A group opposed to mining at Puhipuhi wants the Government to talk to them after the protesters made their point by blocking State Highway 1 for two hours.
The Puhipuhi Mining Action Group yesterday held a protest against silver and gold mining, and associated mercury pollution, at the intersection off SH1 and Waiotu Block Rd from 10am to show its opposition to mining in the nearby Puhipuhi Hills.
Spokeswoman Jenny Kirk said more than 60 people turned up to protest.
A change just granted to its exploration permit conditions means De Grey Mining is likely to start drilling for silver and gold at Puhipuhi, 30km north of Whangarei, this summer. It allows the Western Australian company to meet its work programme obligations on exploration by April 2014.
The company bought the five-year permit, originally issued in 2009, from Newmont Waihi Gold a year ago.