UND and Bulgarian Energy Holding Partner on Rare Earths

University of North Dakota researchers and Bulgarian Energy Holding signed a Memorandum of Understanding in New York to launch a trans‑Atlantic research partnership focused on extracting rare earth elements (REEs) from lignite coal.

UND brings a tested extraction technology developed at its College of Engineering & Mines and the Energy & Environmental Research Center, including a prototype plant and plans for a commercial facility in North Dakota. Initial comparisons indicate that lignite from Bulgaria’s Maritsa Basin has compositional similarities to North Dakota coal, providing a technical rationale for collaboration.

Under the agreement, teams will carry out mineralogical characterization, advanced laboratory validation, pilot testing of tailored extraction methods, techno‑economic studies and environmental impact assessments. Partners also plan to establish a Center for Critical Raw Materials Research in Bulgaria to support European supply chains and examine sustainable resource management and low‑impact processing options.

Bulgarian officials described the deal as strategically important for industrial development and technological cooperation between NATO allies. Near‑term steps include expanded geological surveys, new coal sampling, and a pre‑feasibility study to evaluate viability and economic returns. The project aims to diversify REE sources, bolster secure supply chains and advance commercially scalable, environmentally conscious extraction methods.