Company History
SXEW Hellenic Cuprum Ltd
Ancient Heritage
Hellenic Cuprum operates in two regions of Cyprus with a rich history, where copper production dates back to antiquity.
Traces of ancient activity are still visible: huge slag heaps surround the mines of Skouriotissa and Apliki.
The ancient galleries that have been discovered — one even with a geochronologically dated pillar from the 8th century BC — reveal the depth of the mining tradition in the area.
Even the physician Galenus, who visited Skouriotissa in the 2nd century AD, described mining and metallurgical operations — including hydrometallurgical ones — which we now know from archaeological findings.
Modern History
The industrial rebirth of Skouriotissa and Apliki in the 20th century.
EARLY 20th CENTURY
The Skouriotissa mines and later those of the Apliki area were reopened by Cyprus Mines Corporation (CMC), bringing industrial-scale operations to the region.
1974 - 1978
Operations ceased in 1974 due to the Turkish invasion. In 1978, the Hellenic Mining Company (EME) took over as the sole mining presence in Cyprus.
THE EME ERA
EME collaborated with an Australian partner to establish Hellenic Copper Mines Ltd, introducing environmentally friendly technologies to resume operations.
1995 – 2019
The beginning of ultra-pure metallic copper production.
A New Era of Technology and Pure Copper
A few years later, EME collaborated with an Australian company to establish Hellenic Copper Mines Ltd.
With modern and environmentally friendly technology, the mines resumed operations, and for the first time in centuries pure metallic copper was produced again in Cyprus.
The process included: mining, processing, ore leaching, solvent extraction, and finally electrowinning — producing ultra-pure copper.
This company operated from 1995 to 2019 and, in the meantime, it also established a unit for processing gold-bearing ore to produce gold and silver alloys. Its high technological performance granted it international recognition.
Sustainability & Environment
MODERN Technology INFRASTRUCTURE
The new SXEW Hellenic Cuprum Ltd continues the tradition of hydrometallurgy, while incorporating groundbreaking elements for a greener future.
Energy
Autonomy
Establishment of a state-of-the-art photovoltaic park to provide autonomous, 100% renewable electricity for all mining and processing operations.
Circular
Economy
Setting up a hydrometallurgical copper scrap processing unit for high-efficiency recycling without smelting, significantly reducing the carbon footprint.
In Progress
Shareholding Structure
Hellenic Cuprum Ltd was founded and is managed by companies registered with the Registrar of Companies of the Republic of Cyprus. Our strength lies in our constituent members: