Havana: Studies on oil and gas, exploitation of nickel laterites, prospecting of mineral deposits, geological heritage, and geo-informatics in Cuba are among the issues to be addressed at the 11th International Earth Sciences Convention, Geosciences 2025, which starts in this capital on Tuesday.

According to Lao News Agency, Enrique Castellanos, director of Geology at the Energy and Mines Ministry (MINEM), stated that the main results of oil and gas research in Cuba, both on land and at sea, and the assessment of the exploitation processes in nickel laterites, being nickel one of the country’s major exportable commodities, are on discussion at the Convention.

Held every two years, the mega-convention features a group of 10 congresses running concurrently and includes foreign delegates to discuss the potential for using technical minerals in agriculture and other branches of industry in which these compounds can be utilized.

Castellanos emphasized that the event, active until April 11, presents specific issues about geology, mineralogy, geochemistry, petrology, tectonics, and prospecting mineral deposits, with a focus on how to find and assess existing ones. Additionally, the geological heritage of Cuba is a key topic, with progress highlighted through the declaration of geosites and geoparks in the country.

Under the theme ‘Geosciences at the Service of Society and Development,’ the academic program includes excursions to Cuban geological sites, workshops, and symposiums on topics such as 3D applications, artificial intelligence (AI), critical minerals for energy transition, and environmental impacts of mining.

Sponsored by the Geological Society of Cuba, Geosciences 2025 is being held at the Conference Center in Havana.