Pile of ancient rust, proving Skouriotissa’s operation in ancient times.

The environmental consequences of mines

International bibliography confirms both the undoubted consequences and the risks which the mine industry can provoke on the environment. Some of the most important are:

-          Acid mine drainage

-          Chemical releases on water

-          Noise pollution (from explosions and heavy machinery)

-          Dust emissions

-          Detriment of rural scenery

-          Sinking of land

-          Scarcity of water

-          Prevention of agriculture and tourist development

-          Waste

-          Heavy metal contamination

-          Overuse of electric power and water

-          Pneumoconiosis (human environment)

These serious consequences have provoked intense reactions against the operation of mines all of over the world. Indicative cases are the passionate demonstrations in Chile, Peru and Greece.

Given all these reactions against the operation of mines we wanted to investigate whether there were similar reactions against the operation of Skouriotissa. Such reactions could imply a serious impact on the environment by the operation of the mine. Both the lack of relevant references in newspapers and our conversation with inhabitants have shown that there was never any reaction against the operation of the mine. Consequently, a question must be raised: does the lack of reactions against the operation of Skouriotissa mean that the particular mine has taken compensation measures to protect the environment? Moreover, if that’s the case, which particular measures were adopted in order to minimize the environmental hazards which the operation of a copper mine can aggravate?

The official webpage of the Ministry of Agriculture, National Resources and Environment of the Republic of Cyprus and more particularly of the Natural Resources Department underlines the existence of legislation obligating mines to submit renewed environmental studies every three years (1990) and the introduction of laws and regulations focusing on the protection of the environment which followed the accession of the Republic of Cyprus in the European Union (2004).

However, we wanted to further investigate the subject. Thus, we visited Skouriotissa Copper Mine and we interviewed its Director, mr. Dinos Xidas. Our questions focused on the environmental impact of Skouriotissa and on the measures taken in order to minimize these consequences.

The Skouriotissa Copper Mine and the measures protecting the environment

From our conversation we have concluded that particular measures are taken in order to minimize or provoke any environmental hazards. We present them briefly:

Heavy metal contamination and dust emissions:

-          The copper mine has excluded the traditional ways of extracting copper such as smelting and has introduced the environmentally friendly method of leaching.

-          Use of equipment measuring dust emissions.

-          Use of nets preventing dust emissions reaching the zone outside the mine limits.

Net preventing dust emissions reaching outside the mine limits.

Acid mine drainage and chemical releases on water:

-          Use of plastic membranes and control systems to avoid leaks.

-          Regular checks of the quality of water from approximately twenty drillings placed on the perimeter of the mine.