The Government has issued five new permits for mineral exploration in Northland.
The permits are going to De Grey Mining, Waimatenui Exploration and Tai Tokerau Minerals Ltd.
Energy Resources Minister Simon Bridges says the permits will help create jobs and lift the Northland economy.
Far North mayor Wayne Brown is a director of Tai Tokerau Minerals and has a 5% shareholding in the company.
He has said his investment demonstrates his confidence in the Far North and its mineral potential.
De Grey Mining, an Australian company, already has consent to explore the Puhipuihi area north of Whangarei for gold and silver.