Bulgarian Energy Holding and the USA: Memorandum on Rare Earths

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov yesterday announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the University of North Dakota and the Bulgarian Energy Holding as an event of exceptional importance. "Today"s signing is extremely important for the development not only of the Bulgarian mining industry, but also for the technological progress of Bulgaria and the USA", said the Prime Minister, quoted by the press service of the Council of Ministers.

This cooperation, according to him, is key to ensuring Bulgaria"s technological development, strengthening competitiveness and national security. Zhelyazkov emphasized the strategic partnership between Bulgaria and the USA, based on shared values and civilizational achievements.

The Prime Minister pointed out that the development of the scientific potential of the University of North Dakota is crucial for maximizing the benefits of the country"s natural resources. "Without the scientific potential and know-how that you have, it is very difficult to achieve what we expect in the Maritsa Basin and elsewhere, for the benefit and prosperity of our countries", he added, referring to the significant potential for rare metal mining in Bulgaria. He expressed his hopes for the successful utilization of these resources, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in this regard.

Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov defined the signing of the memorandum as an important step in Bulgaria"s inclusion in the rapidly developing market for rare earth elements. He emphasized the global importance of this market, determining both technological and economic development worldwide. The agreement, in his words, unites resources, technologies and scientific potential, creating conditions for an innovative and economically viable approach to the extraction and processing of rare metals. "Technology that will give the perspective of tens of thousands of people from the Maritsa Basin to see the new economic opportunities before them", said Minister Stankov, highlighting the socio-economic aspect of the project.

Scott Snyder, Vice President for Research and Economic Development at the University of North Dakota, expressed satisfaction with the cooperation. "We believe that this undertaking will give a significant economic boost to Bulgaria and we will be happy to work closely together in the future", he said, adding that it is "a great honor and a great pleasure to be able to present real solutions to people"s problems_q_. Snyder emphasized the importance of the rational use of natural resources, highlighting the prospects for the successful extraction of rare metals. His optimism was evident in his confidence that this cooperation will bring real benefits to Bulgaria.