Core Viewpoint - HPQ Silicon Inc. has successfully completed a non-brokered private placement, raising approximately $3 million CAD through the issuance of 18,181,819 units at a price of $0.165 CAD per unit, indicating strong institutional investor support [1][2]. Group 1: Offering Details - The private placement consists of units, each comprising one common share and one non-transferable common share purchase warrant, with warrants exercisable at $0.25 CAD for 24 months post-closing [3]. - The offering is expected to close around February 27, 2026, pending necessary approvals from the TSX Venture Exchange [2]. Group 2: Use of Proceeds - The net proceeds from the offering will be allocated for general working capital, accelerating the execution of the Silicon-Based Battery Material pilot plant project, and continuing the development of hydrogen-based projects [4]. Group 3: Company Overview - HPQ Silicon Inc. is focused on advanced materials technology, particularly in the production of high-purity silicon and silica for energy storage and industrial applications [1][5]. - The company is collaborating with Novacium to develop next-generation silicon-based anode materials and is also working on clean-hydrogen and waste-to-energy technologies [5][6]. - HPQ aims to become a low-cost, zero-CO₂ producer of fumed silica and high-purity silicon, positioning itself to capture growth opportunities in energy storage and clean hydrogen markets [6].

MONTREAL, Feb. 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HPQ Silicon Inc. (“HPQ” or the “Company”) (“HPQ” or the “Company”) (TSX-V: HPQ, OTCQB: HPQFF, FRA: O08), an advanced materials technology company developing innovative, low-emission processes for the production of high-purity silicon and silica used in energy storage, electronics, and industrial applications, is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement (the “Offering”) of up to 18,181,819 units (each, a “Unit”) at a price of $0.165 CAD per Unit for agg ...

Separately, joint venture partner purchases 50 kg of fumed silica for advanced testingMONTREAL, Feb. 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PyroGenesis Inc. (“PyroGenesis” or “the Company”) (TSX: PYR) (OTCQX: PYRGF) (FRA: 8PY1), the leader in ultra-high temperature processes and engineering innovation, and a plasma-based technology provider to heavy industry & defense, confirms receipt of successful results from a US-based independent testing lab. The lab confirmed that the fumed silica produced by the Company’s fume ...

Core Viewpoint - HPQ Silicon Inc. has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) with a strategic partner to develop a commercial-scale fumed silica production plant with a capacity of 1,000 tonnes per year, valued at approximately US$20 million (C$27.3 million) [1][2]. Company Overview - HPQ Silicon Inc. is focused on innovation in advanced materials and critical process development, with a wholly owned subsidiary, HPQ Silica Polvere Inc. (HSPI) [1][2]. - The company aims to establish a commercial model for fumed silica production that can be replicated across multiple sites as demand increases [5][11]. Project Details - The proposed project involves forming a jointly owned operating company to build and operate the fumed silica facility, which will utilize HSPI's proprietary plasma-based Fumed Silica Reactor (FSR) technology developed by PyroGenesis Inc. [2][4]. - The strategic partner has secured project financing and will fund the construction of the facility [2][3]. Financial Structure - HSPI is expected to receive recurring royalties on each kilogram of fumed silica sold under an offtake arrangement with the strategic partner, although specific terms are yet to be agreed upon [4][5]. - This structure is designed to align the interests of HSPI and HPQ with long-term production performance while maintaining a capital-efficient profile [4][5]. Technical Validation - The completion of final agreements is contingent upon ongoing third-party testing and validation of fumed silica produced by HSPI's existing FSR pilot plant [6][8]. - Production samples have been delivered for testing to both the strategic partner and an independent laboratory in the U.S. to confirm the chemical and compositional characteristics required for commercial applications [6][8]. Market Context - Fumed silica is a critical industrial material used in various applications, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food products, paints, coatings, sealants, and construction materials, due to its role as a thickening, anti-caking, and reinforcing agent [12].

Fumed silica is now confirmed as being commercial grade 150 by multiple labs.MONTREAL, Feb. 03, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PyroGenesis Inc. (“PyroGenesis” or “the Company”) (TSX: PYR) (OTCQX: PYRGF) (FRA: 8PY1), the leader in ultra-high temperature processes and engineering innovation, and a plasma-based technology provider to heavy industry & defense, confirms, further to a recent press release from the Company’s client HPQ Silicon Inc. (“HPQ”), receipt by the Company of additional independent verification o ...

