On Friday, the Ministry of Energy and Mines unveiled a comprehensive set of 12 resolutions aimed at revamping Cuba's mining concession system. These measures, ranging from the expiration of existing concessions to the extension of others and the issuance of a new concession, were published in the Extraordinary Official Gazette No. 91 of 2026.
Signed by Minister Vicente de la O Levy between August 7 and September 11, the resolutions are based on the 1994 Mining Law (Law 76) and impact regions across the country, from Pinar del Río to Holguín.
Cancellation of Expired Concessions
The largest segment of these resolutions deals with the termination of concessions that have reached their expiration dates. Resolution 44/2026 ends the geological research concession for Cementos Moncada S.A. in the El Salado-I area, Santiago de Cuba, after the three-year period for evaluating bentonite clay expired.
Similarly, Resolution 48/2026 cancels the coral limestone exploitation concession in Ampliación Jaimanitas, Caimito, Artemisa, held by Empresa de Mármoles Cubanos, which had been active for 25 years since 2001.
Five additional resolutions (52, 53, 54, 55, and 56) terminate concessions in Arcilla Malcasado and Piedra El Palomar (Villa Clara), Las Delicias (Sancti Spíritus), San Antonio de Cabezas (Matanzas), and Arena Bahía Banes (Holguín). The latter was held by Inversiones Gamma S.A., which was researching marine sand for beach restoration.
In each instance, the ministry has declared these areas "open" for new mining applications and has required concessionaires to settle any outstanding tax and environmental debts, as well as to compensate for any damages caused.
Long-Term Concession Extensions
Conversely, three resolutions extend ongoing concessions. Resolution 43/2026 extends the research of kaolinitic clays in La Anita, La Palma, Pinar del Río, until August 26, 2028, benefiting Empresa Geominera Pinar del Río, allowing them to complete work aimed at producing supplementary cementitious material.
Resolution 51/2026 prolongs the exploitation of porphyry in Ampliación Arriete, Palmira, Cienfuegos, by 15 years—until December 24, 2041—for the Empresa de Materiales de Construcción of that province.
Additionally, Resolution 50/2026 extends the exploitation of organogenic limestone in Capellanía, Artemisa, until November 27, 2051.
New Gypsum Concession and Temporary Closure in Pinar del Río
Resolution 47/2026 grants a new 25-year concession for the exploitation and processing of gypsum to the Empresa de Materiales de Construcción de Matanzas in the Yeso Matanzas area, covering 65.59 hectares in Santa Cruz del Norte, Mayabeque. The concessionaire is obligated to pay a fee of 10 pesos per hectare annually and a 1% royalty.
Perhaps the most economically significant measure is Resolution 49/2026, which authorizes the joint venture MINERA DEL CARIBE S.A. to implement a total temporary closure for four months at the Polimetálicos Castellanos-Santa Lucía concession in Minas de Matahambre, Pinar del Río.
This resolution acknowledges that the halt is due to "external technical-economic causes related to logistics, export, and energy deficit," which have hindered the continued exploitation of the site, known for producing lead, zinc, gold, and silver.
The shutdown of this mine—one of the country's key metallic operations—will last until January 30, 2027, by which time the concessionaire is expected to have completed the necessary work and measures for reopening.
FAQs on Cuba's Mining Concession Changes
What prompted the Cuban government to restructure its mining concessions?
The Cuban government aimed to update and reorganize its mining concession system to align with current economic and regulatory needs, addressing expired concessions, granting extensions, and opening new opportunities for mining operations.
How long is the temporary closure of the Polimetálicos Castellanos-Santa Lucía concession?
The temporary closure of the Polimetálicos Castellanos-Santa Lucía concession is set to last four months, ending on January 30, 2027.
Which areas in Cuba are affected by the mining concession cancellations?
The cancellations affect various areas, including El Salado-I in Santiago de Cuba, Ampliación Jaimanitas in Artemisa, and several others across Villa Clara, Sancti Spíritus, Matanzas, and Holguín.