PyroGenesis Canada Inc. (TSX:PYR, OTCQX:PYRGF) has achieved a significant milestone in its partnership with HPQ Silicon Inc (TSX-V:HPQ, OTCQX:HPQFF) by advancing the construction phase of the Fumed Silica Reactor pilot plant.
Following the conclusion of engineering design, major fabrication, and procurement of additional materials, the construction phase for the 50-tonnes-per-year FSR pilot plant is now underway, PyroGenesis said.
The pilot plant will be housed in a dedicated space within PyroGenesis' facilities, featuring custom-designed infrastructure to meet specific ventilation, safety, and access requirements.
Fumed silica, a versatile microstructure powder with various commercial applications, is produced by the FSR from quartz in an environmentally friendly process, eliminating the need for harmful chemicals used in conventional methods. The success of the FSR pilot plant is expected to lead to economic and environmental advantages over traditional silica production.
Traditional methods of producing fumed silica, dependent on silicon metal as a primary ingredient, not only generate a substantial carbon footprint of approximately 9.5 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per tonne of silica but also pose intricate process obstacles, including the use of hazardous materials.
PyroGenesis stands to benefit from a royalty payment representing 10% of HPQ's eventual sales under the terms of the FSR project, with the option to convert this into a 50% ownership stake in HPQ Polvere, HPQ's subsidiary.
The fumed silica market, valued at US$1.3 billion in 2022, is projected to grow significantly, PyroGenesis notecd.
“This development milestone initiates the construction phase of what we believe to be a truly innovative approach to producing one of industry’s most in-demand materials,” said Peter Pascali, CEO of PyroGenesis.
"The technology developed by PyroGenesis for HPQ Polvere will offer significant economic and environmental advantages over conventional manufacturers – improving profitability, but also reducing the environmental footprint and reducing the harmful chemicals associated with traditional fumed silica production.”
The development of fumed silica from quartz aligns with PyroGenesis' strategy to optimize production processes and enhance the availability of critical minerals, contributing to global economic and environmental sustainability efforts.