IN WHAT has been described as a win for 'people power', mining company Gold of Ophir has bowed to increasing community pressure and withdrawn an application to explore for gold in the Monkerai Valley.
More than 751 landholders and local residents from the Upper Hunter and Karuah regions joined an online fight to oppose the company's plans to mine for gold.
With the assistance of the Environmental Defenders Office, members of the Karuah River Protection group rallied to save the what is labelled the region's precious water and farming resources, which include parts of the Karuah and Williams rivers.
"The group just gathered momentum," Karuah River Protection group spokesperson Di Johnston said.
"It is a great example of people power at work and we all feel a massive relief.
"At times it felt like a David and Goliath battle but this shows that there is hope in rural communities standing up to mining companies."
A recent community meeting saw some 90 members unanimously pass a resolution to oppose the Perth-based company's move into the Upper Hunter.
Gold of Ophir still has some 14 leases currently active throughout the New England and North West Slopes and Plains regions.
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