Three deformation phases have been distinguished in the Sao Joao del Rei Group. D1 and D2 are related possibly to one progressive deformation with an important simple shear component. The most representative D1 structure is a well developed slaty cleavage. During D2 a crenulation cleavage and important meso and macro-folds developed. D2 folds plus stratigraphic wedging and repetition are responsible for the general map pattern of the Sao Joao del Rei Group. The last deformation phase, D3, was weaker than the former ones. D3 structures are open folds, crenulations and a less common spaced cleavage. The peak of metamorphic conditions was attained during D2 Medium greenschist facies metamorphism (biotite zone) is recorded all over the area, except for the extreme southeast, where almandine garnet has been found.