Fifteen individuals arrested in the Jobabo municipality of Las Tunas for illegal mining have been held incommunicado for more than a month and 20 days, with no charges filed against them. Relatives, as reported by the profile La Tijera, revealed that these miners were apprehended on July 31, 2025, at a gold mine in Jobabo. They were subsequently transferred to "Instrucción in Las Tunas and, on August 11, moved to Típico Nuevo, where they remain isolated without any official explanation regarding the accusations," the report specifies.
Among those detained is Dannier Alejandro Ballagas Tejedas, a 23-year-old from Camagüey, and Eddys Escriba Figueredo, a 49-year-old from Jobabo. "At least three of them have wives who have recently given birth, and they haven't even been allowed to register their children," the publication criticizes.
La Tijera includes statements from Ballagas Tejeda's partner, who is six months pregnant. "We are without information, not knowing what will happen. It is very difficult to go back and forth to get news. We need people to know what's going on," she pleaded.
Furthermore, relatives claim that "the brother of the Chief of Police of Jobabo, known as Vivi, operates in the mines with impunity and has not been detained, while the workers remain imprisoned." In a comment on the publication, Ballagas Tejeda's partner noted that the detainees "were working in the Jobabo mines normally, trying to improve their situation a bit."
"It's true, that's illegal, but they took them away without guiding us on what will happen to them, and they weren't caught with any material, just at the location, not even the exact spot. But what bothers us most is that it's been 1 month and 20 days with no guidance. Meanwhile, worse things happen, and nothing is done," she lamented.
She also shared her struggle, residing in Camagüey and being pregnant, saying, "I can't keep going back and forth. It's been 1 month and 20 days without seeing him. This is exasperating, which is why I support all the mothers and female relatives of those detained, and I hope we soon receive information about them because this is unbearable."
Illegal Mining Arrests: A Recurrent Issue in Jobabo
Arrests for illegal mining in Jobabo are frequent. In August, a farmer was caught on his property in the El 45 neighborhood of Jobabo while operating a "tromber," a makeshift mill used to extract gold from illegally mined earth. The incident was reported by the official profile Claridad Tunera, noting that the individual was actively milling when authorities intervened. The publication alluded to the illicit origin of the processed soil, suggesting it arrived on the farm "as if by magic."
This operation was part of broader efforts in Las Tunas to combat illegal mining, a practice causing severe environmental harm and attracting increased attention from local authorities in recent months. In March, Cuban authorities also arrested eight people in Jobabo for allegedly engaging in the illegal extraction and trafficking of gold dust. The Provincial Government of the People's Power of Las Tunas announced on Facebook that the operation was carried out by investigative and internal order forces, following prior public complaints and controls by governmental and Party authorities.
Understanding the Situation of Illegal Mining in Las Tunas
Why have the detained miners in Las Tunas not been charged?
The detained miners have been held for over a month without charges due to the lack of official communication and explanation from the authorities. This has raised concerns among their families and the community.
Who are some of the detained individuals mentioned in the report?
Two of the detained individuals are Dannier Alejandro Ballagas Tejedas, a 23-year-old from Camagüey, and Eddys Escriba Figueredo, a 49-year-old from Jobabo.
What are the environmental impacts of illegal mining in Jobabo?
Illegal mining in Jobabo causes significant environmental damage, which has prompted increased attention from local authorities to curb such activities.
What actions have authorities in Las Tunas taken against illegal mining?
Authorities in Las Tunas have conducted operations to arrest individuals involved in illegal mining, as part of efforts to address environmental concerns and uphold the law.