Filenews 23 December 2025 - by Vassos Vassiliou
An application for the operation of a quarry at a distance of about 100 meters from the Special Protection Zone (SPA) in the Akamas Peninsula, in an area that is part of the Natura 2000 Network of Protected Areas (in Androlykou), was submitted by a company.
In the wider area, two other "quarry privileges" are in force, one of which concerns the company that submitted the above application. The proposed extension area falls under Drouseia, Paphos.
The company estimates that the maximum amount of material to be extracted will be 900,000 cubic meters and of these the suitable material will reach 720,000 cubic meters.
For the extraction of the 900,000 cubic meters of material, it is estimated that the use of 315,000 kilograms of explosive material will be needed.
According to a study, which was carried out on behalf of the applicant company, no processing of the extracted material will be carried out in the area of the proposed project.
The resulting material will be loaded and transported to the existing concrete breaker units, which are located at a distance of less than 2 kilometers, through the existing dirt road.
The following works will be carried out in the existing concrete crushing units:
Material washing, Crushing and separation (of the material) into aggregates, which will be placed on the market for use in road construction projects, as well as for the construction of concrete.
After the completion of the extraction, trees and shrubs of the area will be planted in the steps that will be formed.
It is worth noting that for the operation of the unit, it is estimated that 90 tons of water will be consumed daily.
The company clarifies that within the proposed project, no new concrete crushing units will be installed and therefore no construction work will be carried out.
The area is part of the revised Akamas Local Plan and is characterized as a Rural Zone (Γα4).
The company claims in its application that the proposed extension is in line with the provisions of the Revised Akamas Local Plan.
In the area of the proposed activity there is the underground aquifer of Androlykou and the affected blocks are part of a water supply borehole protection zone.
Regarding the impact on the environment in the area where the quarrying activity is proposed, the company, citing a relevant study, states that these will be from small to large.
Small evaluates the effects on the landscape and its morphology, and this is due to the alteration of the natural relief. Exposed surfaces will also be created due to the excavation and alteration of the space.
Furthermore, the company estimates that small impacts are expected on the water bodies of the area.
As for the possible effects on the soil, the company argues that these will focus on the loss of organic matter due to the removal of vegetation and the increased risk of erosion phenomena due to exposure of the limestone substrate.
The effects on air quality due to explosions and the transport of material by trucks, which will cause dust, are assessed as moderate (by the company).
The company also estimates the impact on the acoustic environment due to the blasts as moderate.
As for the major impacts of the works to be carried out, the company identifies them on habitats, flora, fauna and avifauna. He also states that these concern the immediate mining area.
The applicant company does not fail to record positive elements from its proposed activity and these include: Positive socio-economic impact on society, safeguarding of existing jobs, as well as a contribution to the surrounding communities due to the taxation of quarries.
Finally, the company also prioritizes ensuring the smooth operation of the construction sector both in the province of Paphos and throughout Cyprus.
