Cyprus

Cyprus has a long history of mining that dates back to ancient times. The island was famous for its rich deposits of copper, which were exploited by ancient civilizations such as the Phoenicians and the Romans. The copper mines of Cyprus were the principal source of copper for the Mediterranean world during the Bronze Age, and copper mining remained an important industry on the island throughout the medieval and modern periods.

​

In the 20th century, the mining industry in Cyprus underwent a period of modernization and expansion, with new technologies and methods being introduced to increase efficiency and productivity. However, the decline of the mining industry in the latter part of the century led to the closure of many mines and the loss of jobs in the sector. Today, the mining industry in Cyprus is largely confined to the extraction of non-metallic minerals such as gypsum and cement, and the island's once famous copper mines are mostly a tourist attraction.