Bulgaria is also rich in rare earth elements, which have become so relevant in connection with the possible deal between the USA and Ukraine. This was stated by the chairman of the Bulgarian Energy and Mining Forum Ivan Hinovski.
According to him, our country has rich deposits of tungsten, uranium and manganese, but the closure of the Geology Committee in 1997 dealt a heavy blow to geological science and the study of the country's underground resources.
Hinovski raises another significant issue that could become a strategic direction for the state. “Bulgarian coal contains elements from the entire periodic table. Currently, the most expensive metals that are sold on the exchanges are found in our coal in sufficient quantities. These are vanadium, cobalt, germanium, but it is necessary to study in which layers they are found. In a large part of the overburden before reaching the coal layer, there are also valuable minerals, but the main ones are in our lignite coal", the expert told radio "Focus".
A study from years ago proves the presence of extremely valuable elements in coal from the deposits in Pernik and Bobov Dol. However, the lack of state policy and research is an obstacle to the development of this strategic business. For more than 10 years, leading American companies have been developing new technologies for extracting rare metals from coal, coal ash and the earth mass when they are discovered in mines.
According to experts, the state should pay attention to the difficulties and obstacles facing this industry in our country. It is necessary to quickly carry out research and development activities that will give a clear idea of what riches the Bulgarian land hides.
Bulgaria needs a national program for the exploration and development of rare mineral resources, Ivan Hinovski called for action.