Core Viewpoint - HPQ Silicon Inc. has successfully closed a non-brokered private placement of 1,883,815 common shares at a price of $0.1625 per share, raising gross proceeds of $306,120, which will be used for general working capital and to advance battery-related initiatives and ongoing R&D projects [1][2][3]. Group 1: Financing Details - The private placement consists of 1,883,815 common shares priced at $0.1625 each, resulting in gross proceeds of $306,120 [1]. - Each share issued is subject to a mandatory hold period of four months and one day, in compliance with Canadian securities laws [2]. - The financing is pending standard regulatory approvals, including from the TSX Venture Exchange [2]. Group 2: Company Strategy and Initiatives - The net proceeds from the financing will support general working capital, corporate purposes, and the advancement of battery-related initiatives [2]. - HPQ is focused on innovation in advanced materials and critical process development, particularly in next-generation silicon-based anode materials for batteries and clean hydrogen technologies [4][5]. - The company aims to become a low-cost, zero-CO₂ producer of fumed silica and high-purity silicon, supported by proprietary technologies and partnerships [5]. Group 3: Leadership Perspective - Bernard Tourillon, President and CEO of HPQ, emphasized that closing a shares-only financing without finder’s fees reflects the strength of HPQ's value proposition and provides additional flexibility for pursuing larger opportunities [3].

Core Insights - HPQ Silicon Inc. has achieved a significant milestone by producing commercial-grade fumed silica with superior surface area and purity at pilot scale, confirming the scalability and performance of its proprietary Fumed Silica Reactor (FSR) technology [1][2][3] Production and Quality Achievements - Independent laboratory analysis confirmed that the latest pilot-scale run produced fumed silica with a specific surface area ranging from 168.44 to 191.17 m²/g, representing a 20% to 40% improvement from the previous test [9] - The purity of the produced material reached 99.74% to 99.83%, surpassing the 99% commercial baseline [9] - The results validate HPQ's ability to replicate and exceed lab-scale data, achieving up to 191 m²/g and 99.8% purity, positioning the material within the upper end of commercial specifications [3][4] Technological Advancements - The FSR technology allows for the production of hydrophilic fumed silica directly from quartz without the use of chlorosilanes or hazardous by-products, distinguishing it from conventional manufacturing processes [2][12] - The process consumes up to 87% less energy than traditional methods and reduces CO₂-equivalent emissions by 84%, offering significant environmental and financial advantages [19] Future Plans and Market Positioning - Following the successful completion of Test 7, HPQ and its partner PyroGenesis plan to optimize production to maintain consistent output near 200 m²/g and aim for a full design capacity of 50 tonnes per year [13] - HPQ intends to distribute sample batches to potential partners in various sectors, including coatings and advanced materials, which rely on high-surface-area fumed silica [14] - The global fumed-silica market is projected to exceed US$2.57 billion by 2034, and HPQ's technology positions it as a potential new entrant capable of capturing market share from established chemical giants [15]

Core 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].

Core Insights - PyroGenesis Inc. has made significant advancements in the performance of its fumed silica reactor pilot plant, moving closer to commercial readiness [1][3] - The August testing results indicate a marked improvement in surface area and purity levels of the fumed silica produced [2][4] Performance Improvements - The surface area of fumed silica increased from 26 m/g to 136 m/g, with a target of 300 m/g [2][4] - The total elimination of carbon impurity was achieved, reducing it from 0.32% to 0% [4][8] - The system produced 10 test batches in 50% less time compared to the previous test, demonstrating improved yield [8] Purity Enhancements - TiO2 levels decreased from 0.01% to 0.0025%, Al2O3 from 0.35% to 0.0422%, and Fe2O3 from 0.14% to 0.0339%, all moving towards commercial targets [8] - Increased SiO2 content reached 97.92%, up from 53.59%, aiming for over 99.5% [8] Market Context - Fumed silica is widely used in various industries, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and construction materials, serving as a thickening and anti-caking agent [8][9] - PyroGenesis' development of fumed silica aligns with its Commodity Security & Optimization vertical, focusing on advanced material production techniques [9] Company Overview - PyroGenesis is a leader in advanced plasma processes and sustainable solutions, with operations certified under ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D [10] - The company is publicly traded on multiple exchanges, including TSX and OTCQX [10]

Core Insights - PyroGenesis Inc. has made significant progress in the performance trials of its fumed silica reactor pilot plant, moving closer to commercial readiness [1][3] - The August testing results show a substantial increase in the specific surface area of fumed silica produced, from 26 m²/g to 136 m²/g, with a target of 300 m²/g [2][5] - The company has achieved a total elimination of carbon impurity in the fumed silica, now measured at 0%, down from previous tests [5][10] Testing Results - The surface area measurement increased by 3X from the previous test, now meeting the requirements for commercial grades 90 and 130, and entering the lower range of grade 150 [5][10] - The system produced 10 test batches in 50% less time compared to the previous test, indicating rapid progress in yield [10] - Purity levels have improved significantly, with TiO2, Al2O3, and Fe2O3 impurities reduced to within commercial targets [10] Industry and Market Context - PyroGenesis' development of fumed silica aligns with its three-vertical solution ecosystem, focusing on Commodity Security & Optimization, Energy Transition and Emission Reduction, and Waste Remediation [8] - Fumed silica is widely used in various industries, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and construction materials, serving as a thickening and anti-caking agent [10] - The company has a 50% interest in HPQ Polvere Inc. and an exclusive arrangement to supply equipment for the commercialization of the fumed silica process [10]