A striking picture that requires a lot of "readings". I do not think of it as minimalist though and for a while, while looking at it, I forgot that it was part of a specific challenge - a sign of a good image.
The tonality is very well suited for the subject.
I have a slight curiosity: would this image benefit from slightly more "air" at the top and bottom? Or is this near crop forcing us to confront its meaning even more? 8
First time I've ever said this, but IMHO this is way too busy for a minimalist landscape, However I really love your origional idea and still have to give a 7