Cyprus has resumed exports of pure copper cathodes (refined copper) from the Skouriotissa and Apliki mines after a five-year hiatus, the director of the mines and quarries service, Stelios Michael, said during a conference in Nicosia.

The event, organised by the mines and quarries service and the Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation (Oev) last week, focused on the mining industry in present-day Cyprus.

It touched on various aspects related to mining, including green development, recycling, modern concepts, and technology.

The event was held under the auspices of Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou.

Speaking at the conference, Michael announced the extraction and export of copper cathodes using hydrometallurgy techniques, following five years of inactivity at the two sites.

He said the methods applied reflected a high level of environmental responsibility.

He also noted that the organisation of the conference was deemed necessary following the adoption of the European Regulation on Critical Raw Materials, placing particular emphasis on the service’s role as a business support centre, in order to accelerate licensing procedures.

Among the service’s priorities, he said, are the institutionalisation of mining zones and the implementation of a single-window access system for critical projects.

He also referred to ongoing efforts to sign a memorandum of understanding with the general directorate of mineral raw materials of Greece’s Ministry of Environment and Energy.

In remarks delivered on behalf of Minister Panayiotou by the deputy permanent secretary of the directorate-general for the environment, the Minister underlined that the mining sector remains a key pillar of economic development, with an important role in both the green and digital transitions.

The value of mineral resources, she said, is enhanced by modern geopolitical and technological developments, making sustainable and responsible exploitation imperative.

She also stressed the importance of leveraging technological progress for the sustainable management of mineral resources and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the mining sector by improving the institutional framework and strengthening innovation.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, the mining industry has historically played a central role in the economic and technical development of Cyprus.

From antiquity to the present day, mining activity has contributed to the national economy, created jobs, and supported industrial and technological progress.

Particular emphasis at the conference was placed on green development prospects for the sector, with a focus on modern technologies, innovation, and environmental responsibility during both the extraction and restoration phases.

The Ministry said that with state support and targeted policies, a favourable environment can be formed to promote sustainable development and social progress.

Industry experts and academics from Cyprus and Greece also took part in the conference, presenting key aspects of mining in the current economic and environmental context.

Presentations highlighted low-carbon technologies, recycling initiatives and restoration practices aligned with European goals for sustainable resource management.