Bulgarian scholar Professor Vladko Panayotov has created a clean technology for extracting non-ferrous metals from industrial waste, i.e. copper, nickel and aluminium etc. In this way, he has put an end to the use of cyanides, acids and other bases that are detrimental to the environment and to people’s health. Another huge benefit, coming from his innovative method, is the reduction of industrial waste – another global pollutant with long-term consequences.

Professor Panayotov, could you tell us more about your innovative method which is in the process of being patented on a worldwide scale, including the most developed countries?
To begin with, we tested the new technology in a pilot project in the village of Elshitza in southern Bulgaria. After the trial period, the method was introduced routinely. It has been processing industrial waste from the Plovdiv plant for ferrous metals. In 2007 we presented, and defended successfully before the European Parliament, an international project. This envisages the creation of a European Technological Centre near Plovdiv with the participation of the UK, Portugal and other EU states. With this project, research into industrial waste recycling has been given a kick-start. This will be financed by the Marie Curie Fund to the tune of three million euro.

What was the response to your innovation at last year’s World Congress on Raw Materials Processing in Beijing?
There was a massive response to my presentation about the new technology and offers to patent it on all continents. I also presented another new technology, connected with water purification, especially removing the highly toxic arsenic. Wherever there are gold deposits or deposits of other precious metals, there is a lot of arsenic. This is another instance of dialectics – good goes alongside evil. My water-cleansing technology is directed to arsenic removal from industrial waste water. My method does not involve other chemicals to eliminate the arsenic, which makes it revolutionary and environmentally friendly. There was great interest shown in it by the US, Canada and Australia which will be among the first to apply for patent rights.

Source: The Sofia Echo