site.btaUPDATED Bulgarian Energy Holding, University of North Dakota Sign Agreement on Rare Earth Elements Exploration

The Bulgarian Energy Holding and the University of North Dakota have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to cooperate on the exploration of rare earth elements in Bulgaria. Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov stated, as quoted by the government press office Wednesday that the signing is "extremely important not only for the development of the Bulgarian mining industry, but also for the technological advancement of both Bulgaria and the United States.” He added that rare earth elements contribute to technological development, competitiveness, national potential, and security.

“Bulgaria and the United States are not only partners in strategic dialogue, but also allies who value the achievements and choices of our civilization,” Zhelyazkov added.

He emphasized the potential of scientific collaboration: "Through the development of the research capacity of the University of North Dakota, we can expand the possibilities contained in the Bulgarian subsoil." "Without the scientific potential and know-how that you possess, it will be very difficult to achieve what we expect in the Maritsa Basin and in other places, for the benefit and prosperity of our nations," the Prime Minister added.

Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov said that Bulgaria is entering the rare earth elements market, which he described as significant for both technological and economic development. "Today’s agreement is the start of an initiative that brings together resources, technology, and science. It is a technology that offers a promise to tens of thousands of people from the Maritsa Basin to see new economic opportunities ahead," he added.

The partnership will allow Bulgaria to draw on the expertise of one of the leading research institutions in the United States in areas such as mineralogical characterization, laboratory testing, technological validation, and techno-economic studies, stated the Minister.

He noted that the agreement covers environmental impact assessment and the implementation of sustainable resource management solutions.

Bulgarian Energy Holding Executive Director Valentin Nikolov said, as quoted by the Energy Ministry press office: "Today we are sending a clear signal that Bulgaria is looking ahead toward innovation and sustainable development. I am confident that this new partnership will open opportunities for modernization of the industry and bring tangible benefits to the people and to the economy".

Scott Snyder, Vice President for Research and Economic Development at the University of North Dakota, said the US side believes this initiative will give a significant economic boost to Bulgaria, and they look forward to working in close cooperation in the future. He also said they are pleased and honoured to offer real solutions to people’s problems.

What the Memorandum says

The Memorandum of Understanding provides for the development of targeted research programs aimed at implementing modern technologies for the processing of rare earth elements. The cooperation also includes the establishment of a research and knowledge center for critical raw materials in Bulgaria, intended to support the creation of a sustainable European supply chain.

Following the official signing of the Memorandum, expert teams from BEH and the University of North Dakota held a meeting during which an initial action plan was outlined.

Under the terms of the Memorandum, BEH and UND will work to assess the potential for processing lignite coal from the Maritsa East mines and extracting from it rare earth elements with high added value for the economy and industry.

Initial analyses indicate that the composition of Bulgarian lignite is very similar to that of coal mined in North Dakota, which presents opportunities to transfer and expand upon the US institution's experience in Bulgaria.

Next steps include expanded geological analysis and a new round of coal sampling from the Maritsa Basin, as well as the preparation of a pre-feasibility study to demonstrate the technological applicability and economic viability of such a project in Bulgaria. The process will also involve national scientific institutions, universities, and experts, in coordination with the National Scientific Program “Critical and Strategic Raw Materials for the Green Transition and Sustainable Development.”

A Bulgarian government delegation headed by Prime Minister Zhelyazkov is in the US for the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

As part of the visit, the Minister of Energy will participate in the Central and Eastern Europe Energy Security Summit, said his Ministry. Meetings with business representatives are also planned in the context of Bulgaria’s major energy projects.