Fracking for shale gas will start before the end of the year at a North Yorkshire site, the firm behind plans has said.
Confirmation came as around 100 people protested outside a meeting organised by Third Energy to update residents.
It was granted planning permission for the site at Kirby Misperton, between Malton and Pickering in 2016.
The firm still requires final approval from government and protesters said they will continue to try to stop it.
John Dewar, operations manager, said: “We have developed a hydraulic fracture plan and that has gone to the Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) and the Environment Agency and we need their approval.”
After that he said the company would need the government to sign off before moving forward.
When asked directly whether the company would begin hydraulic fracturing before the end of the year, Mr Dewar replied: “Definitely”.