UND College of Engineering and Mines Research Institute looks to future with rare earth elements – Grand Forks Herald

Strategic Partnership Advances Sustainable Development Through Critical Minerals Research

Introduction

A collaborative initiative between the University of North Dakota (UND) College of Engineering and Mines Research Institute and Bulgarian Energy Holding (BEH) is underway to commercialize research on rare earth elements (REEs). This partnership directly supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by fostering innovation, promoting clean energy, driving economic growth, and establishing global partnerships for a sustainable future.

Fostering Innovation and Sustainable Infrastructure (SDG 9)

Technological Advancement and Commercialization

The core objective is to translate nearly a decade of academic research into commercial applications for extracting critical materials. This aligns with SDG 9 by promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization and fostering innovation.

• The UND institute is actively pursuing U.S. Department of Energy funding to build commercial demonstration projects for REE extraction within North Dakota.
• The partnership aims to combine UND’s technology with BEH’s resources to develop new industrial processes.
• A key long-term goal is the establishment of a Center for Critical Raw Materials Research and Knowledge in Bulgaria to support and upgrade European industrial capabilities.

Supporting Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7)

Securing Materials for Renewable Technologies

The research focuses on elements that are indispensable for the global transition to clean energy, directly contributing to SDG 7.

1. REEs are critical components for high-efficiency electric motors and wind turbines.
2. The institute’s work includes the collection of gallium and germanium, which are essential for manufacturing LEDs, high-performance solar panels, and microchip systems.
3. By developing secure supply chains for these materials, the initiative supports the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure globally.

Promoting Economic Growth and Decent Work (SDG 8)

Driving Economic Development Domestically and Abroad

The commercialization of this research is anticipated to stimulate economic growth and create skilled employment opportunities, in line with the objectives of SDG 8.

• The initiative is expected to attract significant federal funding to North Dakota, launching new projects within the state.
• The collaboration aims to unlock the economic potential of Bulgaria’s mineral resources, particularly in the Maritsa Basin, fostering prosperity.
• Long-term plans include the development of commercial-scale projects and infrastructure in Bulgaria, creating sustained economic value.

Strengthening Global Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17)

A Model for International Collaboration

This partnership exemplifies SDG 17 by creating a cross-sectoral and international alliance to achieve sustainable development through shared technology and knowledge.

• A formal Memorandum of Understanding establishes a collaborative research framework between a U.S. academic institution and a Bulgarian state-owned energy company.
• The partnership leverages the unique strengths of each entity to address the global challenge of securing critical mineral supply chains.
• The collaboration is recognized by government leaders as a strategic alliance that enhances ties between NATO allies and contributes to mutual prosperity.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The article mentions that rare earth elements, the focus of the research, are essential components in renewable energy technologies like “wind turbines” and “solar panels.” This directly links the research to the infrastructure required for clean energy.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The initiative is described as an effort to “commercialize rare earth element research” and support “economic development here at home and around the world.” This highlights the goal of translating research into economic activity and prosperity.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • The core of the article revolves around “scientific potential and know-how,” “research capacity,” and creating “commercial demonstrations of critical materials and rare earth element extraction for industrial practices.” This focuses on enhancing scientific research, upgrading technology, and building new industrial capabilities.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The project focuses on the extraction of “critical materials” and “rare earth elements” from lignite. This relates to the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources, especially those critical for modern technology.
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The article is centered on a “new partnership between the UND College of Engineering and Mines Research Institute and a company in Bulgaria.” It details a “memorandum of understanding” and a “collaborative research initiative” between entities in the United States and Bulgaria, involving academia, state-owned industry, and government support, which exemplifies a multi-stakeholder, international partnership.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Under SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy):
   • Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. The research supports the production of components (wind turbines, solar panels) necessary for increasing this share.
2. Under SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth):
   • Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation. The effort to “commercialize this innovative technology” directly aims to boost economic productivity through technological advancement.
3. Under SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure):
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries… encouraging innovation. The entire project, from Ph.D. research to the establishment of a research center in Bulgaria, is focused on enhancing scientific research and technological capabilities.
   • Target 9.b: Support domestic technology development, research and innovation in developing countries. The partnership aims to establish a “Center for Critical Raw Materials Research and Knowledge in Bulgaria” to support European supply chains, directly contributing to technology development and research in Bulgaria.
4. Under SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production):
   • Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources. The project explores innovative ways to extract critical rare earth elements from lignite, a by-product of coal mining, which points towards more efficient use of natural resources.
5. Under SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals):
   • Target 17.6: Enhance North-South, South-South and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science, technology and innovation. The partnership between a U.S. university and a Bulgarian state-owned company is a clear example of international cooperation on science and technology.
   • Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships. The collaboration involves academia (UND), industry (Bulgarian Energy Holding), and government (U.S. Department of Energy, Bulgarian government), representing a multi-stakeholder partnership.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicators for Partnership and Innovation (SDG 9, SDG 17):
   • The signing of a “memorandum of understanding (MOU)” is a concrete indicator of a formal international partnership being established.
   • The planned establishment of a “Center for Critical Raw Materials Research and Knowledge in Bulgaria” is a measurable outcome of the collaboration.
2. Indicators for Research and Development (SDG 9):
   • The pursuit and acquisition of “federal funding” from the Department of Energy serves as a financial indicator of support for the research.
   • The execution of specific research activities, such as “advanced laboratory testing” and “techno-economic studies,” are measurable project milestones.
3. Indicators for Economic and Industrial Application (SDG 8, SDG 9):
   • The development of “commercial demonstrations” of the extraction technology is a key indicator of moving from research to practical application.
   • The long-term goal of establishing “commercial projects in Bulgaria” is a direct indicator of successful commercialization and economic impact.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: grandforksherald.com