PyroGenesis Announces Request for Cost Estimate from Major Iron Ore Producer for Thirty-Six Plasma Torches

Rhea-AI Summary

PyroGenesis Canada Inc. (TSX: PYR, NASDAQ: PYR) has received a request for a cost estimate for thirty-six plasma torches from a major iron ore producer, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by substituting fossil fuel burners. The company holds a patent for this replacement technology, which offers a significant market opportunity, with an estimated value exceeding $10 billion considering the global pellet production. Management mentions the potential to drastically cut CO₂ emissions, aligning with environmental sustainability goals.

Positive

• Received a request for cost estimate for 36 plasma torches from a major client.
• The client aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with environmental goals.
• Patent for replacing fossil fuel burners provides a competitive advantage.
• Potential market for torch sales exceeds $10 billion globally.

Negative

• Future contracts are not guaranteed and may involve risks.

Validation Continues

MONTREAL, June 03, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PyroGenesis Canada Inc. (http://pyrogenesis.com) (TSX: PYR) (NASDAQ: PYR) (FRA: 8PY), a high-tech company (hereinafter referred to as the “Company” or “PyroGenesis”), that designs, develops, manufactures and commercializes plasma atomized metal powders, environmentally friendly plasma waste-to-energy systems and clean plasma torch products, is pleased to announce today that further to its press release dated November 24^th, 2020, it has received a request for a cost estimate for thirty-six (36) plasma torches from a major iron ore producer (the “Client”). The Client is a multi-billion-dollar international producer of iron ore pellets, one of the largest in the industry, whose name will not be disclosed for confidentiality reasons, and whose ultimate objective is to reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) by replacing their fossil fuel burners with PyroGenesis’ proprietary plasma torches.

As previously disclosed, PyroGenesis has the process patent to replace fossil fuel burners with PyroGenesis’ clean plasma torches in the iron ore pelletization industry, thereby reducing GHG emissions.

“Thirty-six (36) is too exact a number to be random,” said P. Peter Pascali, CEO and Chair of PyroGenesis. “What is important today is that we can now confirm that the Client has not only identified the specific furnace to initiate a possible change-out, but has actually identified the burners to be replaced, and is now moving to the next steps. This is a significant development, but one that was not unexpected. We cannot overemphasize the opportunity this presents. That is not to say that there are no risks moving forward, or that future contracts are guaranteed. However, we can say with certainty that we are continuing to conservatively tick the boxes one by one.”

Pelletization is the process in which iron ore is concentrated before shipment, thus significantly reducing the cost of transportation, and providing a required feedstock for blast furnaces. In conventional technologies, the process heat is provided by fuel oil or natural gas burners (both environmentally damaging). The combustion, in the burners, of fossil fuels results in the production of GHG, mainly CO₂. Plasma torches, by contrast, utilize renewable electricity and as such offer an environmentally attractive alternative to fossil fuel burners.

Management has estimated internally that a typical pellet plant producing 10 million metric tonnes of pellets annually emits approximately one million metric tonnes of CO₂¹. The total world pellet production of 400 million metric tonnes of pellets represents a potential market for torch sales in excess of $10B worldwide. The world pellet industry generates about 40 million metric tonnes of CO₂ every year. The use of plasma torches running off a clean electrical grid would reduce these emissions significantly. For reference, 40 million tonnes of CO₂ represent the combined yearly emissions of 8.7 million US passenger vehicles².

About PyroGenesis Canada Inc.

PyroGenesis Canada Inc., a high-tech company, is a leader in the design, development, manufacture and commercialization of advanced plasma processes and products. The Company provides its engineering and manufacturing expertise and its turnkey process equipment packages to customers in the defense, metallurgical, mining, advanced materials (including 3D printing), and environmental industries. With a team of experienced engineers, scientists and technicians working out of its Montreal office and its 3,800 m² and 2,940 m² manufacturing facilities, PyroGenesis maintains its competitive advantage by remaining at the forefront of technology development and commercialization. The Company’s core competencies allow PyroGenesis to provide innovative plasma torches, plasma waste processes, high-temperature metallurgical processes, and engineering services to the global marketplace. PyroGenesis’ operations are ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D certified. For more information, please visit www.pyrogenesis.com.

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 Corporation'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 Corporation with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties and other risks detailed from time-to-time in the Corporation's ongoing filings with the securities regulatory authorities, which filings can be found at www.sedar.com, or at www.sec.gov. Actual results, events, and performance may differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The Corporation 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 Toronto Stock Exchange, its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Toronto Stock Exchange) nor the NASDAQ Stock Market, LLC accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

SOURCE PyroGenesis Canada Inc.

For further information please contact:
Rodayna Kafal, Vice President, IR/Comms. and Strategic BD
Phone: (514) 937-0002, E-mail: ir@pyrogenesis.com

RELATED LINK: http://www.pyrogenesis.com/

^{__________________
1} M. Huerta, J. Bolen, M. Okrutny, I. Cameron and K. O’Leary, “Guidelines for Selecting Pellet Plant Technology”, Iron Ore Conference 2015 Proceedings, Perth, WA, July 13-15, 2015
² https://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/greenhouse-gas-emissions-typical-passenger-vehicle

FAQ

What is the significance of PyroGenesis' plasma torch request from the major iron ore producer?

The request indicates a significant opportunity for PyroGenesis to provide environmentally friendly technology aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

How does PyroGenesis' technology impact greenhouse gas emissions in pellet production?

PyroGenesis' plasma torches can significantly reduce CO₂ emissions compared to conventional fossil fuel burners used in pellet production.

What is the estimated market size for PyroGenesis' plasma torches?

The total estimated market for plasma torch sales exceeds $10 billion globally, given the substantial amount of iron ore pellets produced.

What does PyroGenesis' CEO say about the recent plasma torch request?

CEO P. Peter Pascali emphasized that the exact number of torches requested indicates a serious commitment from the client to move forward.

What risks are associated with the recent developments for PyroGenesis?

While the developments are promising, CEO P. Peter Pascali noted that there are no guarantees for future contracts and acknowledged potential risks moving forward.