The country has
an important range of mineral resources: nickel and cobalt are
found at the Mayari-Nicaro and the Moa-Baracoa regions; kaolin,
quartz and marble (of high quality and assortment: red, pink,
black, grey, green, white) are found on the Isle of Youth. Limestone,
marl and clay for the production of cement and other construction
materials can be found at Gibara, Siguaney and Santiago de Cuba.
Oil and gas can be found on the northern shores of Havana and
the Matanzas province. As a result of new researches, poli-metallic
mineral deposits have been discovered, which are used to produce
lead, zinc and baryta. Furthermore, gold, copper, magnesium,
iron and chrome beds have been re-evaluated. Stocks in nickel
mines ensure the production at the current processing plants
allowing new investments. During the past few years quartz exploitation
and it's subsequent sales have increased. Among the main timber-yielding
species are Pinus caribea, mahogany tree of Cuba, cedar, red
mangrove and Santa Maria tree. More than 85% of forests offer
new wood and timber-yielding trees are relatively large.
Fishing reserves
are mostly in crustaceans: shrimps and lobsters. Coral reefs
are very well preserved and have an extension of 45 000 square
km around the archipelago. Virgin islands are moderately exploited
for tourism, beautiful, clean, unpolluted beaches, and the combination
of its landscapes makes an amazing sight of the island.
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