The conservation group Protect Karangahake continues to put pressure on Australian mining giant Newcrest Mining by temporarily shutting down one of their drilling operations near My Karangahake.

Protect Karangahake's chairperson Duncan Shearer says the group is committed and will persist in protecting the mountain.

Conservation group Protect Karangahake protesting last weekend at the mining site. Photo: Supplied.

'We are, once again, making the trek around the mountain to voice our protest that mining operations must stop on the side of Mt Karangahake.”

"Karangahake is a precious ecological corridor, vital for a range of threatened species that need safe habitats. It is also a hugely popular visitor attraction, with people drawn to its beauty, heritage and clean waters.”

Duncan says the growing tourist industry will sustain the local community and economy much better long term than mining, which is a boom, bust and pollute industry.

"We realise that letting them sample is the start of a slippery slope, potentially leading to full scale mining and all the contamination and degradation that comes with it," says Duncan.

'At the same time that we are walking around the mountain a rally will be held in the main car park at Karangahake to inform the public what is happening to the mountain and how they too can support us.”

Last Sunday the group temporarily prevented Newcrest Mining Ltd from working on the site and Dunca says they will continue to actively oppose any mining operation in the area, by Newcrest or other mining companies.

'Although five of our members were trespassed last week we are still committed to non-violent occupation.”

Newcrest Mining Ltd is the second biggest Australian mining corporation listed on the stock market and holds exploration permits from Waihi to Paeroa, including a recently acquired permit covering Rahu Ridge.