The Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS), Bulgarian Energy Holding (BEH) and Mini Maritsa East have signed a partnership agreement to explore opportunities for extracting critical raw materials and rare earth metals from lignite coal in the Maritsa East complex.

In accordance with a decision by the Council of Ministers and in connection with BEH's participation in exploration and research activities in the Black Sea, the company will create a new directorate, which will be responsible for research, geological activities, and innovation.

Following the signing of the agreement, another exploratory drilling was carried out at the Mini Maritsa East site. Some of the samples taken will be sent for analysis to the University of North Dakota (USA), where the applicability of TerraCore technology will be tested, allowing the production of concentrate with up to 90% content of 17 rare earth elements and purified high-calorie coal for industrial purposes.

An agreement between BEH and the University of North Dakota with specific financial parameters for all activities is expected to be signed next week.

Source: Ministry of Energy