For in-situ resource utilization (ISRU), the cost-mass conundrum needs to be solved, before any other formidable challenges may be tackled. Technologies may need to be conceptualised from first principals, rather than taking the most advanced technology of today. Using this approach, this paper seeks to provide a think tank about how chemical process intensification can help with technology and business case disruption of ISRU matters, how this might influence Space-industry start-ups, and first of all even Earth-industry transformations. The disruptive technology considered is continuous microflow solvent extraction and, as another disruptive element therein, the use of ionic liquids (instead of conventional organic solvents). The Space business considered is Asteroid mining, as it is probably the most challenging resource site, and the focus is on its last step: the purification of adjacent metals (cobalt versus nickel). The key economic barrier is defined as the reduction of the amount of process water used in the Asteroid mining process. This paper suggests a pathway toward water savings by orders of magnitude, up to the technological limit of best Earth-process intensification and their physical limits (e.g. of solubility). This is believed to provide a solution to a major economic bottleneck, whilst leaving many technology developments to be achieved before a holistic system and business picture can be given