Following reports of a potential gold discovery, a significant number of people have flocked to the waters of a river in Granma province in search of the precious metal, despite the activity being entirely illegal.
On Monday, Cuban dissident José Daniel Ferrer García shared a video on Facebook showing dozens of individuals of various ages gathered at the Buey del Yao River, also referred to as the Yao River or Buey River, located between Bayamo and Buey Arriba.
The footage captures numerous individuals wading in the water, with some seated and others bent over metal containers and basins, seemingly sifting through sediments from the riverbed. People are also visible along the banks, with others continuing their search in different sections of the river, which is surrounded by lush vegetation.
"The gold fever has erupted in the Yao River, or Buey del Yao River, or simply Buey River, between Bayamo and Buey Arriba, Granma, Cuba," Ferrer commented while sharing the video.
The dissident explained that the rush began after someone reportedly found gold in the area. "Someone found gold, the news spread, and look how the river turned out," he added.
The visuals depict an unusual scene with numerous participants congregating in one location, many likely driven by economic desperation and the hope of discovering even a small amount of gold to sell and ease their financial burdens.
Similar episodes have occurred in various Cuban provinces, where rumors of potential gold deposits have prompted groups of people to mobilize. However, mineral prospecting and extraction in Cuba are subject to state regulations, and engaging in mining activities without proper authorization can result in administrative and criminal penalties.
Cuban law dictates that mineral resources are state property, and exploiting them requires appropriate licenses. The Mining Law 76 governs these activities, and its Article 18 specifies that the Council of Ministers or its Executive Committee grants mining concessions, as outlined in an official agreement on gold and copper exploitation published in the Official Gazette repository.
Furthermore, the 1997 Decree 222, the Mining Law's Regulation, details the applicable procedures and obligations for concessionaires, as stated in another resolution by the Ministry of Energy and Mines available in the same repository.
Therefore, discovering potential gold particles in a river does not automatically grant individuals the right to extract or sell them independently.
Over the years, Cuban authorities have cracked down on illegal mining, especially in eastern regions of the country. In June 2021, it was reported that 115 individuals had been prosecuted for illegal gold and mineral extraction activities during 2020 and the first quarter of 2021.
These operations primarily took place in Guantánamo, Holguín, and Las Tunas, areas with remnants of former mining operations or alluvial gold deposits. Ministry of Energy and Mines officials explained that these activities could lead to fines, confiscation of tools and minerals, or criminal proceedings, depending on the specifics of each case.
They also warned of the environmental damage that clandestine mining can cause, particularly when river courses are altered, large amounts of sediment are disturbed, or when pollutants are used.
Gold fever has had other notable manifestations in Cuba. In March, residents of Santiago de Cuba began scraping the wall of a house on Ateneo Street after hearing rumors that the sand used in its construction might contain small gold particles. This incident attracted numerous hopefuls, although it was never officially confirmed that gold was present in the structure.
In October 2023, over 60 people were detained for illegal gold extraction in Ciego de Ávila during operations targeting the clandestine exploitation of mineral resources.
Understanding Cuba's Gold Mining Regulations
What legal actions can be taken against illegal gold prospecting in Cuba?
In Cuba, engaging in unauthorized mining activities can result in fines, confiscation of equipment and minerals, and even criminal charges, depending on the severity and circumstances of the infraction.
Who is responsible for granting mining concessions in Cuba?
The Council of Ministers or its Executive Committee is responsible for granting mining concessions in Cuba, as stipulated by the country's Mining Law.
What environmental impacts can illegal mining cause?
Illegal mining can lead to significant environmental damage, including the alteration of river courses, disruption of large sediment volumes, and pollution from harmful substances.
Have there been previous incidents of gold fever in Cuba?
Yes, Cuba has experienced previous episodes of gold fever, such as the incident in Santiago de Cuba where residents attempted to extract gold from a house's construction material based on rumors.