09/02/2026
Cuba: Mineral deposits of greatest importance.
In Cuba, the mineral deposits of greatest economic and strategic importance are the following:
🪨Main mineral deposits in Cuba
1️⃣ Nickel and Cobalt (the most important)
Main area: Eastern Cuba
Moa, Nicaro and Punta Gorda (Holguín province)
Importance:
Cuba is among the world's main producers of nickel.
Cobalt is a key byproduct, highly in demand for batteries and technology.
Type of deposit: Lateritic.
2️⃣ Iron
Zones:
Sierra de los Órganos (Pinar del Río)
Sierra Maestra (east)
Use: Steel industry (although today with limited exploitation).
3️⃣ Copper
Main historic area:
El Cobre, near Santiago de Cuba.
Status: Exploited since colonial times; Today its importance is less, but it is still relevant on a historical and geological level.
4️⃣ Chrome
Zones:
East of the country (Holguín and Guantánamo).
Use: Metallurgical and alloys industry.
5️⃣ Manganese
Zones:
Eastern Cuba, especially Santiago de Cuba and Guantánamo.
Use: Steel production.
6️⃣ Gold
Zones:
East (Holguín, Guantánamo).
Status: Small deposits; limited exploitation.
7️⃣ Oil and natural gas
Main areas:
North Western Strip (Havana, Mayabeque, Matanzas)
Marine platform of the Gulf of Mexico
Use: Energy; reduces imports.
8️⃣ Non-metallic minerals
Limestone: Very abundant (cement and construction).
Kaolin: West and center of the country.
Gypsum and salt: Various coastal regions.
📌 General importance:
Nickel-cobalt is Cuba's most strategic mineral resource.
Mining is concentrated mainly in the east of the country.
Non-metallic minerals are key for construction and national industry.
