Anti-mining groups are warning a Canadian company to forget about finding gold in Northland.
Anti mining signs near Puhipuhi north of Whangarei in 2015 Photo: RNZ / Lois Williams
The Canadian miner Full Metal Minerals has announced it's bought the exploration permits for Puhipuhi near Whangarei, from Evolution Mining.
The deal is subject to approval from the Toronto Stock Exchange.
Evolution pulled out last year after extensive survey work, saying it had other priorities.
Vaughan Potter from the Ngati Hau anti-mining action group said the Australian company left because of sustained resistance from the locals.
"The Canadians will get the same response as Evolution or any other mining company coming into Ngati Hau whenua," he said.
"We're not interested in gold. We're interested in the survival of our people and I mean all of our people, not just Maori but pakeha - everyone who lives in our community."
Mr Potter said mining at Puhipuhi would risk the health of freshwater and eels because of naturally high mercury levels in the soil.
Minewatch Northland also said the Canadian miners would face strong opposition.