Eastern Bay environmentalists are concerned about new mining plans.

Last month a Brazilian petroleum company's plans to mine the Raukumara Basin caused outrage, particularly amongst local iwi.

The government's expected to clash with iwi groups again, about another application to prospect in the Eastern Bay.

Kwikserv Mining Ltd has applied to mine across 1600 square kilometres of East Cape land over two years.

The area stretches north from Whanarua Bay round to Waiomatatini.

The permit includes minerals that would require open-cast mining, such as lead, zinc, magnesium and gold.

Energy Minister Gerry Brownlee's expected to make a decision by the end of the year.