Ilegal Gold Mining in Cuba Sparks Alarm Over Mercury Poisoning

What Happened

The expansion of illegal gold mining in the Las Tunas province of Cuba is raising serious public health concerns. Specialists are warning about potential neurological, kidney, and psychiatric damage linked to the use of mercury in artisanal gold extraction.

This activity is particularly prevalent in the municipality of Jobabo and nearby communities like La Guásima and Jobabito, where it has become an economic alternative for those facing financial difficulties.

Where and When

The issue has been notably affecting the municipality of Jobabo and communities such as La Guásima and Jobabito in the Las Tunas province. According to reports, toxicologist Alejandro Mestre Barroso has been attending to over 25 patients since 2024 exhibiting mercury-related ailments.

Cases described include young adults between 25 and 30 years old who have developed acute kidney failure. The problem has persisted through 2025 and 2026, with indications of the activity spreading to other areas, including El Cornito.

Why It Matters

The use of mercury in artisanal mining poses a severe threat to public health and the environment. Mercury can cause significant damage to the central nervous system, with effects that may manifest in the short or long term.

When the damage becomes chronic, some injuries are difficult to reverse. Furthermore, mercury can contaminate soil, water bodies, and enter the food chain, increasing exposure risks for nearby communities.

What Parties Say

Toxicologist Alejandro Mestre Barroso has highlighted the serious health consequences, including neurological and psychiatric disorders, and polyneuropathies. Some symptoms can initially be mistaken for other diseases, complicating diagnosis.

The report from Periódico 26 of Las Tunas details these medical findings. Cuba has been a signatory to the Minamata Convention since 2018, an international agreement aimed at reducing mercury risks, and is conducting sampling in affected areas to assess contamination levels.

What Comes Next

The toxicologist emphasized the critical importance of seeking prompt medical attention if symptoms compatible with intoxication appear, as treatments exist that can mitigate effects in certain cases.

Further sampling and monitoring of areas suspected of contamination are underway to understand the full scope of the environmental and health impact. Authorities are likely to increase efforts to curb illegal mining and manage existing contamination.