Morro Velho Mine

mine, Nova Lima, Brazil

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June 30, 2026

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The Morro Velho Mine was a significant gold mine located in Nova Lima, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Operating from 1834 to 2003, it was one of the deepest mines in the Americas, with an air-cooled shaft reaching approximately 8,500 feet (2,590 meters). For much of its operational history, the Morro Velho Mine was responsible for up to half of Brazil's annual gold production. While gold mining continues in the region, the Morro Velho Mine itself is no longer in operation. Minas Gerais is known as Brazil's "General Mines" due to its rich mineral resources.12

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Nova Lima
It is known for its Morro Velho (“Old Mountain”) Mine, which was in operation from 1834 to 2003. The mine’s air-cooled shaft, which penetrated to a depth of about 8,500 feet (2,590 metres), was one of the deepest in the Americas. The mine accounted for as much as half of…
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It is known for its Morro Velho (“Old Mountain”) Mine, which was in operation from 1834 to 2003. The mine’s air-cooled shaft, which penetrated to a depth of about 8,500 feet (2,590 metres), was one of the deepest in the Americas. The mine accounted for as much as half of…
Read More