Rare Earth Mineral Exploration in Greece on the Rise

Greece’s Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy Alexandra Sdoukou signed an international call to tender for the exploration and exploitation of the mineral antimony in the area of Keramos on the island of Chios in the northern Aegean Sea, confirming a rise in rare earth mineral exploration in Greece.

The plans for Chios, however, have been met with some concerns, as there is no consensus on the exploitation of the island’s old mines. Since September 13, when the draft tender plans were put up for public consultation, Chios has been divided. Communities in the northern part of the island have expressed cautious support for the development, provided strict conditions are met, while the rest of the island remains concerned about the potential environmental impact of such an investment.

In response, the Ministry of Environment and Energy has pledged to impose strict obligations on the contractor to ensure environmental protection, create jobs for the local community, and allocate benefits to the Municipality of Chios.