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Figure 2.3 Principal exports as a proportion ofthe total value ofdomestic
exports in 1957.
Copper cernent
Source: The Colonial List 1959, London: HMSO.
The minerai extraction industry peaked during British rule, when it represented a
large proportion of the export sector. Profits accrued to international companies and
rents were absorbed by the colonial exchequer. Figure 2.3 above identifies the
principie mineral exports just prior to independence: pyrites, cupreous concentrâtes,
asbestos and copper cernent, as well as other key exports. The dominance of the
sector in 1957 (Figure 2.3) is underlined by the proportion of exports it assumed.
Mining in Cyprus was a typical enclave activity, with weak forward and backward
linkages, creating few positive externalities. Due to very low wages and the
location of most mining activity (in the north west, away from major population
centres), mineral extraction also had a low multiplier effect.
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