The study was carried out between 2002 to 2004 and included the following objectives:
To formulate a Strategic Plan for the sustainable and rational development of the mineral wealth and the quarrying industry of Cyprus· To conserve mineral resources as far as possible, whilst ensuring an adequate supply to meet needs;
· To ensure that the environmental impacts caused by mineral operations and the transport of minerals are kept, as far as possible, to an acceptable minimum;
· To minimise production of waste and to encourage efficient use of materials, including appropriate use of high quality materials and recycling of waste;
· To encourage sensitive working, restoration and aftercare practices so as to preserve or enhance the overall quality of the environment;
· To protect areas of designated landscape or nature conservation value from development, other than in exceptional circumstances and where it has been demonstrated that development is in the public interest;
· To prevent the unnecessary sterilisation of mineral resources.
Principal findings
The minerals industry has been examined and the legal framework and authorities that control the industry have been considered in detail. The following principal findings have emerged:
1. Cyprus has substantial resources of essential minerals to meet the development requirements of the Island.
2. In the short term there will be a need to source reserves clay for brick manufacture and additional hard rock for aggregate production, to serve the Paphos area. Existing reserves of essential minerals elsewhere are sufficient to allow a proposed review of mineral workings without jeopardising the supply of raw materials for future development.
3. There are considerable concerns in regard to the effect of minerals operations on amenity and the environment and there are shortcomings in the way the mineral industry is both operated and regulated.
4. The current legislation sets out an elaborate system for the control of mineral operations but it is becoming excessively bureaucratic and the lack of resources and expertise within the regulatory bodies is a significant weakness in the monitoring and enforcement of regulations.
5. There is a lack of any forward planning both from the Government and the commercial sector promoted by current legislation that fails to acknowledge the long-term nature of the industry.
001_Aeiforos_Final_Report.pdf