THE AIM IS TO ENSURE THE SUFFICIENCY OF AGGREGATES - FROM THE REACTIONS IN STAVROVOUNI AND PAREKKLISIA, TO THE IMPASSE WITH THE BRITISH BASES IN XYLOFAGOU - Filenews 25/9 by Angelos Nikolaou
Ensuring the sufficiency of raw materials for the construction sector in an environmentally sustainable way is the goal of the Mines and Quarries Service. At the same time, the protection of citizens, infrastructure and the natural environment remains the first priority in the geological sector.
To this end, the preparation of geological suitability maps is underway, which are a key tool for spatial planning and safe development licensing. At the same time, the study and monitoring of geohazards continues throughout Cyprus, while the revision of the seismic zones on the basis of the latest scientific data is being promoted.
In the field of mineral resources, studies are underway for the development of a National Strategy for Critical Raw Materials, in harmonization with the relevant European regulation, while the reuse of recyclable materials from construction and demolition waste (ECDW) is enhanced. In particular, the update of the strategic study for the Sustainable Mining and Quarry Development of Cyprus 2021-2050 is underway, in order to meet the current data and environmental requirements.
According to the Service, the management of mineral resources and the licensing procedures for their exploitation include environmental and urban planning procedures, which require the coordination of several competent services. In this context, continuous efforts are being made to speed up these procedures and complete the permits in the shortest possible time, so as to meet the needs of the construction industry in particular.
There are a total of 38 large quarries operating in Cyprus, of which 24 are aggregates to meet the needs of construction projects. The steady increase in sales of 5-7% reflects the intense construction activity.
As far as mining activity is concerned, the Skouriotissa mine in the community of Katydata in the Nicosia district produces metal copper cathodes of the highest purity (99.999%). However, the copper reserves in the Skouriotissa mine have been exhausted and therefore the production of copper cathodes was enhanced with the reopening of the mine in the area of Apliki in the community of Kalopanagiotis, on the Lefka roadblock. Both mines apply modern, environmentally friendly hydrometallurgy techniques with a low environmental footprint.
Proposed quarry extensions
In order to meet the needs, the expansion of existing quarry zones is being promoted, a process that is accompanied by reactions, environmental concerns and bureaucratic obstacles.
- -Androlykos Quarry Zone: Due to the proximity to the sensitive Natura 2000 Network, an environmental study submitted to the Department of Environment has been completed. In order to immediately meet the needs of Paphos, an application for a small expansion of an existing quarry is being considered at the final stage. At the same time, the terms of the privilege of the only quarry with reserves were differentiated, so that the other two concrete-breaking units of the quarry zone could be supplied with rock.
- -Xylofagou Quarry Zone: Despite the request of the Republic for three years to expand the zone, the British Bases have not made a decision, citing pretexts for possible environmental impacts. The competent authorities of the Ministry have taken a positive position.
- -Quarry zone of Pyrgai: A small extension adjacent to a National Guard camp is being promoted, with the Ministry of Defense in consultations with the Mining Service. However, strong objections are raised by the Holy Monastery of Stavrovouni and some residents of the area. Any licensing will depend on whether it is ensured that there will be no negative effects on the surrounding area.
- -Community of Parekklisia: There are serious reactions from the residents, due to the nuisances and the effects caused mainly by the transport of quarry materials through the community. The General Directorate of Environment and the competent Services are in contact with the Department of Public Works to find an alternative solution.
- -Community of Sia: There are concerns among residents about a possible expansion of the quarry on the south side of the existing zone. The Mines and Quarries Service issued a research permit for the quality of the rock, clarifying that it does not bind the Republic, since relevant environmental studies should be examined in advance. At the same time, vibration measurements from explosions were carried out and the conditions for the use of explosives were adjusted to protect neighboring houses.
A tight circle of controls in quarries, mines and fireworks sites
The Mines and Quarries Service has been strengthened with new inspectors and modern technological equipment for the immediate control of the boundaries of the holdings and the fight against illegal quarrying, as well as explosive depots.
In relation to the landslides in Pissouri, systematic monitoring is implemented through an integrated network such as GNSS stations, inclinometers, piezometers and InSAR satellite measurements. At the same time, groundwater and drainage management measures are being implemented and an Early Warning System is operating for the safety of residents.
The competent Technical Committee promoted the mandatory use of recycled ECDW materials in construction projects, a provision that has already been included in the terms of tenders of the Department of Public Works.
In the final stretch for the Androlykou quarries
Within days, the study for the proposed new quarry zone of Androlykos, prepared by the Mines and Quarries Service, is expected to be submitted for examination by the Department of Environment with the aim of issuing the final environmental opinion. It is noted that the study for a holistic and documented assessment of the area was carried out in accordance with the opinion of the Environmental Authority in the context of the examination of the Strategic Environmental Impact Study of the Akamas Local Plan issued in February 2023. Specifically, among other things, it was decided that: "the following will be studied: (a) Whether the need for the creation of a new quarry zone of aggregates in the area of Androlykou is imperative, in relation to the available alternative locations, and, (b) The conservation status of the species and habitats of the area, in relation to quarrying activities".
At the same time, the Department of Environment is proceeding with the evaluation of the data for the final approval concerning the adjacent quarries, after the completion of the Special Ecological Assessment (EOA) report.
The relevant report was issued last year and this development is located outside, but in direct contact without, the existing quarry zone of Androlykos, which is adjacent to the protected areas of the Natura 2000 Network Akamas Peninsula.
As recorded in the report, the proposed extension corresponds to an increase in area of approximately 5.5% and is expected to extend activity by 2.5 to 3 years. The competent authorities estimate that the project will not increase the existing environmental pressures, but will only prolong them, as the local fauna seems to use the area despite the quarrying activity.
