units at a price of $0.18 per unit, contributing to a total of 5,044,331 units issued [2]. - Each unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant, with an exercise price of $0.25 for a period of 48 months [3]. - The financing was completed at a nearly 9% premium, indicating positive market sentiment [4]. Shareholder Meeting Results - Approximately 18.25% of the issued and outstanding common shares were represented at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on June 26, 2025 [6]. - All nominees for election as directors were elected with high approval rates, ranging from 98.57% to 99.50% [7]. - Shareholders also approved the reappointment of Forvis Mazars S.E.N.E.R.L as the auditor of HPQ Silicon [7]. Company Overview - HPQ Silicon Inc. is focused on innovation in advanced materials and critical process development, aiming to achieve net-zero goals through partnerships with technology leaders [10]. - The company is developing proprietary technologies for low-cost manufacturing of fumed silica and high-purity silicon, as well as innovative hydrogen production processes [13].

Core Insights - HPQ Silicon Inc. has successfully completed Phase 1 Test 5, achieving significant advancements in the production of fumed silica, which is a critical material for various applications [1][3][7] Group 1: Production Milestones - The company has successfully implemented a semi-continuous feedstock feeding protocol in its proprietary Fumed Silica Reactor (FSR) pilot plant, marking a key step towards commercial validation [2] - The production and collection of material in the dedicated product recovery unit (baghouse) were successfully replicated during this phase [2] Group 2: Quality Improvements - Material analysis from the Leading Global Fumed Silica Manufacturer (LGFSM) confirmed a 20-fold scale-up of the Fumed Silica Reactor, validating the transition from lab to pilot scale and from batch to semi-continuous production [3] - Carbon-based impurities in the produced fumed silica were reduced by 85%, while other impurities saw reductions ranging from 50% to 86% [6] - The material's surface area increased by 57%, indicating a substantial enhancement in product performance characteristics [6] Group 3: Future Testing and Goals - Phase 2 testing will focus on further improving the material's surface area, with the goal of achieving BET surface areas up to 300 m²/g [4] - The company is optimistic about overcoming remaining technical challenges to achieve the targeted surface area range with the FSR [5]

Core Insights - Argo Living Soils Corp. is finalizing its first supply order of 1000 liters of high-grade Graphene oxide liquid, which will be used as a concrete additive, establishing a partnership with an international supplier [1][2][4] - The Graphene oxide liquid is produced from 99% pure vein graphite and complies with U.S. import regulations and EPA standards, ensuring its suitability for advanced construction applications [2][3] - The agreement is seen as a transformative milestone for Argo, enhancing its ability to deliver eco-friendly construction materials in North America and aiming for EU certification for future sales [4][5] Company Developments - The company has engaged King Tide Media LLC for a one-month marketing service agreement, budgeting up to $60,000 for digital marketing and content creation [6] - Argo has extended its agreement with MarketSmart Communications Inc. for investor relations services for an additional three months, with a monthly fee of CDN $5,000 [7] - Argo Living Soils Corp. focuses on developing sustainable, high-performance solutions for the construction and agricultural industries through innovative technologies [8]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the investment boom in Zengcheng, showcasing the signing of 19 key projects with a total investment of 15.6 billion yuan, expected to generate an annual output value of 52.7 billion yuan upon completion [1][3]. Investment and Economic Development - Zengcheng has been recognized as one of the top 100 districts in terms of comprehensive strength and investment potential in China, positioning itself as a key area for high-quality development in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area [3]. - The region is focusing on building a modern industrial system, emphasizing the development of key industries such as semiconductors, new materials, and low-altitude economy, aiming to accelerate the rise of trillion-yuan industrial clusters [3][5]. Key Industries and Projects - Zengcheng is promoting projects in semiconductors and new displays, with significant advancements such as the establishment of the first domestic 12-inch smart sensor wafer manufacturing line [5]. - The automotive industry is also a focus, with over 190 companies in the automotive supply chain gathered, aiming to create a super 100 billion yuan industrial cluster [5]. - The region is developing a competitive advanced materials industry base, attracting 224 enterprises, and fostering a collaborative industrial ecosystem [5]. Innovation and Technology - Zengcheng has implemented an innovation-driven development strategy, with over 1,000 high-tech enterprises and R&D investments exceeding 12 billion yuan annually, maintaining a growth rate of over 15% [6][8]. - The establishment of multiple innovation platforms, including 4 national-level and 29 provincial-level platforms, has significantly enhanced the region's innovation capacity [6]. Infrastructure and Investment Opportunities - Zengcheng offers over 10,000 acres of mature industrial land and is developing several high-end industrial platforms, covering more than 300 square kilometers, providing ample space for business development [10]. - The region is home to key national and provincial platforms, such as the Guangzhou (Zengcheng) Intelligent Sensor Industrial Park and the high-end electronic information materials industrial park, which are crucial for the supply chain security of chip manufacturing and panel production [10].

