Cyprus' Department of Environment has approved the construction of a new quarry in the Droushia area, near the existing Androlikos quarry zone and the protected areas of Akamas. The project is intended exclusively for the extraction of quarry materials. Once extracted, the raw materials will be transported to the crushing and processing facilities already operating in the Androlikos quarry zone.
Because the site is located near Natura 2000 protected areas, a special environmental assessment was prepared during the review process. The study specifically examined the potential impact on protected habitats and local plant and animal species.
Where the New Quarry Will Be Located and How Much Material Will Be Extracted
The quarry is planned outside the existing quarry zone on plots 168, 300, and part of plot 369 within the Droushia community. The total area of the proposed site is 49,727 m². Approximately 31% of the area, or about 18,968 m², has already been altered by human activity and is associated with existing quarry operations. The remaining 69%, or around 30,759 m², consists of natural terrain with limestone outcrops, part of which is currently used for agricultural purposes.
According to the environmental assessment, the maximum extraction volume will reach 900,000 m³. With an estimated recovery rate of 80%, approximately 720,000 m³ of usable material will be produced.
This is equivalent to approximately 1.512 million tons of finished material. The extracted resources will be used for landfilling, concrete production, and, most importantly, sand production. According to environmental authorities, the reserves at the new site should be sufficient for approximately 2.5 years of operation. However, these volumes are considered supplementary, as part of Paphos district's demand is already being met by materials supplied from the Limassol quarry zone.
Why the Project Was Considered Acceptable
The main potential environmental impacts are associated with the loss of a limited area of habitats and feeding grounds, as well as increased noise, vibrations, and dust. However, the new quarry will effectively become an extension of the existing extraction area. Quarrying activities are already taking place in the surrounding area, and studies indicate that local wildlife continues to use these territories despite the current level of industrial activity.
The proposed expansion represents approximately 5.5% of the existing quarry area, while the additional operating period is estimated at between 2.5 and 3 years. Environmental authorities therefore believe that the project will primarily extend the current level of impact rather than significantly increase its intensity.
Particular attention was given to the site's proximity to Natura 2000 areas. The new quarry will be located near the protected areas of the Akamas Peninsula and the Akamas Peninsula Special Protection Area. For this reason, a dedicated environmental impact assessment was carried out before the project received approval.