December 28, 2023 by Dr. Sakharov and Reclaimed Minerals Team
In the dynamic world of startups, the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) often holds center stage. But for Iodine Two, a project revitalizing an existing iodine-bromine plant, a traditional MVP approach wouldn't quite harmonize. Let's explore the reasons behind this strategic decision.
Iodine Two isn't your typical startup story. Instead of navigating the uncertainties of greenfield development, we're leveraging the existing infrastructure and proven resources of an established facility. This translates to a robust foundation – high-concentration brine readily available, essential utilities already connected, and a functional disposal well in place. These advantages naturally bypass the need for a scaled-down proof-of-concept, a cornerstone of the MVP approach.
The Ad technology at the heart of Iodine Two isn't an experimental gamble. We're employing Ad, a well-established and widely used solution in the industry. This mature technology, already powering nine out of twelve Oklahoma iodine plants, delivers nearly double the efficiency of an old plants. Its established track record eliminates the need for an MVP to validate its viability. Furthermore, our experienced engineering team, led by a seasoned manager with a proven history of building several similar plants in Oklahoma, adds another layer of confidence to our chosen path.
While an MVP might seem like a prudent risk-mitigation strategy, it doesn't always translate seamlessly to the complexities of an industrial project like Iodine Two. A miniaturized version wouldn't effectively capture the nuances and intricacies of the full-scale operation. Instead, we've opted for a phased approach, meticulously dividing the project into manageable stages. This allows us to:
Minimize Risk Progressively: Each successfully completed phase reduces overall project risk, building investor confidence and potentially unlocking access to favorable financing options such as bank loans or even government grants.
Generate Early Cash Flow: The initial phase, focusing on infrastructure and water treatment, boasts its own positive cash flow and payback period, further solidifying the project's financial viability from the outset.
Optimize Resource Allocation: By phasing the project, we can strategically allocate resources, ensuring efficient utilization of capital and manpower at each stage.
While the MVP approach holds value in many contexts, Iodine Two's unique nature necessitates a tailored strategy. Our phased execution plan, leveraging proven technology and capitalizing on existing infrastructure, offers a more efficient and risk-managed path to success. This approach ultimately delivers both value and speed, not just for investors, but for all stakeholders involved.
"Mining the future, one critical element at a time."