Tempers are set to flare when anti-mining activists and Hauraki District Council representatives meet to discuss the role of exploratory mining in the Karangahake Gorge on Tuesday night.

The public meeting at the Paeroa War Memorial Hall follows Sunday's public protest at Crown Hill Bridge where more than 300 people passionately showed opposition to the mining plans.

Protesters at Crown Hill Bridge show their opposition to the Karangahake Gorge being mined.

With banners and anti-mining slogans the group listed to people speak including iwi on the mountain's significance before outlining the devastation the mountain suffers under historical mining.

Coromandel Watchdog spokesperson Ruby Powell says the nationally significant issue is gaining momentum with people from as far Auckland, Tauranga and the far reaches of the Coromandel attending yesterday's public protest.

'It was a really strong showing of support for the locals and iwi to protect the mountain [Mount Karangahake].”

Coromandel electorate candidates Catherine Delahunty from the Green Party and Labour's Korbinian Poshcl were present to listen to concerns.

National MP Scott Simpson did not return the anti-mining activists' invitation.

'I think it just shows if we want to help look after our country and environment we need to vote wisely as National just don't seem to care,” says Ruby.

She says a large contingent of Waihi residents were among the protesters, hoping to help prevent the township facing similar effects of the open cast mining of the Newmont-owned Martha Mine.

'People know the reality of this now because of what happened to Waihi.

'I think a lot of people are angry at the Hauraki District Council to go through with the resource consent without public consultation.”

Ruby expects support at tomorrow night's meeting to be equally as strong.

The meeting will see public, iwi and HDC representatives sit down for the first time since it was announced New Talisman Gold Mines has been granted resource consent to begin exploratory work.

Ruby says there is the potential for the public meeting to be explosive, as the floor will be opened up to public questions, but organisers will be attempting to keep it as civilised as possible.

'I think the people are really keen to offer the opportunity for the Hauraki District Council to say ‘Hey we messed up and will support you, the public and the district'.”

The public meeting is at the Paeroa War Memorial Hall from 6pm tomorrow.