Greece

Greece has a long history of mining dating back to ancient times. The country was famous for its silver mines in Laurion, which were exploited by the Athenians during the 5th and 4th centuries BC. In addition, Greece was also an important source of marble, gold, iron, lead, and copper. The Romans continued to mine in Greece during their occupation, however, the mining industry suffered during the Byzantine era due to the preference for trade and agriculture.

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In modern times, Greece's mining industry has been focused on bauxite, lignite, and nickel. The largest bauxite deposits in Greece are located in the central and northern parts of the country. The mining of bauxite began in the 1930s and has been a significant source of revenue for the country. The lignite deposits are mainly located in northern Greece and account for the majority of the country's domestic energy production. The mining of nickel began in the late 1960s and has been concentrated in the northern part of the country. Despite its long history, the modern mining industry in Greece has faced challenges related to environmental and social concerns, as well as a lack of investment.