NE North Dakota News

The University of North Dakota (UND) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Bulgarian Energy Holding (BEH), a state-owned energy company in Bulgaria, to collaborate on research related to rare earth elements. The agreement was signed in New York City by UND Vice President for Research & Economic Development Scott Snyder, Dean of the College of Engineering & Mines Ryan Adams, and representatives from BEH.

The partnership will focus on exploring and developing sustainable methods for extracting rare earth elements from lignite coal found in Bulgaria’s Maritsa Basin. UND has developed technology for extracting these elements from lignite at its College of Engineering & Mines and the Energy & Environmental Research Center. This technology is supported by both state and federal funding and is considered a leading approach for rare earth element extraction from lignite.

Scott Snyder stated, “We are excited to build on this partnership with Bulgaria as part of UND’s wider efforts to meet the rapidly growing need for critical minerals of the United States and our allies. As we work to commercialize this innovative technology in North Dakota, our MOU with Bulgaria represents another step in using the results of UND research in supporting economic development here at home and around the world.”

Ryan Adams added, “This agreement with Bulgaria Energy Holding gives us an opportunity to expand on our work in critical minerals and help one of our NATO allies. We are very excited to enter into this agreement and look forward to strengthening our relationship with the people of Bulgaria.”

Rare earth elements are important components in modern technologies such as renewable energy systems, electronics, and national security applications. UND has already built a prototype plant demonstrating their extraction process at scale and is planning a larger commercial facility in western North Dakota.

Preliminary studies show that Bulgarian lignite coal shares key characteristics with North Dakota coal, making technical collaboration possible between UND and BEH.

The new agreement outlines several areas for joint work:

- Mineralogical characterization, laboratory testing, and technological validation

- Techno-economic studies, environmental impact assessments, and resource management planning

- Establishment of a Center for Critical Raw Materials Research and Knowledge in Bulgaria

- Exploration of processing methods tailored to Bulgarian lignite

Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov commented through his government’s press office: “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 continued: “Bulgaria and the United States are not only partners in strategic dialogue, but also allies who value the achievements and choices of our civilization.” He further emphasized: “Through the development of the research capacity of the University of North Dakota, we can expand the possibilities contained in the Bulgarian subsoil.” Zhelyazkov added: “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 signing took place during a visit by Zhelyazkov’s delegation to New York City for meetings at the United Nations General Assembly.

Following execution of the memorandum, teams from UND and BEH began outlining next steps including expanded geological surveys across Bulgaria’s Maritsa Basin; pilot laboratory testing; preparation of pre-feasibility studies; engagement with local universities; coordination with national scientific agencies; and outreach to regional stakeholders.

Dan Laudal, executive director at UND’s College of Engineering & Mines Research Institute who participated in negotiations said: “As we are working towards commercializing our technologies in North Dakota and domestically, we are very excited to take this step with Bulgaria to expand the reach of our work.”

UND officials see this collaboration as part of broader efforts aimed at supporting resilient supply chains for strategic minerals needed by both countries.