The party obtained information showing there were 21 current mineral permits for prospecting and exploration in 42 areas protected from mining by Schedule Four of the Crown Minerals Act.
Eleven permits were issued by the National-led Government; the other ten dated back as far as 2006 and were granted by the previous Labour-led Government.
Energy and Resources Minister Gerry Brownlee in August said the Government was planning a stocktake of valuable minerals in Conservation land protected under Schedule Four of the Crown Minerals Act.
An estimated 70 percent of New Zealand's mineral wealth is in conservation land but Mr Brownlee said no pristine landscape would be mined.
Green co-leader Metiria Turei said she was dismayed by the extent of search activity already under way.
Mining was not allowed on Schedule Four land but permits could be granted for "minimum impact" exploration and prospecting activity.
Mrs Turei suggested the permits showed areas the government might allow mining in.
