1: Looking at the recent press release is it illogical to think the new fumed silica production process HPQ & Pyogenesis are developing will eventually completely replace the old production methods?

2: Will it not become (ecologically, ethically and economically) virtually impossible to keep producing fumed silica through the old process?

3: Is there a way to calculate the value of a patented pending process which is possibly going to take over a US $ 2.2 B industry?

4: What would you consider a fair price for HPQ polvere?

5: If Bernard chooses to sell HPQ polvere do you think pyogenesis will keep its 10 %  royalty stream or take the 50 % ownership?

AIMHO

Press release 2023-09-14:

Worldwide demand for fumed silica in 2017 was 317,000 tonnes (t) worth US$ 1.6 Billion (B). The market was estimated to grow at 6% CAGR and reach an estimated volume of 424,300 t, worth about US $ 2.2 B in 2022 [2]. 

HPQ Polvere holds a distinctive competitive edge through its Fumed Silica Reactor. This advantage stems from our ability to directly transform quartz into fumed silica, resulting in energy requirements as low as 15,000 kWh per tonne produced [3]. This process not only enhances efficiency but also minimizes environmental impact and associated carbon taxes [4]. In contrast, conventional manufacturing processes for fumed silica depend on 2N purity Silicon Metal (Si) as feedstock. These processes entail substantial CO2 emissions, intricate procedures, and high energy consumption (approximately 115,000 kWh per tonne produced). Moreover, they give rise to hazardous by-products like Hydrogen Chloride Gas (HCl) [5]. HPQ-FSR_SEPT_14_2023_V4.pdf (hpqsilicon.com)

Press release 2021-07-06:

The Contract with HPQ Polvere includes the sale of a provisional patent application (hereafter the “IP”) relating to the Reactor, for 3.3MM$ and the exclusive use, by HPQ Polvere, of the IP in the field of fumed silica manufacturing (the “Field”), together with a 10 % royalty on the Client’s future sales (“Royalty”) (with set minimums never to exceed 100% of revenues). PyroGenesis retains a royalty-free, exclusive, irrevocable, worldwide license to use the IP for all activities outside of the Field. This royalty stream can, at any time, be converted by PyroGenesis into a 50% ownership in HPQ Polvere.

2021-07-06-PyroGenesis-Announces-4.6-MM-Increase-in-Funding-to-Transform-Quartz-into-Fumed-Silica-Signs-4MM-Contract-with-HPQ-Polvere.pdf