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A Cuban resident in Moa, in the province of Holguín, reported the critical environmental situation caused by mining activity in the area.
Through the journalist Mario J. Pentón, a person expressed the desperation that the residents of that area in eastern Cuba are experiencing, describing it as “a black substance that falls from the sky and slowly makes us sick.”
“Cleaning the house, and it’s dirty again in no time. What comes from your throat is black. It’s as if we are breathing poison,” she recounted, requesting anonymity for fear of reprisals.
His testimony reflects the widespread sentiment in Moa, where citizens claim to live under a constant cloud of dust and pollution from the exploitation of nickel and cobalt.
The cause of this serious environmental pollution would be the operation of nickel and cobalt processing plants in the area, such as Pedro Soto Alba, managed by the mixed company Moa Nickel S.A., a partnership between the Cuban government and the Canadian company Sherritt.
This company and the Ernesto Che Guevara plant produce mixed nickel and cobalt sulfides. On their social media, they indicate that they do so "with high standards of safety and quality."
The nickel and cobalt are coveted metals in the international market. Mining in Moa started in the 1950s with the Nicaro Nickel Company, and since then, the nickel industry has been essential for the regime's economy.
The Moa factories were originally designed to produce up to 22,000 tons of nickel and 2,000 tons of cobalt per year. In recent years, the government has sought to increase that production to take advantage of rising prices in the global market.
However, the residents of Moa are paying the environmental and health price. Local authorities have not provided clear explanations or solutions in response to the complaints, as public frustration grows over what many are calling a silent ecocide. “They are killing us slowly”, the neighbors repeat over and over again without receiving any solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nickel Pollution in Moa, Cuba
What is the main cause of pollution in Moa?
The pollution in Moa is primarily due to the operation of nickel and cobalt processing plants in the area, such as Pedro Soto Alba, managed by the joint venture Moa Nickel S.A., a partnership between the Cuban government and the Canadian company Sherritt. These plants create a constant cloud of dust and toxic substances that impact the health of residents.
What effects does pollution have on the health of the residents of Moa?
The pollution in Moa causes respiratory problems and other health issues among the residents. Neighbors describe symptoms such as black substances coming from their throats and the sensation of breathing poison. This situation is alarming and poses a significant risk to public health in the region.
What measures has the Cuban government taken in response to pollution in Moa?
So far, local authorities have not provided clear explanations or solutions regarding the complaints of pollution. The lack of response from the government has generated frustration among the residents of Moa, who feel that their issue has been ignored. This official silence is concerning, given the evident impact on health and the environment.
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