Nickel is a mineral of great importance for the world economy. used in various industries and in Cuba is considered the fifth largest reserve in the world, said the director of Mining of the Ministry of Energy and Mines (Minem), Juan Ruiz.
During his appearance on the Cuban television program Mesa Redonda, Ruiz explained that the country has lateritic deposits, rich in iron, and that also contain lithium and cobalt, located mainly in the eastern zone in the regions of Moa, Nicaro, Mayarí and in the province of Holguín.
Ruiz clarified that although it is estimated that nickel could run out in 17 years, the Caribbean nation has unexploited resources that could prolong their availability for more than a century. Referring to the industrial process, the director explained that it is developed in a sustainable way, contributing to the economy, respectful of the environment and with social responsibility.
Cuba has a set of laws and regulations for the exercise of mining and its relationship with the environment, he said. The country has the National Office of Natural Resources (mining authority), the Mining Law and its Regulations, the recently approved Natural Resources and Environment Law and a Mining Policy. Consequently, to do mining in Cuba, all regulations must be complied with.
When addressing the issue of the market, Ruiz said it is influenced by the geopolitical situation and at the moment there is an impact due to the supply and demand of silver ore, which forces to adapt to the times with austerity measures and restrictions to control production costs. On the other hand, the general director of Cubaniquel, Leonardo Rene Rosell, explained that nickel is the main exportable item on the Island and although it is not transversal in the economy, its contributions are so, because they contribute to the development of other sectors.
Rosell commented that metal production closed at 83.3 percent in 2024 and export sales at 68 and income to the country at 75.6 percent. These results were influenced by the fall in the prices of nickel and cobalt at an international level, as well as the three disconnections of the national electro-energy system. Regarding environmental management, Rosell highlighted the monitoring and treatment of waste, successful reforestation and water recovery projects, with a commitment to continuous improvement in the treatment of emissions and waste.
(Taken from Prensa Latina)
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