"With the right investments and continued cooperation at both national and international level, the Cyprus quarrying industry can evolve into a more modern, efficient, and environmentally responsible sector. Our goal is to position Cyprus as a regional example of sustainable quarrying that supports economic progress while protecting the environment," Antonis Antoniou Latouros notes.
He spoke to CBN soon after the Cyprus Quarries Association signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the China Aggregates Association in what has been described as a milestone for the island’s aggregates sector.
In his interview with the portal, Latouros, who is President of the Cyprus Quarries Association, President of the Aggregates Europe (European Aggregates Association) and Vice President of the Global Aggregates Information Network (GAIN), the Global Alliance of Aggregates Associations, elaborates on the significance of the signing.
Among other things, he discusses the importance of cooperation with overseas bodies for the ongoing growth of the local sector and reveals how the momentum from this MoC could prompt the development of similar agreements with reputable associations in Europe, America, the Middle East, and other regions.
Can you tell us more about the recent Memorandum of Cooperation that the Cyprus Quarries Association signed with the China Aggregates Association? What are its aims and the impact you anticipate the agreement to have on the local sector here in Cyprus?
The Memorandum of Cooperation establishes a long-term framework for collaboration between the Cyprus Quarries Association (CQA) and the China Aggregates Association (CAA), the world’s largest aggregates organisation covering more than 40% of the global market. This agreement is the first of its kind for our sector in Cyprus and reflects our commitment to strengthening international ties and aligning our industry with global best practices.
The MoC covers key areas such as technical development, environmental stewardship, resource management, occupational health and safety, and social responsibility. It formalises cooperation through the exchange of industry information, updates on legislation, environmental standards, and technological innovation, as well as the sharing of publications and electronic data between the two organisations.
Importantly, it provides for joint activities such as seminars, conferences, exhibitions, and study visits in both countries, creating a platform for Cypriot professionals and companies to access knowledge, technologies, and business opportunities from the world’s most advanced and dynamic aggregates sector.
For Cyprus, the anticipated impact is significant. Our industry stands to benefit from:
- Greater exposure to innovative extraction and processing technologies;
- Improved sustainability practices and restoration methods;
- Enhanced training opportunities for the workforce;
- Direct channels for business cooperation and technical support; and
- A stronger international presence and competitiveness.
Overall, this agreement will help accelerate the modernisation of the Cypriot quarrying industry and support its strategic transition to more efficient and environmentally responsible operations.
Do you anticipate similar cooperation with other overseas associations in the future?
Yes. Strengthening the international dimension of the Cypriot quarrying sector is one of our strategic priorities. Quarrying is undergoing a major global transformation—digitalisation, automation, recycling of aggregates, and environmental requirements are reshaping how the industry operates. To remain aligned with these trends, it is essential that we connect with organisations abroad.
The successful conclusion of the MoC with CAA demonstrates our readiness for international partnerships. Based on this momentum, we envision developing similar agreements with reputable associations in Europe, America, the Middle East, and other regions with advanced expertise in sustainability, circular economy practices, and innovative quarrying technologies.
Such partnerships will not only enhance knowledge transfer but also create new opportunities for our members in areas such as joint technical projects, specialised training, and participation in international business events—cooperation models already embedded in our current MoC with CAA.
More widely, can you elaborate on the mission of the Cyprus Quarries Association? What are the Association’s main aims and what advantages does it offer its members?
The Cyprus Quarries Association is the official body representing the quarrying and aggregates industry in Cyprus. Our mission is to support the responsible and sustainable development of the sector, ensure operational excellence, and contribute to national economic and infrastructural growth.
Our main objectives include:
• Advocacy and Policy Development
We represent the industry in dialogue with government authorities, ensuring that legislation is practical, balanced, and aligned with EU directives.
• Environmental Protection & Sustainable Practices
We help our members adopt modern environmental standards, improve restoration of used quarries, reduce emissions, and integrate elements of circular economy and resource efficiency.
• Safety & Compliance
We promote the highest standards of occupational safety and health—an area also emphasised in our cooperation agreement with CAA.
• Modernisation & Technology Adoption
We encourage digitalisation, smart quarrying, and innovative extraction and processing methods.
• Education, Training & International Networking
With our involvement in Aggregates Europe (we have held the Presidency since June 2021 for a second term), through seminars, study visits, and joint activities, which are now greatly enhanced by our agreement with CAA, members gain access to global expertise, updated sector knowledge, and new opportunities for cooperation.
Through these pillars, the Association helps its members strengthen operational quality, enhance competitiveness, and remain aligned with global industry developments.
What is your view of the quarry industry in Cyprus at this time and how do you view its future prospects?
The quarrying industry today remains a key pillar of Cyprus’ economic and infrastructural development. Aggregates are essential for housing, public works, energy infrastructure, and road networks. Demand remains strong, and the sector continues to support major national development projects. We are here to stay, we produce in Cyprus and for Cyprus!
However, the industry is also facing important challenges: access to resources is getting more and more difficult, stricter environmental regulations, the need to rehabilitate exhausted quarries, rising operational costs, and the necessity to invest in new technologies and workforce training.
Despite these challenges, I am optimistic about the future. Several factors support this outlook:
- A clear national shift toward sustainable development, requiring higher-quality, responsibly sourced aggregates.
- Ongoing and upcoming major infrastructure projects that will sustain demand.
- Significant opportunities in the recycling of construction and demolition waste and circular economy initiatives.
- International partnerships—such as the MoC with the China Aggregates Association—that will enable access to top-tier expertise, modern practices, and new technological solutions.
With the right investments and continued cooperation at both national and international level, the Cyprus quarrying industry can evolve into a more modern, efficient, and environmentally responsible sector. Our goal is to position Cyprus as a regional example of sustainable quarrying that supports economic progress while protecting the environment.
