A Spanish YouTuber, who presents himself as a "treasure hunter, adventurer, and history promoter," had an unforgettable experience in Baracoa, Guantánamo, where he was a direct witness to a local gold extraction technique that left him speechless.
The visitor —whose YouTube channel is dedicated to metal detecting, archaeological explorations, and the rescue of historical objects—traveled to the eastern region of Cuba drawn by rumors that gold nuggets can still be found in the rivers of the area.
What I didn't expect was that I would end up participating in a full day of artisanal mining alongside locals who use a completely empirical, yet highly functional, method.
"I had never seen anything like this in my life!" he exclaimed in astonishment in the video posted on his channel, where he documents the experience. For more than three hours, he walked through the mountains until he arrived at the site where a group of locals from Baracoa works manually extracting gold, with the help of a device they simply call "the cart."
The "carrito," as it is called, is nothing more than a tilted rocking chair made of lightweight wood, held together with metal bars, positioned over a riverbed, which allows for washing the soil and separating heavy particles like gold from the rest of the sediment.
It somehow resembles an object used to put small children to sleep. At one end, the side closer to the ground, there is a slot through which water flows, taking with it everything that is not gold.
Through cuts made in logs and makeshift structures, water flows channelized, trapping the golden fragments in small cracks of the wood itself.
"I have to get one when I get back! This really works!" he exclaims excitedly while handling the structure alongside the Cuban miners.
"It's not rocket science, it's pure folk wisdom," he remarked while watching as, with each shake of the river, tiny golden nuggets appeared amidst the mud.
The video shows several moments in which the Spaniard actively participates in the day’s activities, filling sacks, washing dirt, and even attempting to use his state-of-the-art metal detector, although he soon admits that the traditional Cuban method is more effective under those conditions.
"Forget about the detector... I’d better stick with the cart," he jokes.
Amid the excitement, he also reflects on the physical effort this activity entails: “I’m freezing and exhausted, but this is amazing. Look at how much gold they get from just one wash!”
At another moment, he exclaims, "That is real gold, and they are pulling it out like that, with wood, stones, and water! Incredible!"
The cart technique, though rudimentary, is part of the collective knowledge of many rural communities in Cuba, especially in areas like Baracoa, where artisanal mining still survives as a means of livelihood.
In the absence of sophisticated technology or industrial investment, the locals have developed their own tools, adapted to the natural environment.
Throughout the video, the camaraderie between the Cubans and the foreigner is also evident, as they humbly contribute to the work and express genuine admiration for the skills of their hosts. “You can make money with this, through their sweat and ingenuity,” the YouTuber acknowledges.
The experience concludes with the discovery of several visible nuggets and the Spanish person's commitment to replicate the technique in future explorations.
"I have to try this where I live. I’m taking this idea with me forever," he concludes.
In his video, the Spanish YouTuber chose to blur the faces of the Cubans engaged in artisanal mining, an activity that the regime considers illegal in Cuba.
The police in Santa Clara dismantled an illegal mining camp last March located at kilometer 7 of the Maleza road.
According to what was reported on Facebook by the official spokesperson Henry Omar Pérez, the operation led to the arrest of two individuals and the seizure of tools and equipment used in the extraction of gold and other minerals, including a mill.
Also that same month, Cuban authorities arrested eight people in the municipality of Jobabo, province of Las Tunas, for allegedly engaging in the illegal extraction and trafficking of gold dust.
The Provincial Government of the People's Power of Las Tunas reported on Facebook that the operation was carried out by investigative forces and internal order units, following prior complaints from the population and checks conducted by government authorities and the Party.
Frequently Asked Questions about Artisanal Mining in Baracoa, Cuba
What is the "carrito" used in artisanal mining in Baracoa?
The "carrito" is an ingenious device used by artisanal miners in Baracoa, Cuba, to extract gold from rivers. It consists of an inclined rocking apparatus made of lightweight woods and metal bars, which is placed over a riverbed. This structure allows for washing the soil and separating the gold from the sediment thanks to the channeling of water that traps the golden nuggets in small crevices of the wood.
Why is the Cuban artisanal method preferred over metal detectors?
The artisanal Cuban method of gold extraction is preferred in Baracoa because, under the specific conditions of the local rivers, it proves to be more effective than modern metal detectors. This is because the "carrito" allows for a direct and efficient separation of gold from the sediment, taking advantage of the natural water flow to concentrate the golden particles.
What impact does artisanal mining have on rural communities in Cuba?
Artisanal mining has a significant impact on rural communities in Cuba, especially in areas like Baracoa. This activity is not only a source of economic livelihood for many locals but also an integral part of the collective knowledge and cultural tradition. In the absence of advanced technology or industrial investments, the inhabitants have developed clever and adaptable methods to make the most of natural resources.
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