Sardinia workers occupy coal mine to protest for funds

ROME – Some 100 miners are occupying a coal mine on Sardinia island to press for state funds for a clean energy project they say will provide new jobs.

Miners at the Carbosulcis mine told Sky TG24 TV on Monday that they want the government and Parliament to quickly approve funding for a project to capture and store underground carbon dioxide that otherwise would add to polluting greenhouse gases.

Local daily L'Unione Sarda says a parliamentary deputy has joined the protest, which began Sunday night 1,230 feet (373 meters) underground.

The miners say they see a future in clean energy projects.