The Cuban Nickel Industry Between Extractivism and Descarbonization: A Sector with Great Challenges

The exploitation of mineral resources occupies a significant role in the current debate on sustainable development for any country. In underdeveloped countries such as Cuba, the extraction and export of nickel is one of the activities that has played an important role in the national economy. Introduction: From 1990 onwards, this sector underwent a restructuring process that marked a starting point for its resizing. A joint venture was created with Sherritt International and one of the production plants was integrated into the global mining value chains. Nevertheless, an extractivist model persists in this activity, characterised by the export of primary products with low added value, high environmental impact at the territorial level and the prevalence of an enclave conception that limits the articulation and productive linkage with the national market. Objective: The aim of this article is to reflect on the transition of the Cuban nickel industry towards another development model that goes beyond extractivist practices. Methodology: From a critical perspective, it analyses the theoretical debate surrounding the sustainable development of mining and extractivism. Results: It is argued that policies to overcome extractivism should prioritise three directions: the promotion of strategies that encourage Foreign Direct Investment, the articulation of the territory to these strategies and the urgent generation of productive chains as the main concluding idea. Conclusion: Overcoming extractivism is assumed to be a sustainable development strategy that integrates several dimensions; it is considered a process deliberately conceived and managed by society to compensate for the damage caused to the environment. General study area: (Social Sciences). Specific study area: (Extractivism).