Why is the Infrastructure First model considered the most practical approach?

It emphasizes building tools like water tankers and processing plants

The Infrastructure First model proposes that the initial wave of success in space mining will not come from searching for precious metals to bring back to Earth, but from creating foundational industrial tools. Companies that focus on building the necessary logistics—such as tankers to store water and facilities to process raw materials in space—will hold the strategic advantage. This approach shifts the goal from a treasure hunt to industrial development, which makes the economic feasibility of asteroid operations significantly more practical by establishing local capabilities.