GEOLOGY, MINERAL RESOURCES AND MINING INDUSTRY IN CUBA

The Republic of Cuba, located in the northeastern margin of Caribbean plate, is rich in mineral resources, including nickel, chromium, copper, iron and manganese, among which, nickel reserves account for about one third of the world's proved reserves, with rich oil-gas reserves as well. In 2017, Cuba ranked the world's tenth largest producer of nickel and fifth largest producer of cobalt. According to the existing regional metallogenic characteristics and mineral distribution, the southeastern provinces of Holguin, Granma and Santiago would be the most promising areas for nickel, cobalt and manganese exploration in the future. The foreland basin of northern Cuba and nearshore zones are the future breakthrough areas for oil-gas exploration and development. Having a good relation with China, Cuba is an important destination for Chinese mining companies to engage in overseas resource development. Based on the "Belt and Road" mineral information collection, comprehensive research project data and integrated analysis of relevant data, the paper summarizes the geology, mineral resources and distributions, as well as mining development status of Cuba, which provides references for Chinese investment in mineral exploration and mining development in Cuba.