Independent validation, government alignment, and first-mover advantage converge as HPQ moves toward commercialization.
TURNING A CENTURY-OLD PROCESS ON ITS HEAD
HPQ Silicon $HPQ / $HPQFF is developing a one-step, plasma-based process that can convert quartz directly into fumed silica — eliminating multiple costly and carbon-intensive steps used by today’s global producers.
Following the successful completion of Test #7, HPQ has shipped its pilot plant samples to an independent, accredited third-party laboratory for official certification — a key step in confirming commercial-grade performance.
“Once we achieve certified results confirming surface areas above 150 m²/g, we’ll have validated commercial-grade fumed silica made in a single, scalable step,” said HPQ CEO Bernard Tourillon. “That’s when commercialization truly begins.”
WHY THIS MATTERS
Fumed silica is a multi-billion-dollar global market, yet Canada currently produces none and imports all of its $200,000,000 market. Used in batteries, cosmetics, electronics, and food, it’s a critical material across multiple industries.
HPQ’s pilot success and independent validation position it as Canada’s only potential domestic producer, aligned with national manufacturing priorities.
- Government Tailwinds: Canada’s renewed manufacturing push — reinforced by recent comments from Mark Carney and federal ministers — emphasizes local production of critical materials.
- Institutional Support: Québec’s investment arm, Investissement Québec, holds an 8% equity stake in HPQ.
- Green Advantage: HPQ’s direct-quartz process eliminates hydrogen chloride gas and significantly lowers carbon emissions — making it both cleaner and potentially cheaper than legacy methods.
COMMERCIAL PATHWAY: FROM PILOT TO PRODUCTION
With accredited test data expected shortly, HPQ plans to use the results to support financing and partnerships for multiple 1,000-ton-per-year plants, estimated at $15–20 million each and well below costs of legacy manufacturers.
Each unit could serve 1/15th of the Canadian market worth roughly $200 million annually, while paving the way for international joint ventures.
Tourillon emphasized that Canada will serve as the blueprint:
“We can demonstrate it here first — then replicate the model globally, from the U.S. to Europe and Asia. Canada gives us the foundation and leverage for world-scale negotiations.”
INVESTOR TAKEAWAY
HPQ Silicon’s one-step, low-emission process is progressing from proof-of-concept to proof-of-commerce. With third-party validation underway, alignment with government policy, and a clear domestic production plan, HPQ is approaching the stage where innovation meets execution.
If successful, HPQ could become the first new entrant in decades to reshape the fumed silica industry — and a potential benchmark for clean-tech manufacturing in Canada.