The votes were six in favour, five against and one abstention to the construction of a gold factory in the Aradippou Industrial Area.

Residents of Larnaca organised protest on Tuesday evening against the gold processing plant. The locals are concerned about the toxic waste and gases the factory will emit into the area.

Those against the plant are worried that the chlorine gas used in the plant is dangerous and that the introduction of the gold processing lab is unnecessary and the health risks are too high.

However, despite resistance from residents over the new Aradippou venture the council voted in favour for the new gold processing plant. Khrysanera Ltd, a private company, is planning to invest around €55 million and employ around 70 people. At the same time, it is planning to offer 25 scholarships in relevant fields.

The site will have a potential to process around 100 tons of gold. Unprocessed gold which will be imported from other countries will be processed locally and then be exported again in the form of gold bars.

Source: InCyprus