MONTREAL, April 19, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HPQ Silicon Resources Inc (“HPQ”) (TSX
VENTURE:HPQ)(FRANKFURT:UGE)(OTC PINK:URAGF) is pleased to inform shareholders that PyroGenesis Canada Inc (“PyroGenesis”) (TSX
Venture:PYR) has confirmed that process improvements and design modifications are generating results that exceed expectations at
this stage of development. Work continues in the Gen2 PUREVAP™ Commercial Scalability Proof of Concept Test Work. The
results are summarized in a recently received progress report.
GREATLY INCREASED YIELD AND PRODUCTION YIELD:
Significantly increasing the Yield1 and the Production
Yield2 of the Gen2 PUREVAP™ through ongoing process improvements and design modifications are positive
indicators of the commercial scalability of the PUREVAPTM process. The results reported by Pyrogenesis
surpass the theoretical Production Yield referred to previously and result from continuous process improvements by the Pyrogenesis
team.
Gen2 PUREVAP™ test #14 attained the following results:
- Total mass of Si produced (yield) was 101.45 gr; 11.5 times greater than Gen1 best result of 8.8 gr (test
#32) and 3.6 times greater than the 28.1 gr of Gen2 test # 007;
- Production Yield reached 34.3%, a staggering accomplishment considering the Gen2 PUREVAP™ reactor physical
limitations. This result is the highest to date and it’s 2.5 times (+156%) greater than our previous record: Gen2 test # 007
Production Yield of 13.4%.
- These results are opening the way for further process improvements; design modifications and additional tests in order to
further increase both the Yield and Production Yield of Si produced.
Bernard J. Tourillon, Chairman and CEO of HPQ Silicon stated, “These results confirm that our data
driven, empirical and methodical approach is yielding phenomenal results. With every milestone reached, we are de-risking our
project. Gen 1 testing proved that the PUREVAP™ QRR could convert quartz into Si while simultaneously increasing its purity and
highlighted the key relationship between production yield and purity. Our ongoing Gen2 PUREVAP™ program has pushed the project from
the lab to a semi-industrial scale. Results are validating the Commercial Scalability of the process while yielding crucial
technical information that is allowing us to run ongoing concurrent development programs with a goal of decreasing the timeline to
commercial deployment of the PUREVAP™ QRR process. Our objective for 2018 continues to be building on our technical successes as we
get ready to commence the Gen3 PUREVAP™ Pilot Plant phase with our “Solar Silicon Team” of Pyrogenesis and Apollon Solar, as well
as, building market awareness of our progress and plans.”
“The results we have achieved recently with the GEN2 PUREVAP™ give us increased confidence and assurance
that at pilot scale, we will be able to reach significant higher production yields of high purity silicon metal that we are
targeting,” said Mr. Pierre Carabin, Chief Technology Officer of PyroGenesis. “We are extremely pleased with the GEN2
PUREVAP™ progress results so far, and expect further improvements in the near term.”
Pierre Carabin, Eng., M. Eng., has reviewed and approved the technical content of this press release.
This Press Release Is Available On The Company's CEO Verified Discussion Forum, A Moderated Social Media Platform That Enables Civilized
Discussion and Q&A Between Management and Shareholders.
https://agoracom.com/ir/HPQ-SiliconResources/forums/discussion
About HPQ Silicon
HPQ Silicon Resources Inc. is a TSX-V listed resource company planning to become a vertically integrated and
diversified High Purity, Solar Grade Silicon Metal (SoG Si) producer and a manufacturer of multi and monocrystalline solar cells of
the P and N types, required for production of high performance photovoltaic conversion.
HPQ goal is to develop, in collaboration with industry leaders that are experts in their fields of interest, the
innovative metallurgical PUREVAPTM “Quartz Reduction Reactors (QRR)” process (patent pending), which will permit
production of the highest efficiency SoG Si. The pilot plant equipment that will validate the commercial potential of the
process is on schedule for 2018.
Disclaimers:
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements
containing the words "may", "plan", "will", "estimate", "continue", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "in the process" and other
similar expressions which constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws.
Forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current expectation and assumptions, and are subject to a number of risks and
uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve
risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, our expectations regarding the acceptance of our products by the market, our
strategy to develop new products and enhance the capabilities of existing products, our strategy with respect to research and
development, the impact of competitive products and pricing, new product development, and uncertainties related to the regulatory
approval process. Such statements reflect the current views of the Company with respect to future events and are subject to certain
risks and uncertainties and other risks detailed from time-to-time in the Company's on-going filings with the securities regulatory
authorities, which filings can be found at www.sedar.com. Actual results, events, and performance may differ materially. Readers
are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly
update or revise any forward-looking statements either as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as
required by applicable securities laws.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the
policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Shares outstanding: 195,527,557
For further information contact
Bernard J. Tourillon, Chairman and CEO Tel (514) 907-1011
Patrick Levasseur, President and COO Tel: (514) 262-9239
www.HPQSilicon.com
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1 Total mass of Si produced during one test
2 Production Yield is the conversion efficiency of Quartz into Silicon Metal of the process
