PyroGenesis Provides Update on the PUREVAP Quartz Reduction Reactor and Fumed Silica Projects with HPQ Silicon Inc. - Seite 2

As highlighted in HPQ's recent press release, significant milestones have been reached in the pilot plant project, leading to a silicon pouring step – an important milestone for both PyroGenesis and HPQ that marks the completion of the pilot stage and sets the stage for commercial production.

The past few weeks have seen noteworthy progress and confirmations:

• Completion of the scaling up of the QRR process by 2,500x from the previous laboratory scale, validating the original proof of concept.
• Demonstration of operation in a semi-continuous batch cycle.
• Production of silicon from quartz using a one-step direct carbothermal reduction process.
• 25% reduction in raw material use compared with conventional methods.
• Achievement of 3N+ (or 99.9+%) silicon purity, a crucial purity level for battery-grade silicon applications.
• Optimized QRR design for high performance during the tapping process, minimizing silicon contamination.

Figure 1 - Picture of Gen3 PUREVAP Quartz Reduction Reactor (QRR) pilot plant

Next Steps for PUREVAP: The Path to Commercialization

Further testing of the enhanced system will conclude with a silicon pouring step, which is scheduled within the next few weeks.

After a successful pour, PyroGenesis and HPQ will determine the number of PUREVAP QRR systems required to construct a full commercial plant and thereafter will move towards full commercialization.

Preliminary assessments have revealed that a minimum of two initial reactors, each capable of producing 2,500 MT of high-purity silicon per year, would be required - at a build cost to HPQ of at least $20 million each. PyroGenesis will be the engineering partner contracted to build these units. This assessment will be validated and finalized.

“The next milestone is to conclude a successful pour; however, we caution that we have had delays and interruptions in the past and as such, nothing is certain until completed,” said Mr. P. Peter Pascali, CEO and President of PyroGenesis. “We are highly confident that the pour will take place and we don’t have any reason to believe that it will not be successful. We believe the QRR is a major step forward for PyroGenesis and HPQ as providers of a technology that could help shape the future of silicon production. The market's enormous growth potential signals not only profitability but the protection of a key critical mineral and a brighter, more sustainable future. As we close in on a successful silicon pour, we are excited by what lies ahead in the development of the full commercial plant.”