Timeline:
1996 – 5R Research Inc. formed as sole proprietorship, R&D proposals submitted to both AISI and State of Minnesota. Offer made to partner with the University of Minnesota.
1997 – AISI declines offer to partner. U of M declines offer to partner. State of Minnesota’s Office of Environmental Assistance agrees to underwrite small scale prototype Magnetic Elutriator. Scale-up begins and proves successful with the debut of a 1 ton-per-hour system known as the “M1 Prototype”. First contract R&D “consulting” project begins.
1998 – R&D proposals submitted to Evtac Mining Company and to the Northland Technology Fund. Both agree to underwrite the cost of a 10 ton-per-hour system known as the “M10 Prototype”. System completed in December and delivered to plant site in Eveleth Minnesota.
1999 – M10 Prototype is proven successful as designed; outstanding separation performance is obtained after the second major series of in-plant tests. System further modified to attempt a full range of trials which ultimately prove that the original design is in fact preferred. 5R’s engineering staff is relieved to conclusively prove that scale-up is based on a “volumetric basis”. Preliminary design work begins on full-scale system known as the “M100. Consulting work continues and results in major R&D grant award from US Dept of Commerce to client company (computer plastic recycling).
2000 - Proposal submitted to the US Dept of Energy. The DOE agrees to underwrite approximately a third of the costs associated with demonstrating the commercial system, i.e. the M100 demonstration tests. DOE award contingent on State of Minnesota match. Letter of Intent obtained from the State’s IRRRB agency; formal partnership is initiated leading to signed contract from IRRRB agency. DOE releases first installment of funds and detailed engineering and design work begins.
2001 – Fabrication of M100 components begins. IRRRB unable to release funds for unclear reasons; however major fiscal problems with State and Iron Ore industry are apparent. DOE supports project to as great an extent possible; Minnesota Dept of Commerce provides considerable leadership, leading to continued DOE involvement despite no matching IRRRB funds. Detailed component-testing is performed and proves successful. M100 components delivered to plant site.
2002 – Construction phase begins at plant site. Heavy-duty concrete foundation is prepared and is rated for the fully loaded weight of M100 system, estimated steady-state weight is 40 to 50 tons.
2003 – Plant closes due to uncertainties in international marketplace, namely global economic slowdown coinciding with foreign producers placing excess capacity on international spot market; plant’s production cost exceed spot market price.
2004 – Plant brought back online with foreign investment, all R&D on hold.
2005 – Efforts to fund M100 project resume. Overtures made to all familiar state and federal R&D funding sources; all familiar government research agencies found to be either defunct or without R&D funds; focus shifts to private investment.