Italians occupy mine 400 metres underground

Around 40 mine workers have occupied a coal mine on the Italian island of Sardinia, demanding investment in a 200 million euro project.

The workers at the mine belonging to Carbosulcis di Nuraxi Figus are 400 metres below the ground.

A load of coal has been dumped at the entrance of the mine, making access possible only by foot.

Sardinia, once one of Italy's most active mining areas, has seen the sector dying as companies board up shafts and move elsewhere to extract valuable minerals.

Reports said US aluminium giant Alcoa will close a smelter in Sardinia if it cannot find a buyer, leading to a loss of 500 jobs.