A group of Coromandel residents is preparing to take protest and court action to stop a company carrying out early stages of mining in the Karangahake Gorge near Paeroa.
New Talisman Gold Mines has been given permission by the Hauraki District Council and the Department of Conservation to start a programme that will see it removing ore from an existing mine in the gorge.
The anti-mining group Coromandel Watchdog said its lawyers are examining the council's resource consent and it could be challenged.
A member of Protect Karangahake Rebecca Dove said a number of actions are being considered to try and protect the area's natural beauty.
"I guess it might be standing in front of trucks on the road or it could be writing to MPs, writing to the Minister of Conservation. I think there's all levels of support people can offer, or opposition people can offer."
Effects considered minor
The Hauraki District Council said it did not publicly notify the community about exploratory mining in the Karangahake Gorge because the effects of the consent were seen as minor.
A council spokesperson said the project is very low-key and its effects will be minor.
He said if the company does want to mine, an extensive consent process including community input and consultation will take place.