The existing reserves of oxidized nickel ores in the Republic of Cuba consist of limonite (ferruginous) and serpentinite (magnesian) fractions, with serpentinite accounting for approximately one third of the reserves. The technological process of processing serpentinite ores at the Pedro Soto Alba plant and the difference in geodetic altitude between the plant and the deposit make it more advantageous to use gravity hydraulic transport of the enriched mineral to the metallurgical plant as the most environmentally friendly type of transportation of enrichment products and, moreover, does not require energy supply. However, the composition of the solid phase of the pulp creates certain difficulties for its movement.

Serpentinite rocks form a broad belt that can be traced across the northern part of Holguina Province in eastern Cuba. They occur in association with nickel-bearing laterite ores.