It's nothing new for the Coromandel mining region, it has happened before in 2014, when protestors have greeted prospective foreign backers with strong anti-mining messages. Now, New Talisman, the mining permit holder is expecting to secure a Chinese backer.

A billionaire businessman Wang Wenyin who is said to be the ninth richest man in China has shown interest in the New Zealand gold mining operation of New Talisman Gold Mines.

Forbes magazine estimates, Wang Wenyino to have a net worth of US$8.3 billion and he is placed 165th on the global billionaire list.

New Talisman Gold Mines which is a small mining company said last November it visited Amer International. Amer is a key supplier of copper products and cables headed by Wang Wenyin. Last year it made US$43.6 billion in sales. The New Zealand and Australia listed company said, it has been discussing a deal with the Chinese company in taking a "potentially significant stake".

The Chinese company indicated it intends to visit New Zealand in June for further investment talks. New Talisman Gold Mines says, Amer has "significant expertise in the manufacturing and metals industry". The company said, "Both parties are working closely with one another to deliver an outcome which is beneficial to Amer and our existing shareholders."