Cuba Sustains Nickel Production Amid Challenges
Cuba is striving to maintain its nickel production despite the combined pressures of the US blockade, disruptions in the national electrical grid, and volatile international market prices. The country’s primary nickel operations are concentrated in the eastern province of Holguín, where two mining sites are active: the Ernesto Che Guevara plant, a fully Cuban venture, and the Moa Nickel S.A. joint venture with Canadian company Sherritt.
The Pedro Sotto Alba plant, a key component of the Moa Nickel joint venture, has continued production of nickel and cobalt sulfides, even amid significant challenges. Local reports have highlighted the dedication of workers who are motivated to enhance output through improved mining and metallurgical efficiency. The facility is on track to produce 32,000 tons of nickel this year, surpassing production levels of the previous two years. This performance comes despite Cuba’s aging thermoelectric plants, which have struggled to supply adequate power, and fuel shortages exacerbated by the US blockade.
Hurricane Oscar, which struck the eastern part of the island in October, further tested the resilience of the industry. However, the Comandante Pedro Sotto Alba plant remained operational, demonstrating its robustness. Sherritt International confirmed that the nickel mine in Moa and all Energas SA facilities, in which the company participates, have returned to full capacity. Energas, known for its two combined-cycle power plants in western Cuba, generates low-cost electricity from domestic natural gas and remains a symbol of efficiency.
Cuba’s potential in the global nickel market is significant, as the country holds the world’s fifth-largest nickel reserves. The Pedro Sotto Alba plant, a cornerstone of the joint venture with Sherritt, is often cited as a model of sustainability and successful international collaboration. Efforts continue to overcome technological barriers, ensuring that Cuba’s nickel industry remains a vital contributor to the national economy despite persistent material shortages and external pressures.
