HPQ Orders Second Phase Lab Scale Testing Program From PyroGenesis as Part of Transition to Pilot Plant 5N Testing

MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - May 4, 2017) - HPQ Silicon Resources Inc ("HPQ") (TSX VENTURE:HPQ)(FRANKFURT:UGE)(OTC PINK:URAGF) is pleased to announce it has ordered a second phase of Process Characterization Testing from PyroGenesis Canada Inc. ("PyroGenesis") using a newly upgraded version of the lab scale Purevap^tm Quartz Reduction Reactor ("QRR"). The purpose of this latest series of tests is to build upon the bench scale success to date and push the design envelope of the lab scale system to a point that will allow it to be operated in a semi-batch mode to produce Si samples.

PyroGenesis will run the program over the next months, leading up to the delivery of the Pilot Plant furnace, scheduled for October 2017. The objectives of these new metallurgical tests are multiple, and include generating and collecting data that can be used for the commercial scale-up of the Purevap^tm QRR process, continue testing alternative purification routes and using higher purity feed stock (99.5% SiO₂). The goal of this phase is producing 5N (99.999% Si) Solar Grade Silicon Metal at lab scale and perfecting the process techniques for the Pilot Plant.

Bernard J. Tourillon, Chairman and CEO of HPQ Silicon stated, "Building on the success to date, this new series of tests will allow us continue making improvements to the scaling up program, while simultaneously testing for the best and greenest pathway to produce 5N (99.999% Si) Solar Grade Silicon Metal at lab scale, prior to start-up of the Pilot plant scheduled for 2018."

The total cost of this series of R&D metallurgical tests is CDN$ 170,000. In addition to testing the material produced at the "Centre de Caract?(C)risation Microscopique des Mat?(C)riaux" (CM²), located at "??cole Polytechnique", PyroGenesis will also provide HPQ Silicon with samples for third party independent validation of the purity, as well as, preparing progress reports and a final report summarizing the results and analysis.

To this end, Pierre Carabin, Chief technology officer of PyroGenesis stated, "We are eager to start this additional testing phase. This new testing will allow us to validate the pilot scale reactor design and to further improve the product purity."
P. Peter Pascali, President and CEO of PyroGenesis stated: "The further we proceed in this project the more confident we are that we have found a plasma based application that can be applied to Quartz in a commercial setting."

About HPQ Silicon

HPQ Silicon Resources Inc is a TSX-V listed junior exploration company planning to become a vertically integrated and diversified High Value Silicon Metal (99.9+% Si), and Solar Grade Silicon Metal (99.999+% Si) producer.

Our business model is focused on developing a disruptive High Purity and Solar Grade Silicon Metal manufacturing process (patent pending) and becoming a vertically - integrated High Value Silicon Metal and Solar Grade Silicon producer that can generate high yield returns and significant free cash flow within a relatively short time line.

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.

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