The gold metallogeny in the Iron Quadrangle is complex, with gold mineralization predominately observed within three general types of deposits: - Archean-age, invariably stratabound-like, Algoma BIF hosted deposits. - “Quartz vein swarms-style”, clearly mesothermal deposits. - Early-Proterozoic, Witwatersrand type paleo-placer deposits. While the Pilar and Roça Grande deposits are examples of the Algoma BIF hosted type, Córrego Brandão is a folded and sheared deposit hosted in carbonate-quartz-chlorite schists with iron occurrences. The main geological characteristics of this group are summarized as follows: - Main host/fertile “Algoma type” BIF Units: - These units host the mineralization and are stratigraphically located at the waning stages of major volcanic cycles of the Rio da Velhas greenstone belt. They are overlain by later sedimentary rocks composed of greywackes and turbidites. - Mineralization style: - The mineralization consists of predominately “lateral” replacements/sulphidations of the iron carbonate-rich bands of the host Algoma type BIF units. The BIF hosted gold mineralization at Pilar, however, is not syngenetic in nature (in relation to the deposition of the host rock packages), rather it is clearly an epigenetic event that has occurred after the formation of the host rock units. There is a clear temporal-spatial-genetic relationship between the replacement/sulphidation of the host BIFs and the onset of a structurally controlled, district scale silicifi ........

The Caeté Gold Mine Complex has two underground mines: Pilar Gold Mine (“Pilar”) and Roça Grande Gold Mine (“RG”). On March 22, 2018, the Roça Grande mine was placed on care and maintenance.

The Pilar gold mineralization occurs in a shear zone, which dips on average 50° to 60°. The mineralization is structurally complex, with intense folding and displacements (up to one metre) associated with local faulting. Consequently, the vein can change direction, pinch, and swell over relatively short distances. Though the orebody's hanging wall and footwall contacts are visually distinguishable, an assay wall can occur within the formation. The Pilar deposit extends from 250 m to 350 m along strike and is suitable for the SLOS mining method, considering the orebody’s configuration and geotechnical characteristics.

Mining Methods
There are two mining methods in use. The current LOMP forecasts longhole mining with delayed backfill for the majority of the Mineral Reserves. Mechanical cut and fill mining is used when ore geometry does not favour longhole mining. The Pilar deposit is mined in horizons between sublevels. Each horizon is mined in retreating fashion, starting at the end of the mineralized zone, and progressing towards the central crosscuts.

Access to the stopes is provided by sublevel development driven from the ramp, with sublevel intervals of 20 m. Crosscuts near the mineralized zone centre are advanced to the hanging wall contact at ea ........

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