A Spanish YouTuber, known for his role as a "treasure hunter, adventurer, and history enthusiast," recently experienced an unforgettable adventure in Baracoa, Guantánamo. Here, he observed firsthand a local gold extraction technique that left him utterly speechless. His YouTube channel, which focuses on metal detection, archaeological exploration, and historical object recovery, brought him to eastern Cuba after hearing rumors of gold nuggets still found in the region's rivers.
Unexpectedly, he found himself partaking in an entire day of artisanal mining with locals using a completely empirical yet remarkably effective method. "I've never seen anything like this in my life!" he exclaimed in amazement in a video on his channel, documenting the experience. For over three hours, he trekked through mountains to reach the site where a group of Baracoans manually extract gold using a contraption they simply call "the cart."
The "cart" is nothing more than an inclined rocker, crafted from lightweight wood and secured with metal bars, set over a riverbed. It helps wash soil and separate heavy particles like gold from other sediments. Reminiscent of a device used to rock infants to sleep, one end of the cart has a slot near the ground where water carries away everything that isn't gold. Through cuts in logs and makeshift structures, water flows, capturing golden fragments in small crevices of the wood itself.
"I need to make one when I get back! It actually works!" he exclaims excitedly while handling the structure alongside the Cuban miners. "It's not rocket science; it's pure folk wisdom," he remarks, observing how each river shake reveals tiny golden nuggets amid the mud.
The video captures multiple moments of the Spaniard actively engaging in the day's work, filling sacks, washing soil, and even attempting to use his state-of-the-art metal detector, though he soon admits the Cuban artisanal method is more effective under these conditions. "Forget the detector... I'd rather stick with the cart," he jokes.
Amidst his enthusiasm, he reflects on the physical effort involved: "I'm freezing and exhausted, but this is incredible. Look how much gold they extract in a single wash!" At another point, he exclaims, "That's real gold, and they're getting it with wood, stones, and water! Amazing!"
The cart technique, while primitive, is part of the collective knowledge of many rural Cuban communities, particularly in places like Baracoa, where artisanal mining still thrives as a means of livelihood. In the absence of sophisticated technology or industrial investment, locals have developed their own tools adapted to the natural environment.
Throughout the video, the camaraderie between the Cubans and the foreigner is evident, as he humbly joins the work and genuinely admires his hosts' skill. "People here make a living from this, with their sweat and ingenuity," the YouTuber acknowledges. The experience concludes with the discovery of several visible nuggets and the Spaniard's vow to replicate the technique in his future explorations. "I have to try this where I live. I'm taking this idea with me forever," he concludes.
In his video, the Spanish YouTuber chose to blur the faces of the Cubans involved in artisanal mining, an activity considered illegal by the Cuban regime. Back in March, Santa Clara police dismantled an illegal mining camp located at kilometer 7 on the Maleza highway. According to the regime's spokesperson, Henry Omar Pérez, the operation led to the arrest of two individuals and the confiscation of tools and equipment used in gold and other mineral extraction, including a mill.
Also, in the same month, Cuban authorities detained eight individuals in the Jobabo municipality, Las Tunas province, for allegedly engaging in illegal gold dust extraction and trafficking. The Provincial Government of People's Power of Las Tunas reported on Facebook that the operation was carried out by investigation and internal order forces following public complaints and checks by government and Party authorities.
Understanding Cuban Artisanal Gold Mining Techniques
What is the "cart" technique used by Cuban miners?
The "cart" technique involves using an inclined rocker made of lightweight wood, secured with metal bars, to wash soil and separate heavy particles like gold from other sediments. It's placed over a riverbed and functions by allowing water to carry away non-gold materials.
Why is artisanal mining considered illegal in Cuba?
Artisanal mining is considered illegal in Cuba because it is not regulated by the government. This lack of regulation means the activity is conducted without official oversight or permission, making it subject to legal action by authorities.
How did the Spanish YouTuber react to the Cuban mining method?
The Spanish YouTuber was amazed by the effectiveness of the Cuban mining method, expressing a desire to replicate it in his own explorations. He praised the ingenuity and practicality of the technique despite its simplicity.