Anti-mining group Coromandel Watchdog is blocking Newmont mining activities in forestry and conservation land in the Kauaeranga Valley near Thames.

Protestors were joined by some residents in stopping surveyors from entering the valley on Monday before escorting them out of the area.

Protestors block surveyors from entering the Kauaerange Valley Forest. Photo: Sylvie Boutelje-Chasteau.

Coromandel Watchdog coordinator Renee Annan says they discovered Newmont was carrying out geophysical surveys with a view to mining in the valley.

'The Kauaeranga Valley is a highly valued recreational area with over 80,000 people visiting each summer, many heading up to the world famous Pinnacles.”

Residents blocked surveyors entering the forest and prevented them from carrying out ground resistivity tests.

These are used to identify potential gold deposits.

The surveyors decided to leave the valley and were escorted away by 50 people waving banners saying ‘No Mining'.

Renee says they know Newmont and other mining companies have applications or existing permits to explore a large part of the northern Coromandel.

She says part of this is Crown Minerals Act Schedule Four land – providing protection to the natural environment as Crown conservation land.

'The public needs to know the mining companies are still intent on mining Schedule Four land and despite the victory in 2010, exploration activities can't be legally stopped on this land.

'This is why we are taking non-violent direct action.

'Yesterday's peaceful protest is just the first of many unless Newmont leaves our area.

'Exploration is a huge risk because once a gold deposit is identified, particularly with the current price of gold, the mining company will continue to attempt to expand under or around the conservation estate.”