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 company, to collaborate on research into rare earth elements in Bulgaria. The agreement was signed last week 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. This builds on UND’s established expertise in extracting these minerals from lignite coal, technology that was developed at UND’s College of Engineering & Mines and the Energy & Environmental Research Center with support from state and federal sources.

“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,” said Snyder. “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.”

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 for modern technologies such as electronics, renewable energy systems, and national security applications. UND has built a prototype plant demonstrating large-scale extraction feasibility and is working toward establishing a commercial facility using North Dakota coal.

Initial studies indicate that lignite coal from Bulgaria’s Maritsa Basin shares key characteristics with North Dakota coal, providing a technical basis for collaboration between UND and BEH.

The agreement outlines plans for mineralogical characterization, laboratory testing, technological validation, techno-economic studies, environmental assessments, resource management planning, establishing a Center for Critical Raw Materials Research and Knowledge in Bulgaria, and exploring processing potential for Bulgarian lignite.

Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov commented through his government 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.” Zhelyazkov further stated: “Through the development of the research capacity of the University of North Dakota, we can expand the possibilities contained in the Bulgarian subsoil.” He concluded: “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 and a Bulgarian delegation attending meetings at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. It occurred at Bulgaria’s Permanent Mission to the UN.

Following this event, teams from both institutions began developing an action plan including expanded geological surveys across Maritsa Basin; pilot laboratory tests tailored to Bulgarian lignite; preparation of pre-feasibility studies; as well as engagement with local universities, scientific agencies, and stakeholders involved with critical materials programs.

Dan Laudal, executive director at UND 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.”

Both parties view this initiative as part of a long-term partnership aimed at building resilient supply chains for strategic minerals while supporting clean energy transitions.