The mine was rediscovered by the current owners while renovating their residential property.
It remains one of the few mines in the region that functions as a preserved family-run heritage site.
The internal temperature remains constant throughout the year, significantly cooler than the exterior surface.
Mina Du Veloso is an authentic 18th-century gold mine located in Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, reflecting the colonial-era mining history of Brazil. The site features an underground tour through preserved galleries where visitors can observe original rock formations and traces of gold exploration. It is a family-owned operation that emphasizes the historical labor conditions and techniques used during the gold cycle. The mine maintains its original architecture, providing insight into the narrow, damp tunnels typical of historical extraction efforts. It serves as a historical site rather than a commercial active mine, focusing on educational tourism. The location is situated in the São Cristóvão neighborhood, away from the dense tourist core of the city center.
The entrance tunnel opening, which provides a dramatic contrast between the daylight and the dark, mineral-veined mine shaft.
Wear closed-toe, non-slip footwear as tunnel floors can be slippery and uneven.
Bring a light jacket, as the subterranean temperature is noticeably colder than the outside air.
People with claustrophobia or limited mobility should be aware that the tunnels are narrow and involve uneven terrain.
Do not attempt to wear sandals or open-toe shoes, which are unsafe for navigating the rugged mine floor.
Closed on Mondays.
Avoid touching the walls or ceiling to prevent damage to the geological structures and mineral deposits.
