CRM Facility – Call for Proposals - Assessment of Cuban Cobalt and Nickel Reserves, Potential EU Investment
EIT RawMaterials e.V. and GmbH invites you to respond to this Request for Proposal (RfP) on consulting services for the CRM Facility Project. The CRM Facility project, initiated in October 2024 by European Commission, aims at diversifying Europe’s raw materials supplies and reduce dependencies on a single or few countries. Coordinated by EIT RawMaterials, the project aims at strengthening global partnerships and developing international projects to build sustainable and resilient CRM value chains. More information: https://crmfacility.eu.
Introduction
Cuba stands out as a major player in the global nickel and cobalt sector, holding the fifth largest nickel reserves—approximately 5.5 million tonnes. Despite this significant resource base, production has lagged behind:
For nickel, only an estimated 49,000 tonnes were produced in 2020.
For cobalt, production in 2017 reached 5,000 tonnes and remained steady at 3,800 tonnes in both 2018 and 2019.
The country is ranked third worldwide for cobalt reserves, estimated at 0.5 million tonnes, with the mineral particularly concentrated in the Moa region in eastern Cuba. Notably, cobalt is often extracted alongside nickel, as they occur together in the same rock formations.
Recognizing the potential of these reserves, Cuba has recently taken steps to attract foreign investment. In November 2025, the Vice Prime Minister for trade announced new measures favoring foreign direct investment, signaling Cuba’s openness to expanding its economic partnerships. Furthermore, ongoing discussions between the United States and the Cuban Government may foster additional opportunities, especially as Cuba seeks to diversify its trade and investment relationships. This environment could present new avenues for EU businesses, given that the EU is currently Cuba’s largest trade and investment partner.
Therefore, gaining a comprehensive understanding of Cuba’s current reserves and production capabilities for cobalt and nickel is essential. Such insight will clarify the potential roles that the EU and its companies can play in developing these critical minerals, supporting both Cuban economic growth and Europe’s strategic resource objectives.
Assignment
Scope of work
The expert(s) shall conduct the following tasks:
Assess the current state of the Cuban Cobalt and Nickel reserves (production, financing, partners, exports).
Evaluate financing needs of identified mining projects.
Recommend potential opportunities for EU investment especially in terms of EU positioning against current and potential competitors, and how EU could play a role in the further development of Cobalt and Nickel mining.
Assess the existing legal framework and EU comparative advantages (current positioning, environmental and labour legislation).
Develop a succinct roadmap for potential EU actions under Global Gateway to pave the way for EU investment.
Desired profiles
Strong expertise in mining economics and geopolitics of Cobalt/Nickel mining value chain.
Proven experience with writing skills with focus on data analysis.
Relevant experience with Cuba and knowledge of the region (legal framework, environmental and labour legislation.
Familiarity with EU Global Gateway initiative will be an asset.
Fluent in English and Spanish languages.
A single expert may cover more than one profile.
Deliverables
Initial findings and structure of the report: 2 weeks after project start
Full draft report: 3 weeks after the project start
Final report (about 40 pages max, including summary): 5 weeks after the project start
PowerPoint presentation for the stakeholders
Data sheet shall also be delivered.
The full draft report shall be delivered on April 28th for EU Commission feedback, and final validated version by May 5th, 2026.
The report shall be clear and concise, evidence-based and operational, not exceeding 40 pages (plus annexes).
Key Dates
- 25 Mar. 2026: RfP published
- 27 Mar. 2026: Request for clarification deadline
- 31 Mar. 2026: Deadline for proposal submission
- 2 Apr. 2026: Notification of award
- 7 Apr. 2026: Contractual signature
Submission
You may use the template provided here as a guidance only. But the three sections must be present (Methodology, Team and Budget).
Please send the document in PDF format to Catherine Bounsaythip (email below).
Contact
For any questions r please contact:
Dr. Catherine Bounsaythip
Senior Project Manager, Critical Raw Materials
catherine.bounsaythip[at]eitrawmaterials.eu
