Plizio Visual Lab

Moa South Mining

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Industrial site

Weather…

The Moa mining district in eastern Holguín province is home to one of the world's most significant nickel and cobalt production centers. The industrial facilities, most notably the Pedro Sotto Alba plant operated as a joint venture with Canada's Sherritt International, exploit the region's vast laterite ore deposits. Another key facility is the Ernesto Che Guevara plant. Extraction is conducted through open-pit mining, and the ore is processed using a complex high-pressure acid leaching (HPAL) method to extract high-purity nickel and cobalt sulfides. These metals constitute a primary export commodity for the Cuban economy, generating substantial foreign exchange. Industrial development in Moa began in the late 1950s and saw massive expansion in the post-revolutionary era. The landscape is characterized by its distinct red soil, rich in iron oxides. Despite its economic importance, the industry faces ongoing challenges regarding environmental management and the protection of local terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

Location: Cuba
Nearby: Cayo Saetía (13 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	24	24	25	26	27	28	28	28	28	27	25	24
Rain mm	18	15	17	32	64	57	37	45	57	102	51	26

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

Moa South Mining is an extended mining zone in Holguín Province, playing a central role in ore extraction. It supports the local economy through jobs and raw material supply for processing.

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Visiting

Like most active mines, this area is generally not open to the public. Visitors can view the facilities from a safe distance along public roads or viewpoints.

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Where to view it

The area around Moa provides several elevated spots along the coastal road that give a good overview of the mining zone. From the hills inland, large parts of the facility are also visible.

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Local products

The mine mainly extracts nickel and cobalt ores, which are further processed in the region. These raw materials are often visible on trucks or in stockpiles near the extraction sites.

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Active season

Extraction continues year-round, with increased activity during the dry winter months. Shipping of ores typically occurs from March to November when the sea is calmer.

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Nearby

Combine the visit with a stop in the town of Moa, known for its beaches and proximity to Alejandro de Humboldt National Park. The region also has hiking in tropical forests.