Protests have continued over two proposed iron mines in Tasmania’s Tarkine forest region, after approvals from the Environment Minister failed to allay concerns.

Construction will ramp up soon but already environmentalists have hit out at the risk to the native Tasmanian devil. It comes after Federal Environment Minister Mark Butler gave a second approval for an open cut iron operation at Nelson Bay River, after it was first approved and then disallowed by the Federal Court.

The ‘Save The Tarkine’ conservation group have vowed to continue their fight to highlight the plight of the endangered Tasmanian devil. Group members have this week started a vigil outside the mine site as contractors arrived to begin planning works.

The group claimed the arrival of the contractors was in contravention of permit conditions. A government spokesperson has reported the Shree Minerals' workers are being consistent with approval conditions, with only authorised vehicles being used.

Many locals are in favour in the projects set to boost the state’s economy and employment figures. Local MP Sid Sidebottom called the vigil “another stunt by a group that will not accept the umpire's decision and are peddling falsehoods.”

Pro-development groups have threatened to rally their own troops for a counter-protest, if the conservationists hinder mine works.