In 2024, Cyprus was the world's fifth-ranked producer of iron oxide pigments, excluding the United States. Other mineral commodities produced included secondary aluminum, cement, bentonite, common clay, fertilizers, gold, gypsum, lime, nickel, perlite, sand and gravel, sand and gravel (construction), and stone (crushed and dimension). Production of mineral commodities represented a minor part of the economy of Cyprus.
In 2024, Cyprus’ total export of goods decreased by approximately 12% to \$4.5 billion from \$5.1 billion in 2023. In 2024, the country’s leading mineral commodity in terms of exports was mineral fuels and oils, which was valued at $1 billion; followed by iron and steel, \$39 million; copper and articles thereof, \$29 million; aluminum and articles thereof, \$24 million.
The top export destinations were Libya (which received 19% of total Cyprus’s exports, by value), Greece and Lebanon (8% each), and the United Kingdom (5%). Cyprus’ total import of goods decreased by approximately 7% to \$13.3 billion from \$14.3 billion in 2023. The country’s leading mineral commodity in terms of imports was mineral fuels and oils, which was valued at $3 billion, or accounted for 23% of total imports, followed by iron and steel products, \$254 million; aluminum and articles thereof, \$97 million; and miscellaneous articles of base metal, \$40 million. The main import partners were Greece (which supplied 24% of Cyprus’s total imports, by value); China and Italy (8% each); Germany (6%); and Spain (5%). In 2024, Cyprus exported about 2,715 metric tons of iron oxide pigments, mostly to the United States, Pakistan, Italy, and China, in descending order of tonnage.
The Mines and Quarries Service is the Government authority responsible for regulating the mining and quarrying sector in Cyprus. It oversees mineral resource development and administers the legislative framework governing the mineral industry. This framework is established under the Mines and Quarries Act of 1965, as amended in 2022, which defines the provisions relating to the ownership, control, and operation of mines and quarries within the territory of Cyprus and sets out the rules for their exploitation. The Geological Survey Department acts as the State’s technical advisor on all geologic matters. It is the government agency responsible for conducting geologic research and providing expert opinions on geologic issues. The role and responsibilities of the Geological Survey Department are defined under the Geological Survey Act of 2013.
