"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". This was stated by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov after the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the University of North Dakota and the Bulgarian Energy Holding for the study of rare earth metals.
The Prime Minister emphasized that rare earth metals guarantee not only technological development, but also provide advantages in the development of competitiveness, our potential and our security. The Prime Minister noted that Bulgaria and the United States are not only partners in the strategic dialogue, but also allies who value the values and achievements of our civilized choice.
Rosen Zhelyazkov was categorical that by developing the scientific potential of the University of North Dakota, we can unleash the opportunities that the bowels of the Bulgarian land have. “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 good and prosperity of our nations“, Prime Minister Zhelyazkov also noted.
Minister of Energy Zhecho Stankov pointed out that today Bulgaria is rapidly joining the rare earth elements market - a market that will determine both the technological and economic development not only of Europe, but also of the world. Stankov pointed out that today's agreement is the start of an initiative that brings together resources, technology and science.
"Technology that will give perspective to tens of thousands of people from the Maritsa Basin to see the new economic opportunities before them", Minister Zhecho Stankov also said.
"We believe that this initiative will give a significant economic boost to Bulgaria and we will be happy to work in close cooperation in the future", said Scott Snyder, Vice President for Research and Economic Development at the University of North Dakota.
It is a great honor and great pleasure for us to be able to present real solutions to people's problems, Snyder also said. He emphasized the importance of the opportunities that the earth provides and their use through the extraction of rare earth metals.