THE ALCHEMIST WHO TURNS WASTE INTO GOLD

THE ALCHEMIST WHO TURNS WASTE INTO GOLD

                     

Prof. Vladko Panayotov is deputy rector of the University of Mining and Geology. He has been an EU MP since 2007. His major line of activity is directed to the processing of ores and minerals, water purification and introducing new technologies for extracting copper and gold from industrial waste. Prof. Panayotov is honorary member of the Russian Mining Academy and the Balkan Mining Academies. For introducing an environmentally friendly technology for processing lead and zinc ores, he is awarded with a gold medal at the International technical fair in Plovdiv.

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

-        Prof. Panayotov, could you tell us more about your innovative method which is in the process of being patented on a world-wide scale, including the most developed countries?

-To begin with, we tested the new technology in a pilot project in Elshitza. After the trial period, the method has been introduced routinely. It has been processing the industrial waste from the Plovdiv plant for ferrous metals. In 2007 we presented and defended successfully before the European Parliament an international project. It envisages the creation of an European Technological Center near Plovdiv with the participation of great Britain, Portugal and other EU member-countries. With this project, research of industrial waste recycling is given a kick start which is to be financed by the Marie Curie Fund within the range of 3 million euros.     

-        What was the response to presenting your innovation at the World Congress on Raw Materials Processing in Beijing last year?

-        There was massive response to my presentation of 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 with evil. My water cleansing technology is directed to arsenic removal from industrial waste water. My method does not apply other chemicals to eliminate the arsenic, which makes it revolutionary and environmentally friendly. There was great interest shown to it by countries like US, Canada, Australia which will be among the first to apply for patent rights.

-        What is your vision about the water deficit which is to be expected on a world-wide scale in the next 20 years?

-        The only way out is purification and recycling of water, industrially polluted. It is completely unacceptable to use it only once, it should be cleansed and recycled.  

-What are your immediate plans about the future?

-My future plans are connected with my work in the environmental commission in the European Parliament and are related to Bulgaria’s global interests. One of them refers to looking for alternative sources of energy. Another one refers to reducing environmental pollution ‑ neutralizers on cars, filters on factory chimneys, recycling waste, etc. As far as alternative energy sources are concerned, a seminar was held in Brussels, dealing with hydrogen fuel and biomass second generation. I mean biomass from dead leaves, sawdust, straw, etc. ‑ when processed in a specific way, they turn into gas. As we well know, fossil fuels cannot last more than another 50 years. Germany is quite advanced in using hydrogen in public transport vehicles – cars, trains, trucks and buses. US is  about to launch the first hydrogen-fuel and pilot-free Boeing, Japan have launched the arrow trains, Denmark is running hydrogen fuel train between two railway stations. The incentive, where Bulgaria takes part is the divisive recycling of waste. The key point is to cultivate consciousness and responsibility among citizens which is yet to be improved. Waste is a resource - there is invested in each bottle energy, light, heat. This is a serious source of material welfare in all areas - clothes‑making, construction and packaging. Denmark is a telling example in this respect.

-        What are the major criticisms to Bulgaria in the EU Parliament?

-        Up until now, the attitude is encouraging us to get in pace with other EU countries. I have stood up for amendments of EU law, defending Bulgarian interests. This is done with keeping in mind our long-term industrial policy, our environmental legislation, etc. In the EU complaints and despair don’t work - to achieve success, you must target the common interests, the common motivation. A major issue is a Bulgarian lobby, as the one Romanians have.

-        And again about the precious depleting resource of water in seas, rivers and oceans - how could it be purified from continual pollution?

-        The soil is a very sensitive resource, once polluted, it is lost forever. A lot is to be done for education of young in environmental awareness. This has to be implemented through school education and family upbringing. There must be control, concerning the divisive disposal of metals, glass and paper.

-        What are your academic projects in this area, so vital for saving the planet?

-        I have published a book in co-authorship with leading Bulgarian and foreign scientists. It focuses mainly on hydrogen fuel, second generation biomass fuels and the conservation of CO₂ emissions. We have to act too, following the example of Germany, Denmark, Italy. As an EU MP, prof. Panayotov firmly believes he can achieve a lot, using deftly the levers of the EU Parliament. Because he is not just a politician there, but a world-recognized scientist. In all his projects other EU member-countries like Germany, Great Britain and Italy are involved and EU finances are to be allotted.

It’s so stimulating to talk to positive, proactive and inspired personalities like prof. Vladko Panayotov. If all of us had some of his fervor and dedication, Bulgaria would be a different place to live in and to invest in.

Interviewed by Dr. Ksenia Kisselincheva

Sofia Echo weekly, 2008