Copper has been inextricably linked to our country since ancient times. Starting with the name itself. In ancient Roman territory, the probably only source of copper was Cyprus. Therefore, the Romans named this precious metal 'AES CYPRIUM', meaning 'Metal of Cyprus'. With its name then evolving into 'cuprum' and passing in various forms into many European languages (e.g. copper, cuivre, Kupfer, copar).
Apart from the name, copper is even associated with one of the most important periods of development of Cyprus, which is placed around 1650 BC.
The Bronze Age is one of the most important periods in the history of Cyprus. It starts from 2500 BC and goes up to about 1050 BC. This era is divided into three major periods. The Early Age (2500 BC – 1900 BC), the Middle Age (1900 BC – 1650 BC) and the Late Age (1650 BC – 1050 BC).
The latter, which lasted about 600 years, is perhaps the most creative and impressive phase of the Prehistory of Cyprus. During this period, Cyprus became an important commercial and political power in the Eastern Mediterranean with a great culture. In ancient times, copper production in Cyprus continued with breaks, tensions and recessions of activity, until the early Byzantine times.
Shopping mall
Cyprus, during these centuries and having perhaps the largest reserves of quality copper in the region, emerged as one of the most important centers of production and trade of this precious metal in the entire Mediterranean, experiencing enormous economic and cultural prosperity.
Copper was the most valuable metal of the time. On the one hand, because it marked the transition of humanity from the Stone Age to the Metal Age, radically changing everyday life, war and the economy. On the other hand, because it was a basic raw material in almost all aspects of life and all aspects of that time.
Copper - among other things - was used to make:
(1) Weapons and war equipment.
(2) Daily use and production tools.
(3) Utensils and household items.
(4) Commodities and currencies (talents).
(5) Materials for art and religious worship.
When the discovery of mixing copper with tin came about and brass (bronze) was created, the inhabitants acquired a material that was extremely hard and durable, ideal to replace fragile stone tools. All of the above highlighted Cyprus as a key commercial center of the region, developing relations with both Eastern and Western countries, extending its trade to Italy and Sardinia.
Back on the front line
But why all this prologue? You will wonder. And why the reference to an era that goes back to 2500 years before Christ? Copper is no longer so abundant on Cypriot land, most mines have closed and our economy today is mainly based on services, tourism and the construction industry.
However, the circumstances in the international economic environment are once again bringing copper to the forefront. This is because it is a key raw material for the manufacture of electric vehicles, electricity transmission networks, photovoltaic systems, energy storage systems, AI (artificial intelligence) systems and other low-carbon technologies. Therefore, global demand for the metal is expected to strengthen significantly in the coming years.
Where do these developments find our country? In a situation of low production, but with great prospects. This image is given by a Cypriot company, which is a pioneer at a global level and may be the stepping stone to create the conditions for our country to regain an important new source of revenue.
Recently, we visited the mines of Skouriotissa and Apliki. There, at the site of Apliki, located at the base of Marathasa, among the rocks, landfills and strong indications of older mining activity, the company SXEW Hellenic Cuprum Ltd has created a whole new industry. Even more important: It has achieved it with the least possible carbon footprint.
Pure copper 99.999%
SXEW Hellenic Cuprum Ltd is a continuation of the historic copper production in Cyprus. It has succeeded in developing a new paradigm of industrial production, combining the production of high-purity copper using renewable energy sources, innovative hydrometallurgical methods and circular economy practices.
The company has the ability to produce 99.999% purity copper cathodes, LME Grade A specifications, leveraging a production model focused on reducing the environmental footprint and sustainably managing natural resources.
With this in mind, the company seeks to contribute both to Europe's security of supply of strategic raw materials and to the strengthening of the Cypriot economy through the production of high value-added products with an export orientation. It is noted that the company exports all its production to international markets, strengthening Cyprus' presence in the field of strategic raw materials.
Modern metallurgy
A central element of the company's activity is the application of SX-EW (Solvent Extraction – Electrowinning) technology, a sequence of modern hydrometallurgical processes, which allow the production of high-purity copper without the smelting processes used in traditional pyrometallurgy.
The combination of hydrometallurgy with the use of renewable energy sources allows the operation of a production model with an extremely limited carbon footprint, making Hellenic Cuprum one of the most environmentally innovative copper industries.
Pioneering green industrial development
Although it sounds foreign to the mining industry, the company is pioneering green growth. As of June 2026, it covers a large part of its energy needs from renewable energy sources, through an autonomous photovoltaic system, installed within its mining lease.
The project includes a photovoltaic park with a capacity of 2.5 MW and an energy storage system with a total capacity of 5 MWh, allowing the energy autonomy of the facilities on a round-the-clock basis.
The company's goal is to fully meet its energy needs from autonomous renewable sources, something that is already close to its goals and is completely feasible. The investment was implemented entirely with private resources, without state sponsorship, while it was installed in areas in need of environmental restoration, enhancing the environmental character of the project.
The study for the project began in 2023, construction works in August 2024 and copper production and exports in May 2025. The activity and exports of this new mining activity are expected to support the economy of the country with a particular contribution to the exports of industrial products.
Environmental remediation - The company's strategy is based on the principles of REDUCE – REUSE – RECYCLE and includes:
(a) Utilization of existing ores from older mining activities, as well as those from new extractions.
(b) Reuse of equipment where technically feasible.
(c) Planning of the operation of a copper scrap recycling unit with green technologies.
(d) Implementation of environmental restoration projects in areas of old mines. In this way, productive activity is combined with the improvement of the natural environment and the regeneration of areas that have been affected by older mining holdings.
