PyroGenesis Canada Inc. (TSX:PYR, NASDAQ:PYR) said the PUREVAP Quartz Reduction Reactor (QRR) that it designed and built has achieved successful laboratory validation of quartz to high-purity silicon in one step.
An analysis of recent test samples carried out by Balazs NanoAnalysis confirmed that the PUREVAP QRR produced silicon from quartz in a single step with a purity exceeding 3N+ (99.92%), the company said, confirming an announcement by HPQ Silicon (HPQ) earlier today.
“The implications of a one-step process in the manufacturing of high purity silicon direct from quartz is significant, both from a cost benefit perspective as well as from a critical mineral optimization perspective,” P. Peter Pascali, CEO and president of PyroGenesis, said in a statement.
“This presents PyroGenesis with a unique and exciting commercial opportunity highlighted by (i) the strategic investment we have in HPQ, (ii) the possibility that HPQ will require additional PUREVAP QRR systems as a result of these findings, and last but not least (iii) our 10% royalty payment on HPQ’s eventual sales of the improved silicon.”
There is no timeline yet in terms of when HPQ will be in a position to produce the improved silicon on a large commercial scale, the company said, adding that working with PyroGenesis, HPQ will now study further to determine the profitability of producing the improved silicon on a larger scale.
“Subject to this additional testing and planning, HPQ will then determine the number of PUREVAP QRR systems required for the construction of a full commercial plant,” PyroGenesis said.
“As noted previously, HPQ believes that, based on what is known today, at least two PUREVAP QRR systems, with each reactor capable of producing 2,500 MT of high-purity silicon per year, would be required. PyroGenesis and HPQ have estimated the cost of each PUREVAP QRR system to be at least $20 million.”
PyroGenesis Canada designs, develops, manufactures and commercializes advanced plasma processes and sustainable solutions which are geared to reduce greenhouse gases while Quebec-based HPQ Silicon Inc. (TSX-V:HPQ, OTCQX:HPQFF) is a silicon solutions company offering innovative silica (SiO2), silicon (Si) based solutions and is developing a unique portfolio of high value-added silicon products sought after by battery and electric vehicle manufacturers.
Contact the author at jon.hopkins@proactiveinvestors.com