Core Viewpoint - HPQ Silicon Inc. has successfully closed a non-brokered private placement financing, raising a total of $568,440 through the issuance of 3,158,000 units at a price of $0.18 per unit, which demonstrates strong interest in the company's value proposition despite challenging market conditions [1][3]. Financing Details - Each unit in the private placement consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant, with the warrants allowing the purchase of additional shares at an exercise price of $0.25 for a period of 48 months [2]. - The financing includes a mandatory holding period of four months and one day from the closing date for the shares issued [2]. Management Participation - Bernard Tourillon, the President and CEO, subscribed for 1,112,000 units, resulting in his beneficial ownership of 21,052,041 shares, which represents 4.97% of the company's outstanding shares [3]. - Noëlle Drapeau, the Corporate Secretary and a Director, subscribed for 150,000 units, bringing her total beneficial ownership to 1,201,500 shares, or 0.28% of the outstanding shares [4]. Related Party Transactions - The participation of Mr. Tourillon and Mrs. Drapeau in the private placement is classified as a related party transaction, and the company is relying on exemptions for formal valuation and minority shareholder approval as the subscribed amount does not exceed 25% of the company's market capitalization [5]. Debt Settlement - HPQ has completed a debt settlement by issuing 565,000 units at a price of $0.18 per unit, settling outstanding invoices totaling $101,700. Each unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant, similar to the private placement [7].

Core Viewpoint - The demand for thermal management materials is increasing rapidly in the context of technological advancements, particularly in electronic packaging and high-power devices. Metal diamond composite materials, especially copper diamond, aluminum diamond, and silver diamond, are emerging as key players in this field [1][3][12]. Group 1: Product Overview - Copper diamond composite is made from diamond powder and copper alloy, featuring a thermal conductivity of around 600 W/m·K and a low thermal expansion coefficient, making it suitable for high-performance applications [1]. - Aluminum diamond composite is characterized by low thermal expansion, high thermal conductivity, high strength, and lightweight properties, gaining attention as a heat dissipation component for GaN semiconductor chips [1]. - Silver diamond composite exhibits an impressive thermal conductivity of up to 650 W/m·K at room temperature, significantly outperforming traditional packaging materials like CuW [2]. Group 2: Market Demand and Trends - The semiconductor industry has seen rapid growth, leading to increased demand for metal diamond composites due to their superior weight and thermal performance requirements [3]. - The global market for metal diamond composites is projected to grow from $199.20 million in 2024 to $381.43 million by 2031, with a CAGR of 10.24%. The Chinese market is expected to grow from $60.82 million to $116.83 million in the same period, with a CAGR of 10.36% [12]. - Copper diamond composites dominate the market, expected to reach $189.28 million in 2024, accounting for 95.02% of the market share, followed by aluminum diamond at $7.12 million (3.35%) and silver diamond at $3.06 million (1.54%) [12]. Group 3: Industry Challenges - Domestic companies face challenges such as insufficient R&D investment and a shortage of high-end talent, which hinder the development of the metal diamond composite industry [4]. - The supply chain for the industry is relatively underdeveloped, leading to unstable raw material supply and rising costs [5]. - The industry is also limited by inadequate diamond processing technologies, including welding, polishing, and cutting techniques, which restrict the application of diamond composites [22]. Group 4: Future Development - The application of metal diamond composites is diversifying beyond electronic cooling and aerospace thermal control, entering emerging fields such as energy storage, medical devices, and semiconductor manufacturing [6]. - Cost reduction and large-scale production are being pursued through raw material optimization, automated processes, and supply chain collaboration, with expectations of significant price drops in the next five years [7]. - Continuous optimization of interface engineering is enhancing the thermal conductivity of copper-diamond composites, with experimental thermal conductivity exceeding 800 W/m·K [8]. Group 5: Competitive Landscape - Major global players in the metal diamond composite market include Parker, ALMT Corp (Sumitomo Electric Industries), Element Six, and Youyan Technology Group, with Parker holding a market share of 16.70% in 2024 [13][26]. - The competition is expected to intensify with the entry of new players, particularly in China, where local firms can collaborate with research institutions and leverage cost advantages [13].

Core Insights - HPQ Silicon Inc. has received positive feedback validating its Fumed Silica Reactor technology and process, which will help optimize material quality for upcoming tests [1][2] - A leading global fumed silica manufacturer confirmed that the material produced by HPQ's proprietary Fumed Silica Reactor is indeed fumed silica, marking a significant milestone for the scalability of this technology [2][4] - The collaboration with PyroGenesis Inc. has streamlined the feedback loop for testing and analysis, allowing for quicker material assessments and process optimizations [3] Company Developments - HPQ Silicon has gained access to testing facilities of a major fumed silica manufacturer, enhancing its validation efforts for the Fumed Silica Reactor technology [4] - The company is experiencing strong demand for its non-brokered private placement, with subscriptions exceeding $540,000 [5] - A creditor has opted to settle outstanding debts of $101,700 in shares rather than cash, with the Board approving the issuance of 565,000 Units at a price of $0.18 per Unit [7][8] Technology and Market Position - The Fumed Silica Reactor technology is positioned to disrupt conventional production methods and meet growing market demand for fumed silica [4] - HPQ Silicon is focused on becoming a low-cost manufacturer of fumed silica while promoting sustainability and supply chain traceability [11][13] - The company is also developing innovative processes for hydrogen production and silicon-based anode materials for battery applications [13]