PLANS for a gold refining factory in Paphos have been quashed, according to the Paphos Green Party.
“The environmental department refused Ayia Varvara as a location for the gold refinery; they announced that the company are not permitted to construct such a facility in the area,” he said.
Evlavis said the factory is classed as heavy industry, which is not permitted close to residential areas and only in certain zones, which Ayia Varvara is not.
Just over a year ago, Green Party MP, George Perdikis and Evlavis met with the community leaders and worried residents of Anarita, Kouklia, Timi, Acheleia and Ayia Varvara, to hear their concerns, especially concerning any toxic waste and gas emissions from the plant.
Typically in this country, a little learning is a dangerous thing. Gold refining is not dangerous; Switzerland has been doing it for over a century in built-up areas. One of the main companies, Metalor, has had a refining plant in the middle of the city of Neuchâtel for nearly a century. Others are in Ticino, notably Bellinzona. The problem is the word 'cyanide' which scares the pants off the ignorant like Perdikis & Co. without knowing what they are talking about. Yes, certain safety controls are necessary, but they are easy to follow with ordinary industrial know-how. To the best of my knowledge, Switzerland has not had an accident in any of their gold-refining plants.
