The metallurgical mining development in sulfurous deposits facilitates the occurrence of processes that affect the contamination of ecosystems if the correct measures are not taken. The objective of the work is to assess the incidence of heavy metal contamination in the ecosystems associated with the exploitation of these deposits, using the Santa Lucía deposit in the Minas de Matahambre municipality, Pinar del Río, Cuba as a case study. The biotic and abiotic oxidation of sulfides was identified as the fundamental cause of contamination by heavy metals in the reservoir under study. Its negative impact on the deterioration of the ecosystems associated with the exploitation of these deposits was determined and, based on the identified impacts, alternatives were developed to mitigate negative impacts, such as a responsible management proposal for decision makers.