Ministry of Energy and Mines Resolution 49/2026

Resolution 49 authorises a full temporary closure of the Castellanos-Santa Lucía exploitation and processing concession rather than cancelling it. The Ministry of Energy and Mines issued the order after concessionaire Minera del Caribe requested a four-month halt. The closure lasts through 30 January 2027, with the concession preserved for possible operation afterwards.

Minera del Caribe attributed its request to external technical and economic causes involving logistics, exports and Cuba's energy deficit. The resolution records the company's explanation without adopting it as an Independent ministry finding. During the halt, Minera del Caribe must follow its closure work programme and comply with Cuba's Mining Law, mining regulations and continuing concession terms. Those duties also apply after the closure unless a term conflicts with Resolution 49.