The history of Brazil has been intertwined with the history of extractive activities since the discovery in 1500. Soon after the arrival of Portuguese explorers, the Lusitanian government encouraged several expeditions to search for gold and precious stones, especially in areas distant from the Brazilian coast. Mining was one of the major factors responsible for territorial occupation and one of the basic sectors of the national economy.

The expeditions to the interior of the country traveled all over our territory looking for valuable metals (gold, silver, copper) and precious stones (diamonds, emeralds).